Abstract: A system and method for mitigating Analog to Digital (A/D) clipping is disclosed. The mean and variance of analog input data are tracked and the bits of A/D are dynamically reassigned to keep the input signal within their range. The quantization levels of A/D are dynamically re-mapped to avoid changes in sensitivity of sensor system. The method is based on random walk statistic and keeps the sensitivity of the sensor system constant. Also the system and method provides a way to mitigate A/D clipping that avoids changing the sensitivity by dynamically re-mapping the quantization levels of the A/D, keeping the sensitivity of the system constant.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can generate a map. The map can be a hybrid between an orthographic projection map and street-side images, thus including useful aspects from both types of representations. For example, an orthographic projection map is very effective at presenting global relationships among the features of the map but not effective at presenting local detail. In contrast, street -side images show excellent detail but do not convey the global information of an orthographic projection map. The hybrid map can thus provide a richer set of information than conventional maps and can also display objects/features of the hybrid map in multiple perspectives simultaneously on a single representation that is printable.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can generate a map. The map can be a hybrid between an orthographic projection map and street-side images, thus including useful aspects from both types of representations. For example, an orthographic projection map is very effective at presenting global relationships among the features of the map, but not effective at presenting local detail. In contrast, street-side images show excellent detail, but do not convey the global information of an orthographic projection map. The hybrid map can thus provide a richer set of information than conventional maps, and can also display objects/features of the hybrid map in multiple perspectives simultaneously on a single representation that is printable.

Abstract: A video mixer is employed to form a transition between two video compositions, for example a fade or a wipe. A video storage device is 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: Disclosed is a device and method for realizing transparency. When a user requests a transparent function, a specific background color that is selected to be transparent by the user is identified in an OSD transparent mode and an image with YUV image data inserted instead of the OSD background color data is displayed upon receipt of the OSD background color data. In a YUV transparent mode, a specific background color that is selected to be transparent by the user is identified and an image with OSD image data inserted instead of the YUV background color data is displayed upon receipt of the YUV background color data.

Abstract: Creating a transition between a first sequence of video frames and a second sequence of video frames. The method includes storing a table of values that express a non-linear response to certain levels of light, generating a transition between the sequences, and adjusting the intensity at which material of the first sequence is displayed relative to the intensity at which material of the second sequence is displayed within the transition, based on the values stored in the step of storing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image compositing apparatus capable of producing a natural composite image, with a simple structure and a less occupying space. The present invention also provides a method for compositing an image by providing shadow-free conditions in a limited space for chroma-keying so that a subject image and a desired background image are naturally integrated as one image.

Abstract: Creating a transition between a first sequence of video frames and a second sequence of video frames. The method includes storing a table of values that express a non-linear response to certain levels of light, generating a transition between the sequences, and adjusting the intensity at which material of the first sequence is displayed relative to the intensity at which material of the second sequence is displayed within the transition, based on the values stored in the step of storing.

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: A signal generator for use in a wipe generator comprises a first ramp generator which produces a video ramp signal R1 for each pixel of a predetermined set of pixels h where h=0 to n of each of a predetermined set of video lines v where v=0 to m, of a picture, wherein R1=A1h+B1v+C1 where A1, B1, and C1 are coefficients each having a magnitude equal to or greater than zero, and a second ramp generator which produces a video ramp signal R2 for each pixel of a predetermined set of pixels h where h=0 to n of each of a predetermined set of video lines v where v=0 to m of the picture, wherein R2=A2h+B2v+C2 where A2, B2, and C2 are coefficients each having a magnitude equal to or greater than zero. A2 and B2 are varied in accordance with the change in an angle of rotation, and the first and second ramps are combined by non-additively mixing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for realizing transparency. When a user requests a transparent function, a specific background color that is selected to be transparent by the user is identified in an OSD transparent mode and an image with YUV image data inserted instead of the OSD background color data is displayed upon receipt of the OSD background color data. In a YUV transparent mode, a specific background color that is selected to be transparent by the user is identified and an image with OSD image data inserted instead of the YUV background color data is displayed upon receipt of the YUV background color data.

Abstract: A wipe pattern comprises a series of horizontal rows, R0-R4. As the wipe proceeds first video Y in a row is replaced by second video X. The wipe proceeds from row to row. The wipe may progress from left to right from the top row to the bottom or from right to left from the bottom row to the top. An alternative wipe pattern comprises vertical rows. In another alternative, the wipe in one row begins before the wipe of the preceding row ends.

Abstract: To provide a special-effect-waveform generator capable of corresponding to signal formats of various television systems such as SDTV, EDTV-2, and HDTV.

Abstract: To enable interlacing edge-generating means to be used for a progressive image signal that is separated into lines as two sequences of signals, the present invention comprises a pre-edge processing circuit (11) that executes appropriate pre-edge processing on the progressive image signal separated into lines depending on the condition of each of the two signals, and an edge generating circuit (18, 19) that executes on the two signals after pre-edge processing pre-edge generation processing similar to that for interlacing.

Abstract: Combining first and second video streams into a combined output video stream by using a gradient table listing gradient values for pixels in a video frame to address a look up table of key values, and combining pixel values of the first and second video streams based upon respective key values read from the look up table.

Abstract: An image processing unit is provided to solve the problem of an aliasing usually occurred when a foreground image and a background image are synthesized by using a key signal; this image processing unit comprises: an image filter circuit that applies to the foreground image an anti-aliasing processing to make obscure an aliasing that displays a slant graphic border in a stepped indentation due to an insufficiency of the number of pixels; a key filter circuit that applies the anti-aliasing processing to the key signal; and a pixel detection circuit that detects a pixel having a possibility to generate a color mixture by an operation of the image filter circuit from the key signal and a size of the image filter circuit. In this construction, the image filter circuit applies an anti-aliasing processing using only the pixel that constitutes the foreground image and does not contain a background color to the pixel having a possibility to generate the color mixture that the pixel detection circuit detects.

Abstract: An improved video window control apparatus and a method thereof which are capable of generating a plurality of video windows on a television or a computer monitor, controlling the size and position thereof, and providing a video window overlap function and a picture-in-picture function.

Abstract: A wipe pattern generating apparatus includes a first memory for storing polar coordinate data of the contour of a wipe pattern, a polar coordinate data forming unit for forming polar coordinate data indicating the position of the pixels on a display screen of a display unit, and a comparator for comparing distance data of the contour of the wipe pattern read out from the first memory on the basis of angle data outputted from the polar coordinate data forming unit and distance data outputted from the polar coordinate data forming unit, for forming switching data. The apparatus also includes a second memory for storing polar coordinate data of a portion of the wipe pattern contour within the range of 0.degree. to 360.degree..

Abstract: A method and system for detecting dissolve transitions in a digital video signal made up of a series of video images is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the invention, a plurality of the video images are segmented into a number of cells wherein each cell comprises a number of pixels each having a pixel intensity value representing the intensity of the pixel. A plurality of cell contrast vectors each associated with one of the segmented video images is generated. Each element of the cell contrast vector is associated with one of the cells and comprises the standard deviation of the pixel intensity values for the pixels in that cell. A dissolve is detected for a video image in response to the cell contrast vector for that image.

Abstract: A key signal processing apparatus for video signal processing including a signal delay circuit for successively delaying by 1 clock units a key input signal, used for applying a special effect to a video signal, and outputting the delayed key signal; a signal selection circuit for receiving the key input signal and a plurality of delayed key signals output from the signal delay circuit and selecting based on a selection control signal two pairs of signals in predetermined relationships of delay; a first signal interpolation circuit for performing signal interpolation on the first pair output from the signal selection circuit using a first coefficient; a second signal interpolation circuit for performing signal interpolation on the second pair output from the signal selection circuit using a second coefficient; and a signal synthesization circuit for combining a signal from the output of the first signal interpolation circuit and the output of the second signal interpolation circuit and outputting it as a key

Abstract: A graphics display subsystem providing internally timed time-varying properties of display attributes is provided. The graphics display subsystem comprises a display device for displaying consecutive image frames of pixels having a variable display property, and a circuit for transferring image frames to the display device. One or more pixels are selected when a display attribute associated with the one or more pixels is set in an attribute table. The circuit varies, during a selected time interval, the display property of the selected pixels being displayed on the display device. In preferred embodiments, the variable display property is either a stereo image display, an image brightness control, or an image-blending control.

Abstract: A video mixing apparatus for mixing a first video signal and a second video signal in accordance with a first key signal and a second key signal. The video mixing apparatus includes a key signal mixer for receiving the first and second key signals and generating and outputting a third key signal and a fourth key signal, wherein a level K.sub.1 of the first key signal, a level K.sub.2 of the second key signal, a level K.sub.p of the third key signal, and a level K.sub.m of the fourth key signal satisfy the relationships:K.sub.p =K.sub.2 -K.sub.1 K.sub.2,andK.sub.m =K.sub.1 +K.sub.2 -K.sub.1 K.sub.2 ;a key signal division section for receiving the third and fourth key signals and generating and outputting a fifth key signal, wherein a level K.sub.g of the fifth key signal satisfies the relationship:K.sub.g =K.sub.p /K.sub.

Abstract: A key signal processing apparatus for video signal processing including a signal delay circuit for successively delaying by 1 clock units a key input signal, used for applying a special effect to a video signal, and outputting the delayed key signal; a signal selection circuit for receiving the key input signal and a plurality of delayed key signals output from the signal delay circuit and selecting based on a selection control signal two pairs of signals in predetermined relationships of delay; a first signal interpolation circuit for performing signal interpolation on the first pair output from the signal selection circuit using a first coefficient; a second signal interpolation circuit for performing signal interpolation on the second pair output from the signal selection circuit using a second coefficient; and a signal synthesization circuit for combining a signal from the output of the first signal interpolation circuit and the output of the second signal interpolation circuit and outputting it as a key

Abstract: Creating a transition between a first sequence of video frames and a second sequence of video frames. The method includes storing a table of values that express a non-linear response to certain levels of light, generating a transition between the sequences, and adjusting the intensity at which material of the first sequence is displayed relative to the intensity at which material of the second sequence is displayed within the transition, based on the values stored in the step of storing.

Abstract: A key signal processing apparatus for video signal processing including a signal delay circuit for successively delaying by 1 clock units a key input signal, used for applying a special effect to a video signal, and outputting the delayed key signal; a signal selection circuit for receiving the key input signal and a plurality of delayed key signals output from the signal delay circuit and selecting based on a selection control signal two pairs of signals in predetermined relationships of delay; a first signal interpolation circuit for performing signal interpolation on the first pair output from the signal selection circuit using a first coefficient; a second signal interpolation circuit for performing signal interpolation on the second pair output from the signal selection circuit using a second coefficient; and a signal synthesization circuit for combining a signal from the output of the first signal interpolation circuit and the output of the second signal interpolation circuit and outputting it as a key

Abstract: Method and apparatus for editing transitions between sequences of video frames, generally including simultaneously displaying the frames in the first and second sequences that are at the beginning of the transition, and the frames in the first and second sequences that are at the end of the transition. The position of two of the four frames may be altered in their respective sequence to redefine the transition in response to a move command. Move commands may include center positioning commands, beginning commands, and end commands. The rate of change within the transition may also correspond to a predefined film characteristic.

Abstract: Creating a transition between a first sequence of video frames and a second sequence of video frames. The method includes storing a table of values that express a non-linear response to certain levels of light, generating a transition between the sequences, and adjusting the intensity at which material of the first sequence is displayed relative to the intensity at which material of the second sequence is displayed within the transition, based on the values stored in the step of storing.

Abstract: Digital signal processing apparatus in which compressed frequency components of a digital signal are processed to selectively achieve fade-in, fade-out and scene change effects and where the digital signal is scrambled (and subsequently descrambled) in whole or in by part scrambling (or descrambling) selected compressed frequency components of the digital signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for editing transitions between sequences of video frames, generally including simultaneously displaying the frames in the first and second sequences that are at the beginning of the transition, and the frames in the first and second sequences that are at the end of the transition. The position of two of the four frames may be altered in their respective sequence to redefine the transition in response to a move command. Move commands may include center positioning commands, beginning commands, and end commands. The rate of change within the transition may also correspond to a predefined film characteristic.

Abstract: An image processing system operates on first and second image data (V and Bg) to produce data defining a combined image. The first image data (V) represents a keyed image comprising a first object (F) keyed over a portion of a first background (B) in accordance with keying data (K). The second image data (Bg) represents a background. The system is arranged so that the second image data (Bg) is weighted by respective control data (.alpha.) related to said keying data (K) before being combined with the first image data (V). In another embodiment the first image data represents a second object independently keyed over the keyed image in accordance with second keying data and the control data is further related to the second keying data. In a further embodiment the first image data represents an image derived by cross fading between the first keyed image and a second keyed image.

Abstract: An image processing system for applying a video special effect to input image data. The system comprises a memory for storing image processing data; a coefficient generator for generating coefficients on the basis of the image processing data stored in the memory; a signal processor for processing the input image data on the basis of the coefficients outputted from the coefficient generator; an external storage unit for storing plural kinds of image processing data; and a controller for controlling the memory, and the external storage unit in such a manner as to transfer a desired one of the plural kinds of image processing data to the memory.

Abstract: A video signal generating apparatus comprises a first microprocessor (10) including a memory (16) for receiving and storing in non-real time instructions for the generation of a range of video signals, such as test patterns, digital multi-effect keys or wipe patterns for a digital switcher, and a second microprocessor (14) for reading the instructions and generating a selected required video signal in real time.