Abstract: A data broadcast apparatus repeatedly broadcasts broadcast data to a reception apparatus which stores the broadcast data into a memory and reproduces the broadcast data stored in the memory, according to a carousel method. An acquiring unit acquires a plurality of sets of broadcast data which each have a specified reproduction start time. A generating unit generates carousel data including the plurality of sets of broadcast data. A carousel data broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the carousel data according to the carousel method, beginning at the earliest reproduction start time of the plurality of sets of broadcast data. An instruction broadcasting unit broadcasts, for each set of broadcast data, an instruction that indicates to the reception apparatus to start reproducing the set of broadcast data at a reproduction start time specified for the set of broadcast data.

Abstract: A bidirectional digital signal transmission system includes a transmission line, and video instruments respectively connected to both ends of the transmission line. In each of the video instruments, a digitized signal is multiplexed on a time division basis and compressed in a time base, thereby generating a transmission signal constituted by repetition of a signal period and a quiescent period. The transmission signal generated by one of the video instruments is transmitted during the quiescent period of the transmission signal generated by another one of the video instruments, thereby realizing bidirectional digital signal transmission. The system further includes a repeater circuit inserted in the transmission line at an intermediate location thereof to compensate for deterioration of the signal occurring during transmission over the transmission line. The repeater circuit includes a switch device for preventing a transmission signal feedback loop from being formed in the repeater circuit.

Abstract: According to the broadcasting apparatus of the invention, a part of the broadcasting bandwidth for the preceding time periods of the specific programs CM1, CM2, and CM3 is allocated to the specific programs and the other part of the broadcasting bandwidth is allocated to the program preceding to the specific programs. That is, the program data of the specific programs are transmitted not only in the time period during which the specific program should be reproduced but also in the preceding time period using the allotted bandwidth.

Abstract: This application invention comprises a TV broadcast system, which using multiplexed and duplex, communication and verification methods, directs and controls from a central continuity studio (I), one or more remote stand alone TV transmitters (IV) to change and/or modify the content of their local broadcast material. Thus it is possible to direct the local broadcast to switch between the general broadcast program or a previously stored (at the remote site) live video. Moreover it is possible to superimpose on the video being broadcast, alphanumeric character and/or image data, which are also previously stored at the remote site (IV).

Abstract: A graphical video editing system that allows manipulation of images for input to the video encoding and decoding process. The debugging of video encoders and decoders is aided by user controlled editing of problem areas in test images, and the graphical video editing system is coupled directly to the video encoder or decoder being debugged so that the effects of the editing can be immediately observed. This system advantageously provides a speedup in the debugging process by simplifying the detection of problem areas and providing a fast method for narrowing the possible causes of image flaws. Broadly speaking, the present invention contemplates a graphical video editing system for regeneration of bitstreams. The system comprises an encoder module, a decoder module, a display editor module and a display. The encoder module is configured to receive an input image and to convert the input image into an encoded bitstream.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a TV camera relative to a patterned panel being viewed by the TV camera including the steps of:

Abstract: A Web-based video-editing system using a high-performance multimedia software library having a toolkit, the toolkit being a set of reusable, high-performance primitives and abstractions that are at an intermediate level of abstraction between C and conventional libraries. By decomposing common multimedia data types and operations into thin abstractions and primitives, programs written using the toolkit achieve performance competitive with hand-tuned C code, but which are shorter and more reusable. The toolkit programs can employ optimizations that are difficult to exploit in C and are impossible to use in conventional libraries.

Abstract: A special synchronization frame generator is used for creating simultaneous easily visible synchronization markers as part of a multi-channel image generating system. It does not rely upon any external objects or markers being simultaneously present in the field of view of several cameras in a multi-camera system, or upon a separate synchonization signal being recorded simultaneously along with the image information, or upon any post-processing of the recorded image to add synchronization markings common to the various channels of the system. The generation of synchronization frames can be applied to either multichannel video or film systems.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are disclosed for selectively inserting interactive content into a live TV or recorded broadcasting presentation and tracking the usage of the inserted content by end user viewers of the presentation. The method and apparatus enable operators to watch the live audiovisual programming feed, view and navigate product lists from e-commerce servers, control the insertion of interactive content into the audiovisual programming, monitor the content insertion status, and track the usage by client viewers of the inserted content in real time. It is especially useful for interactive e-commerce applications.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital processor to improve efficiency and flexibility in film conversion applications is described. Analog signals corresponding to film images are digitized and provided to the reconfigurable digital processor. The reconfigurable digital processor uses programmable circuit elements, such as field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors, to perform film conversion functions. The number of programmable circuit elements can be scaled in proportion to cost or desired throughput rates, thereby offering a variety of cost-efficient film conversion devices for varying needs. The reconfigurable digital processor provides one or more outputs which are formatted to produce one or more digital motion picture files in parallel. The reconfigurable digital processor can be altered using software codes at any time to perform different film conversion functions and adapt to changes in format of digital motion picture files.

Abstract: A method for creating special effects comprising capturing an image of an object or objects in motion from each of a plurality of cameras aligned in an array, assembling said images from each said camera into a series of images in a manner providing a simulation of motion from a perspective along said array with respect to said object or objects within said images when said series of images is displayed in sequence, wherein certain of said object or objects appear substantially stationary in time during the simulation of motion.

Abstract: A video communication system provided with a plurality of video communication devices connected to a network includes a circuit for selecting and displaying video data received from the above-described video communication devices and video data received from a video storage apparatus. The video storage apparatus includes a video data storage device and a means for transmitting required video data to the video communication device in case a request for reading is made from the video communication device.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing analog video data and previewing still video images of the captured analog video data without converting the analog video data into digital image data. The system takes analog video data and converts the data into raw digitized video data. The raw digitized video data is stored in a memory until the data is selected for previewing. Once selected, the raw digitized video data is reconverted into analog video data that presents a still image of the desired data. The system is also able to discard unnecessary portions of the raw digitized video data and store only necessary portions of the raw digitized video data. Preferably, the video capture, preview, and storage technique is used in video printing. When used in video printing, the raw digitized video data is converted into digital image data using a software decoding process.

Abstract: In a video broadcast or production plant including first and second video sources which provide first and second digital video signals respectively at integer related frame rates, the video sources are operated so that the first and second video signals are aligned at a reference time. Switch points for updating a router in the plant are defined by measuring lapse of time from the reference time.

Abstract: Improvements in systems and methods for replacement of a target region in successive video images transmitted via a digital data stream. In one aspect, the invention provides for replacing only those portions of the target region that are not overlaid with added graphics, such as text. In another aspect, the invention provides for personalizing the video images by selecting the object to replace the target region based on information regarding the viewer or user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a moving image displayed on a display unit. Images representative of sets of frame images forming said moving image to be processed are displayed on a display unit. The moving image includes a plurality of scene images. Each of said scene images is divided into a cut image which comprises a set of frame images, and each cut image is divided into a plurality of sub-areas. The representative frame images of said respective sub-area of the frame images are designated as representative images. Data of the representative images are linked to respective predetermined keys of an input device. In response to an operation of one of the keys, the representative image linked to the operated one of said keys is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A digital data transmission apparatus which can suitably route and transmit to a desired apparatus two types digital data, that is, digital data of a serial digital interface (SDI) format and a serial digital data interface (SDDI) format having a partially common format to the SDI format even if they are mixed, the digital data transmission apparatus having a first routing apparatus (20, 20A) having a first signal supplying means (102) for supplying the data of a first transmission packet of the SDI format; a second signal supplying means (104) for supplying data of a second transmission packet of the SDDI format having a common control data portion to that of the SDI format and having the same data length; a first input terminal receiving the data of the first transmission packet; and a second input terminal receiving the data of the second transmission packet and outputs the first input data supplied to the first input terminal from the first output terminal and outputs the second data supplied to the secon

Abstract: A chromokeying panel for use in conjunction with a chromakeying system includes a plurality of first and second location. Each of the first and the second locations has a color within the color of a color keying spectrum of the chromakeying system. In addition, each of the first and the second locations are arranged to define a coded pattern for a computation of a perspective of the chromakeying panel with respect to a camera independently in each video field produced by the camera. The coded pattern may include a plurality of straight lines that intersect to define vertices. The plurality of straight lines may be spaced apart from each other so that for a given vertex, a ratio of the distance of one of the lines extending from the given vertex to a first adjacent vertex, to the distance of another of the lines from the given vertex to a second adjacent vertex is unique.

Abstract: A non-linear editor is connected to video processing equipment through a serial digital video interface to edit high definition (HD) television video data. The non-linear editor includes a randomly accessible, computer-readable and re-writeable storage medium that stores a plurality of sequences of HD digital images representing a frame or field of HD motion video data. The non-linear editor provides a configuration control signal to identify processing to be performed on the HD video data and defines a video program to be rendered using the stored HD digital images. An input serial digital interface and an output serial digital interface in the non-linear editor provide the HD video data to be edited. A multiformat video router controls the HD video data sent between the non-linear editor and the video processing equipment. The router is video interconnected to the video processing equipment and to the serial digital interfaces of the non-linear editor.

Abstract: A non-linear editor is connected to video processing equipment through a serial digital video interface to edit high definition (HD) television video data. The non-linear editor includes a randomly accessible, computer-readable and re-writeable storage medium that stores a plurality of sequences of HD digital images representing a frame or field of HD motion video data. The non-linear editor provides a configuration control signal to identify processing to be performed on the HD video data and defines a video program to be rendered using the stored HD digital images. An input serial digital interface and an output serial digital interface in the non-linear editor provide the HD video data to be edited. A multiformat video router controls the HD video data sent between the non-linear editor and the video processing equipment. The router is video interconnected to the video processing equipment and to the serial digital interfaces of the non-linear editor.

Abstract: A system provides real-time previsualization of effects to be added to high definition (HD) video data and real-time rendering of the HD video data including the added effects. The computer based system for editing high definition television (HDTV) resolution video includes a high definition video system connected to a standard definition video system and a high definition storage system. A resizer reformats the high definition video data to standard definition resolution for real-time processing and previsualization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing broadcast operations that enables a programmer to schedule broadcast constituents, such as programs, schedules, commercials, etc. according to relative sequential orderings indicative of the sequence the constituents are played. The corresponding material which manifests select of the constituents and the media which manifests the material are also identified such that to play the broadcast, the structure is accessed to identify the sequence of play and the media to be played.

Abstract: An editing system and a video signal output system are disclosed. The inventive system comprises a server for reproducing video signals for a plurality of scenes from disk drives and for consecutively outputting these video signals through a single output port, a frame memory for storing one frame of video signals from the output port, a special effect processor for receiving both the output of the memory and the video signals from the output port, and a controller for controlling the writing and reading of data to and from the frame memory as well as the retaining operation of data in that memory. The controller controls the frame memory so that the latter will continuously supply the special effect processor with the video signal representing the last frame of a given scene for a predetermined period of time, thereby allowing the processor to output the video signal having undergone special effect processing. The video signals may be processed in units of fields instead of frames.

Abstract: A method for performing content-based temporal segmentation of video sequences, the method comprises the steps of transmitting the video sequence to a processor, identifying within the video sequence a plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments using a plurality of type-specific detectors; analyzing and refining the plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments identified in the identifying the plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments step; and outputting a list of locations within the video sequence of the identified type-specific individual temporal segments.

Abstract: A mobile can transmit and receive broadcast quality video signals while in motion. The system includes a power generator and a microwave subsystem coupled to said power generator. The microwave subsystem transmits first local microwave signals modulated with first local digital data while in motion with respect to earth and also receives first remote microwave signals modulated with first remote digital data while in motion with respect to earth. A high speed digital station receives a video signal and transforms and compresses the video signal into the first local digital data and transforms and decompresses the first remote digital data into a first decompressed remote digital data. The mobile microwave system is housed in a vehicle which has a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the first local microwave signals can pass through the upper portion.

Abstract: A shared video data storage system eliminates the need for a costly dedicated server and high performance network connection in audio/video media delivery applications. Instead of stations requesting material from a server and waiting for the data to be delivered across the network from the storage devices via the server, the storage devices are connected locally to each station. Access is arbitrated locally over a low performance (and consequently lower cost) network and access is provided directly via the storage interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically blending a plurality of image input layers include processing that begins by determining color base (e.g., color space, colorimetries and/or any defining characteristics relating to the display of a video signal and/or graphics data) of each of a plurality of image input layers. An image input layer corresponds to a window, display area and/or background of a display capable of presenting separate images at one time, wherein the separate images originate from separate video and/or graphics sources. The processing continues by determining an output color base of an output, where the output color base corresponds to the color base capabilities of the video equipment (e.g., RGB output). The processing then continues by converting, for each of the plurality of image input layers that has a different color base than the output color base, the color base to match the output color base thereby producing converting image layers.

Abstract: A non-linear editing system for home audio and video applications includes a compression/decompression engine, a high capacity storage device and a media editor that provides point and click audio and video editing functionality, including recording, playback and special effects, such as real time gamma correction, color effects, 2D effects and real time fades, using a time-line system. The media editor includes a configurable Shaped Cut, Relocate, Alpha and Mixer (SCRAM) engine to mix, shape cut and relocate portions of images. In addition, the SCRAM engine supports pixel weighting to enable drawing and movement of transparent objects for video overlay operations. The compression/decompression engine includes electronic circuitry designed to implement high speed data compression and decompression using JPEG, MPEG or wavelet techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of characterizing a coded object having a plurality of regions. A luminosity value of a first region of the coded object is compared to a luminosity value of a second region of the coded object, wherein the second region's color is known. The first region's color is then determined based on the comparison of the first and second region's luminosity values. In one aspect, the second region's color is known to be white. It is determined that the first region's color is white when the first region's luminosity value is not less than the second region's luminosity value by more than a predetermined constant k, and it is determined that the first region's color is black when the first region's luminosity value is less than the second region's luminosity value by more than a predetermined value. Various coded object configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing system is capable of displaying, storing and printing an image from either of two video inputs. When one video input is selected, a real-time video image of a subject is displayed on a monitor. When a shutter-button is pushed, a still-frame image of the subject is displayed on the monitor and stored in a memory. A print out of the stored image can be requested following confirmation of the quality and desirability of the stored image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an architecture making it possible to store and transfer still or moving video images, the said architecture comprising at least one input circuit (E1, E2, . . . , En) allowing access for data intended to make up video images, a memory area (M) making it possible to store video images, at least one video image output circuit (S1, S2, . . . , Sj) and a video bus (B) intended to provide for the transfer of information between the memory area (M), the input circuit and the output circuit, characterized in that the memory area (M) is a general-purpose memory and in that the video bus (B) has a width L greater than or equal to the width of the memory area (M).The general-purpose memory is operated in a centralized manner by a control circuit (CTRL).The invention applies to computer platforms dedicated to the transfer of Broadcast quality images or alternatively to video devices for built-up image animation.

Abstract: A corner detector capable of detecting each corner position of a predetermined area from an input signal with a simple structure. There is provided memory means (9B) for storing memorizing an input signal (keyT) and corner detection means (9C) for detecting a point where the signal level becomes the reference signal level or more at first by reading an input signal stored in the memory means sequentially in horizontal direction from an upper limit and a lower limit of a retrieval scope and in vertical direction from the left end to the right end of the retrieval scope, and detecting a point where the signal level becomes the reference signal level or more at first by reading an input signal stored in the memory means sequentially in a diagonal direction at a predetermined angle from each angle of the retrieval scope to detect from the detected points four points whose positions differ.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: The present invention intends to propose an image pickup apparatus in which a plurality of camera head units can be easily installed at places close to each other. This image pickup apparatus includes a television camera system 10, in which video result of an external device 12 can also be transmitted through a single cable 16 which connects a camera control unit 13 and a camera head unit 15.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for an image editing system that permits manipulation of compressed image formats without full decompression to the image domain. In particular, an editor manipulates discrete cosine transform ("DCT") coefficients for a dependent frame in a compressed image sequence to incorporate DCT representations of anchor frames upon which the dependent frame depends. Once converted, the frame can simply be reordered in the compressed domain without violating temporal dependencies, subject to bit rate matching. In one embodiment, an image sequence can be cut to leave remaining image frames which are then altered, so as to eliminate temporal dependencies upon eliminated frames. In another embodiment, an image sequence can be processed in the compressed domain for reverse-play. The editor provided by this disclosure permits real-time compressed domain editing applications, with reduced requirements for computational bandwidth.

Abstract: The image signal processing apparatus for a prompter is intended to improve ease in viewing an image when using clock frequencies synchronized to the sub-carriers of the four-field sequence. That is, the sub-carriers with different phases are separated from the video signal, in-phase clock signals from which phase shift in the sub-carriers is eliminated are generated by a timing signal generator circuit, and image data in all four fields are processed with the clock signals. This reduces flickering on the screen. The timing signal processing circuit may generate in-phase clock signals for odd fields and in-phase clock signals for even fields, and shift the phase between them by 180.degree. so that pixels in an oblique direction are obliquely aligned with half pixel shift between both clock signals. This is particularly effective for an oblique line.

Abstract: A commercial detection apparatus includes a frame grab thread which acquires frames from an input data stream to be analyzed by a cut detector thread and a filter thread. A commercial detection thread determines whether a commercial has occurred from data created by the cut detector thread and the filter thread stored in a memory. A factor used by the commercial detection thread is whether a black frame has occurred. The input data stream is divided into a plurality of regions and then a maximum and minimum value for a section of these regions is determined and compared to one another. If the maximum and minimum values are close enough, and the maximum value is below a threshold, then the frame is deemed to be black.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention enables scheduled broadcast elements to be represented by a material indicative of the signal and media indicative of where the signal is coming from. For each element, at least one corresponding material that represents the broadcast element and at least one corresponding media that represents the material are specified. Thus, for a particular broadcast element, the media that manifests the broadcast element based upon the material and media specified is easily determined.

Abstract: Static fade in a digital video image is detected. A difference in luminance intensity is determined for correspondingly positioned pixels in successive images. A variance in the difference is determined, and then normalized according to a mean squared value of the difference to provide a fade index J.sub.n. The fade index is compared to a fade threshold, e.g., 0.9, to determine if a fade is indicated. Optionally, a check may be made to verify that a static fade is indicated by comparing the mean squared value of the difference to a motion threshold. The technique is suitable for both frame mode and field mode video sequences. When the digital images include field mode video, where each image has first and second fields, a fade index is determined separately for each field, and an overall fade index is obtained by averaging the fade indexes from each field. A scheme for detecting static fade on a macroblock by macroblock basis is also presented.

Abstract: A system is provided for supplying globally distributed video promotional information to cable systems. The cable systems contain local promotion units that distribute the globally distributed promotional information to televisions via a dedicated television channel. The local promotion unit is used to locally insert advertisements and other local promotional information. Local insertion is accomplished during local insertion opportunities. Local insertion opportunities may be provided at varying start times and may have varying durations. Local insertions may be made using varying media types, such as video, graphics, and text.

Abstract: Detection of video shot boundaries using a Video Segmenting Hidden Markov Model to model the sequence of states of a video. The Video Segmenting Hidden Markov Model determines the state sequence based on feature values. Using Hidden Markov Model techniques allows for automatic learning and use of multiple features including motion vectors, audio differences and histogram differences, without the need for manual adjustments of these thresholds.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution of a clock signal of a new timing reference which may employ an existing NTSC distribution network present in a conventional NTSC studio. NTSC-compliant horizontal, vertical, or other composite synchronization signals are generated from an HDTV primary reference clock, and are synchronized and locked to the HDTV primary reference, for distribution over the existing NTSC distribution network. HDTV studio components receive the horizontal, vertical, or other composite synchronization signals and generate a local HDTV clock signal using a phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer. The signal generated by the phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer is synchronized and locked to the HDTV primary reference.

Abstract: A method for editing a video recording includes receiving a signal including video content and analyzing the video content of the received signal to identify visual attributes which characterize the video content. Based, at least in part, on the identified visual attributes of the video content an audio selection with which to augment the received signal is identified from a plurality of available audio selections.

Abstract: The software of the system has a hierarchical structure. In the highest hierarchical level, a GUI 103, an automation and traffic control 104 that can be designated by the user are disposed. In the next hierarchical level, an application software program 102 is disposed through an I/F or a network. The software program 102 is connected to an MTP 105a and an SMS 105b through a network or a common memory 101c. The software program 102 conceptually substitutes a device into a stream. Thus, the devices are indirectly controlled. Up to this hierarchical level, a real-time characteristic is not required. In the lower hierarchical level than a root IDC 105c, an IDC 111, an I/O 112, and various devices 113 are connected through a network 109. In this hierarchical level, attributes of the devices are considered and the real-time characteristic is assured.

Abstract: A device and method for focusing the attention of subjects of photography is disclosed. A point of interest is reflected by a reflective pane which in turn is reflected by a beam splitter, toward the subject of the photography, into an image area. Photography equipment is placed behind the beam splitter and image area. Reflection of the image at the point of interest into the image area results in focusing the attention of the photography subject to the location desired.

Abstract: In a keying system, an image of an object is gained and a plurality of the background images each of which is obtained correspondingly to a view angle of a view point in a three-dimensional space to be imaged and a view position of the view point therein are stored on a memory device. The background image from the plurality of background images stored in the memory device is selectively read according to the view angle and the view position preliminarily defined in accordance with the image of the object. A chroma-keying composition is performed between the background image and the image of the object thereby producing a composite image.

Abstract: Remote editing is carried out between video apparatuses connected via a communication network without producing deviation between transmitted audio and/or video and time code data. An editing machine 18 outputs a time code sense command to a terminal equipment 12, and the terminal equipment 12 multiplexes the time code sense command in a transmission packet and transmits the same to a terminal equipment 42 via a communication network 30. The terminal equipment 42 receives the transmission packet, demultiplexes the time code sense command, and outputs the same to a VTR apparatus 46. The VTR apparatus 46 outputs the audio and/or video data and the time code data to the terminal equipment 42 according to the control data. The terminal equipment 42 multiplexes the audio and/or video data and time code data input from the VTR apparatus 46 in the transmission packet and transmits the same to the editing system 10.

Abstract: The relay apparatus comprises the matrix switch 61 and the CPU 62 to which control data are supplied from input devices. The CPU 62 detects whether it is possible to change the state of the specified electronic device according to the control data and controls transmission of the control data to the specified electronic device according to the result of the detection. The control data comprises change control data and reference control data for requesting the state of the selected electronic device to be changed and to be referred, respectively. In other words, the CPU 62 controls the matrix switch 61 so that both the change control data and the reference control data are transmitted to the selected electronic device when it is detected to be possible to change the state of the specified electronic device with control data and only the reference control data is transmitted to the specified electronic device when it is detected to be impossible to change the state of the selected electronic device.

Abstract: A current image-sensing area of a camera is displayed as a first frame, and a potential image-sensing area obtainable by panning/tilting the camera at an image-sensing magnification is displayed as a second frame. To control panning/tilting of the camera, a display position of the second frame is changed, and in accordance with the changed display position, control data is transferred to the camera.

Abstract: An audio/video production system is implemented on a PC-based platform, preferably utilizing various forms of removable magnetic, optical, or magneto-optical storage media. Specially modified cameras or other sources provide digitally data-compressed audio and video program materials in two formats, a first format having a higher data-compression ratio and intended for use in off-line systems to develop edit decision lists, and a second format having a lower data-compression ratio and intended for use in on-line editing and to produce the final representations of the programs. Off-line editing decisions may thus be developed on a PC using removable storage media, and final representations of the programs may be produced on-line in accordance with stationary-head or rotary-head digital-tape-based formats, such as DAT, 6-mm or 8-mm tapes. In an alternative embodiment, automatic and unattended editing, or extended program playback of more than 40 hours duration of digital video, is available.