Abstract: A signal transmitting-receiving system which has a signal transmitting side system constructed by signal transmitter T1, voice processor T2 and signal receiver T3 and also has a signal receiving side system constructed by signal receiver R1, synthesis circuit R4, signal transmitter R5 and delay circuit R3. The signal transmitting-receiving system is constructed such that no processing for making a video signal coincide with a voice used in communication using voices in position on a time axis is performed.

Abstract: An audio/video production system facilitates professional quality image manipulation and editing. A program input may be translated into any of a variety of graphics or television formats, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM and HDTV, and stored as data-compressed images, using any of several commercially available methods such as Motion JPEG, MPEG, etc. While being processed, the images may be re-sized to produce a desired aspect ratio or dimensions using conventional techniques such as pixel interpolation, and signals within the video data stream optionally may be utilized to control "pan/scan" operations at a receiving video display unit, in case this unit does not have the same aspect ratio as the source signal. Other information may be utilized to. restrict playback of the program material based on predetermined regional or geographical criteria.

Abstract: An electronic video processing system comprises a store (11) for storing data defining plural video clips, and a processor (21, 27, 28, 29) for selecting from the stored video clips a plurality of clips and for selectively combining data defining the selected clips to form data defining a video story. A plurality of representative frames respectively representing selected video edits is displayable to portray a portion of the video story. Also, for each selected clip, a frame representative thereof is displayable together with a pair of smaller frames derived from the first and last frames of the clip.

Abstract: A digital video production switcher processes a plurality of video signals in a production environment. The switcher includes a control panel for receiving operator inputs and switching unit for receiving video input signals and for providing video output signals. The switcher also includes a pair of tightly coupled, independent processors synchronized to the video frame rate: a control processor and a general purpose processor. The control processor controls the "live critical" production functions. The control processor provides control signals, in response to operator inputs, that program the switching unit to provide desired video output signals in real time. The general purpose processor runs an open architecture operating system and provides control signals, in response to operator inputs, that cause the switching unit to provide desired video output signals in real time.

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 computer implemented method for editing a video frame is disclosed. The video frame comprises scan lines of a first video field interlaced with scan lines of a second video field, and the scan lines comprise a plurality of pixels, each having values representing image information. The method comprises displaying the video frame on a display screen of a computer system, the computer system having a processor and input means which are coupled to the display screen, receiving an input from the input means which indicates which of the first and second video fields of the video frame is to be edited and in response to the input, de-emphasizing the scan lines of the video field which is not to be edited.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting fade 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 having a pixel intensity value representing the intensity of that pixel. A plurality of cell intensity vectors each associated with one of the video images is generated wherein each element of the cell intensity vector is associated with one of the cells and comprises a value proportional to the average of the pixel intensity values for that cell. A fade detect is generated for a particular video image in response to the cell intensity vector for that image.

Abstract: A component system includes a selector connected to at least one audio component, at least one video component includes a teletext receiver wherein audio and video signals output by the audio and video components as well as the teletext receiver can be selected, and when an operation to switch from an already selected component to the teletext receiver is carried out, a video signal produced by the teletext receiver is selected and output with an audio signal produced by the previously selected component remaining selected and output, allowing information transmitted by a teletext to be obtained without interrupting the audio signal being output by the previously selected component.

Abstract: In a video signal transmitting apparatus which edits video data by a plurality of editing units, after the video data made in a shooting unit is stored in a video data storing unit, attendant information is added to the video data. The attendant information is subsequently extracted and used as a keyword in a database in the video data storing unit, thereby facilitating editing of the video data. Therefore, construction of a database and editing of video data can be performed easily and correctly.

Abstract: A device for processing color data (R, G, B) of a signal representing an image. The processing device has a mechanism which, for each color data item, consist of an analog/digital converter (12, 13, 14) and a buffer memory (MT1, MT2, MT3), a circuit (PT) for processing the digital data output by each buffer memory, and serializer circuits (SE1, SE2, SE3) which collect the signals output by the processing circuit (PT) and make it possible to generate signals (D1, D2, D3) intended to reproduce the image with a slow-motion effect. According to an improvement of the invention, the control unit includes a mechanism (MO, SE4) for generating a signal (I) making it possible to reproduce the image at normal speed. The device applies particularly to television studio cameras in the professional sector.

Abstract: A new DIGITAL STORAGE DEVICE FOR A TELEVISION for providing a convenient method of storing, playing back and deleting various signals from a television with a digital storage mechanism. The inventive device includes a television with a digital storage mechanism situated therein which is adapted to tag each continues storage of video and audio signals, or program, in data memory with a unique number for identification purposes.

Abstract: A camera tracking system determines the three dimensional (3D) location and orientation of the film plane of a camera providing live recording of a subject, thereby defining a 3D coordinate system of the live action scene into which animated objects or characters may be automatically mapped with proper scale and 3D visual object by a computer animation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described where the coordinates of the main objects of a video studio set are placed in a computer and special markings are projected or screened on the floor or on the studio walls in real time. This enables an actor to easily find his way around the set, and to focus his gaze on the virtual objects appearing in or disappearing from the studio. The present invention gives the actor the timings for various events taking place in the studio. The special markings are completely invisible to the camera and to the home viewers because they are only active during virtual blanks of the camera such as the vertical blanking interval or the horizontal blanking interval in an NTSC, PAL, SECAM or other video signal format.

Abstract: A studio class directory structure, for example, in a computer-readable media. The directory structure has a gateway service interface as a root directory, a devices class directory, coupled to said root directory, a servers class directory, coupled to said root directory, a studios class directory, coupled to said root directory and a software resources class directory, coupled to said root directory.

Abstract: A video processing system includes but structure, signal flow, and components to process and combine audio and video signals with improved power, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. The system includes one or more input modules to convert input video signals to a predetermined format. A router routes converted video signals to selected ones of upstream processing cards, which perform video processing such as digital video effects, frame synchronization, non-linear editing, cascading, filtering, and the like. Signals from the upstream processing cards are directed to a switcher, which selectively mixes the upstream-processed signals. A switcher preview module may be provided to intermediately view signals provided by the switcher. The switcher is also attached to a series of downstream video processing cards, which may insert logos, add overlaying, and other suitable post-mixing functions.

Abstract: A multiple access record/playback device, such as a digital disk recorder, is used for video effects, such as simultaneously providing a preview video signal and a time offset production video signal of the same video image or simultaneously providing multiple views of the same video image. An input video signal is selected from a plurality of input video signals for storing on the multiple access record/playback device. The input video signal is read out for display from the multiple access record/playback device from an identified start point at two times to provide simultaneously a preview video signal and a time offset production video signal for the same video image.

Abstract: A system of sending digital high definition television pictures and sound in a limited bandwidth using the principle of analyzing and sending changes in pictures and coded instructions rather than entire pictures. Delaying the presentation of the pictures slightly permits major picture changes and sound to be sent at a lower bit rate over a longer period of time. Non-changing areas of the pictures are sent to the receiver and remain on the screen until changes occur or refresh is desired. When TV cameras shift orientation, backgrounds of pictures or objects which do not change are shifted on the receiver with appropriate codes rather than repeating the entire picture. Fast changing portions of pictures are determined and sent more frequently than slower or non-changing ones. Sound information is acquired and compared to libraries of sound fragments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high frequency image transmission system comprising several shooting units (Ci) comprising a camera, a receiver (HFR) and a transmitter (HFE) able to transmit a video signal to a central production unit (S), and two video channels respectively allowing transmission on a first and a second predetermined carrier frequency (Fi, Fj). This system is characterized in that said central production unit comprises a control unit (UC) for transmitting a control radio signal to said shooting units to control remotely their operation and for controlling the assignment of said channels so that one of said channels transmits, on one of said carrier frequencies (F1, F2), a first video signal coming from a selected shooting unit, while the other said channel transmits, on the other said frequency, a second video signal formed by temporal multiplexing of the signals coming from the other shooting units.

Abstract: For the sake of improving the operability in edits of audio and video signals in a video editor, the video editor of the present invention is constituted in such that at least two types each of audio and video signals are inputted, and levels of the audio and the video signals inputted are controlled in response to the operations of faders. The video editor is provided with a first fader; a second fader; and a control means for controlling simultaneously a ratio of composition in two types of video signals inputted with levels of two types of audio signals inputted in response to the operation of the aforesaid first fader, and only the levels of the audio signals inputted being controlled in response to the aforesaid second fader.

Abstract: In a transmission system for bi-directionally transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals between two units, interconnected through a predetermined transmission path, if one of the plurality of signals falls into any of a transmission disabled state, a transmission not required state, a reception disabled state, and a reception not required state, at least one of a transmission operation and a reception operation for the signal in the one state is stopped or set into a stand-by state, thereby reducing electric power consumed by the transmission system. In addition, a transmission bandwidth of the transmission path is reduced by a portion associated with the signal in the one state, or an entire bandwidth for all signals except for the signal in the one state is expanded without changing the transmission bandwidth of the transmission path.

Abstract: In a video signal transmitting apparatus which edits video data by a plurality of editing units, after the video data made in a shooting unit is stored in a video data storing unit, attendant information is added in making the video data, and the attendant information is extracted to be used as a keyword in a database in the video data storing unit, thereby editing the video data. Therefore, construction of a database and editing of video data can be performed easily and correctly.

Abstract: The image signal processing apparatus for prompter provides a screen easy to view from which horizontal flickering on an image in horizontal scroll is eliminated. In a unit for displaying image data of a manuscript with interlace scanning, and horizontally scrolling the displayed manuscript in various speeds, a timing signal generator circuit generates clock signals with half a cycle shift, and a control circuit reads and processes even fields with clock signals with half a cycle shift at a scroll speed of, for example, a screen/six seconds, and reads and processes the last one of three continuous fields with the clock signals with half a cycle shift at a scroll speed of a screen/12 seconds. This enables it to continuously move pixels in the horizontal scroll.

Abstract: An electronic photography system which displays an image shot by an electronic image capturing unit. The electronic image capturing unit includes an optical path, an image pickup for converting a focused image to electronic image data, an information inputting device for adding attribute data to the image data, and a storage for storing the image data and attribute data in mutually associated relationship. The system further includes the unit for classifying the image data on the basis of the attribute data for grouping the image data into album groups, and selecting, the album group to display the image data included in the selected album.

Abstract: A video signal is supplied from a digital VTR 1 and is encoded by an MPEG encoder 8. The encoded video signal is recorded as a compressed video signal in an HDD 9. A plurality of compressed video signals are recorded in the HDD 9 and addresses of the compressed video signals are stored in a controller 6. MPEG decoders 12 and 14 decode the compressed video signals which are read out from the HDD 9. After a video signal processing apparatus 3 executes an editing process on the decoded video signals, a synthesized video signal is supplied to a digital VTR 10 through a switch 7. The synthesized video signal recorded in the digital VTR 10 is supplied to the video signal processing apparatus 3 for further processing through a switch 13 without being decoded.

Abstract: An indicator provided thereon with a crystal panel is detachably secured to a grip portion of a main body of an Electronic News Gathering camera through a support arm, and the crystal panel is positioned around an Electronic News Gathering lens. With this arrangement, a news caster can give a news comment and the like while directly watching a picture image of a broadcasting script, which is displayed by the crystal panel. In this prompter, a half mirror can be dispensed with, so that the prompter can be rendered lighter in weight and easily portable.

Abstract: Moving-picture processing apparatus and method wherein image data and special effects data are transmitted in common in a time-division manner includes receiving structure and method for receiving, in a time-division manner, (i) coded digital moving-picture data which represent a moving picture and (ii) command data for commanding image modification processing to be applied to the digital moving-picture data. Decoding structure and method is provided for decoding the coded digital moving-picture data. A processor is provided for subjecting the digital moving-picture data received by the decoding structure to the image modification processing. Image forming structure forms an image in dependence upon the digital moving-picture data processed by the processor. The digital moving-picture data and the command data are transmitted through a common transmission line. This avoids the prior art problem of performing image modification processing before the data is encoded for transmission, thus causing, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting cuts in a digital video signal made up of a series of video images is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting a plurality of the video images into a number of cells, each comprised of a number of pixels having a pixel intensity value. Then, a plurality of cell contrast vectors each associated with one of the segmented video images is generated. An element of the cell contrast vector comprises the standard deviation of the pixel intensity values for the pixels in a particular cell. A cut detect signal is generated for a video image in response to the cell contrast vector associated with that image.

Abstract: A sound pickup system with which there are associated a video aiming system and a method for the setting of the characteristic parameters of the sound pickup. The device comprises, in addition to the network of sensors, a control unit and a circuit for the setting of the characteristic parameters, a video camera, a video screen and a circuit for coupling the screen to the a circuit for setting the characteristic parameters of each of the sound reception channels in order to achieve a superimposition of images so that it is possible to control the setting of the parameters with respect to the position and size of the sound sources. A method for the setting of the characteristic parameters of the sound pickup enables the interpolation of the coefficients of digital filters linearly and in time. Application to sound pickup systems adapted to conference halls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly accessing and technically organizing nonlinear digital video clips for purposes of editing, processing or playback using directly-mapped keyboard assignments. Video clips are directly mapped to individual keys of a conventional QWERTY keyboard. A selected video clip is accessed and brought into the "source" side of the editing system via a single keystroke.

Abstract: A method and system for implanting an image onto a selected one at a time of a plurality of video frames representing a stream of action occurring within a background space, the space having fixed planar surfaces and being scanned by at least one video camera. The method also includes a step of generating a model of a selected one of the fixed surfaces, the model includes a representation of geometrical features characterizing the surface. The model also includes a step of utilizing the model to perspectively distort the image so as to provide it in generally the same perspective of the selected frame, a step of producing a background mask of the selected frame, the frame includes at lest a portion of the fixed surface, the background mask defines changeable regions of the selected frame and unchangeable regions thereof and the step of blending the perspectively distorted image into the selected portion of the changeable region, thereby implanting said image into said selected frame.

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: Hereby is achieved a remote-control system which will allow any delay time in the transmission between the controlling unit and the controlled unit. The communication protocol is retained, the actual response is subjected to the delay in the transmission system, but the pseudo-response message is generated in advanced to satisfy the needs of the controlling unit. A typical area of use for the system is professional audio and video production.

Abstract: The present invention is a prompter for TV camera allowing it to easily mount a half mirror on a manuscript display with an image memory. The apparatus comprises a support plate swingably supporting the half mirror, operating knobs for securing the half mirror at its operating position and retracted position, and a light shield for shielding the half mirror therearound when the half mirror is positioned in front of the lens assembly, and being foldable. The support plate is mounted on the display unit by mating the half hinges, or by coupling with magnets. When the half mirror is inclined by 45.degree. to its operating position, the image of manuscript is displayed on the half mirror. In retracting, the half mirror is moved to the retracted position and the light shield can be folded.

Abstract: A method and system produces a digital video with comments. The system controls play of a digital video and pauses the video in response to contemporaneous reviewer request to comment on a frame currently being played in the video. In response to user input of comments for the current or paused frame, the system displays the comments with the paused frame, stores the comments and links the comments to the current or paused frame. In response to reviewer request to continue play of the video after the pause, the system continues play of the video without the comments. The system also pauses the video when the comments are displayed during the subsequent play of the digital video.

Abstract: Digital audio/video insertion and broadcast system. The system takes audio/video source information and digitizes, compresses and stores the information. The storage is in a random access medium such as magnetic or optical disks. Playing apparatus decompresses the information and regenerates an analog signal. Patching apparatus inserts the regenerated analog signal into a broadcast or cable channel at preselectable times. Editing apparatus may be provided for editing a stored video file prior to playing.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus for a prompter of the present invention is capable of projecting a picture easy to see without a flicker of an image in the vertical direction during a vertical scrolling operation. An image data of a manuscript is displayed by interlace scanning, and the displayed manuscript is vertically scrolled at various speeds. The control circuit of the apparatus updates the uppermost horizontal line read from the image memory by one every time even field is read if the scrolling speed is 8 sec./screen. The control circuit updates the uppermost horizontal line read from the image memory when one of three consecutive even fields except a predetermined one is read if the scrolling speed is 12 sec./screen. In this manner, the uppermost horizontal line is sequentially replaced in order.

Abstract: The input and output signal converter with a simple construction selects a voluntary internal video signal out of a plurality of internal video signals generated at an image processing unit for external output in addition to outputting a normal video signal. A selection unit 8 selects a plurality of internal video signals S7 generated at the image processing unit 3 and/or a plurality of external image input signals S1. A small-sized selection unit 15, which receives a plurality of internal video signals S7, selects the voluntary internal video signal S7 for output. With this invention, the voluntary video signal S7 can be selected out of the plurality of internal video signals S7 for output with a simple construction. Thus, the invention does not need to resort to a large number of switches which would, otherwise, require that the plurality of external input video signals S1 be selected in the first selection unit 2.

Abstract: A system for distributing broadcasting material a source station transmits a material signal representing a series of broadcasting material segments, together with a segment data signal containing segment data, such as the absolute start frame number of each segment and the number of frames in each segment. Each of a number of branch stations receives the transmitted material segments and the segment data signal, records the broadcasting material segments, and then files away the broadcasting material segments, for example in a cart machine, in accordance with the received segment data. The transmission may be by way of an artificial satellite, and it is unnecessary for the transmission from the satellite to the branch stations to be synchronised with the transmission from the source station to the satellite.

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: An input/output device of audio and video signals routed between a television and auxiliary audio/video appliance includes a switching circuit for switching audio and video signals input to or output from audio jacks and video jacks provided on a user accessible part of the television, and a controller providing a control signal for controlling the switching operation of the switching circuit. The input/output device may advantageously include a light emitting element for indicating the operative state of the switching circuit. The input/output device permits selective input to or output from the television of audio and video signals via a single set of jacks provided on the front of the television while permitting the user to easily confirm the operating state of the device.

Abstract: A video signal selection circuit capable of reading automatically the connection state of a plurality of video jack ports and selecting only modes corresponding to video ports which presently have a jack connected thereto. This video signal selection circuit includes a predetermined number of video jack ports, a predetermined number of switches respectively connected to the video jack ports and turned on when a corresponding jack is connected to the video jack port, and a micro-processor which registers the fact that the jack is connected to the video jack port by checking whether the corresponding switch is turned on. The micro-processor outputs a control signal so that the selection circuit selects only those ports to which jacks are connected when a mode conversion key is actuated. A switching portion is controlled by the micro-processor's control signal and selects for output only those video signal sources corresponding to the control signals received from the micro-processor.

Abstract: A video camera/camcorder mounted transmitter for transmitting audio, video, time code and tally status signals through an omnidirectional antenna to a receiver. The receiver demodulates the signal into its original components, and uses the tally status signal to start and stop a recorder associated with a monitor receiving the transmitted image. The monitor/recorder can, at the option of the user, display and record the time code in a superimposed window on the video screen, thereby producing an accurate window dub of the video being recorded at the camera.

Abstract: An audio-visual control apparatus displays in a picture-in-picture window on a CRT an image corresponding to video signals outputted from one of a plurality of VTRs, making it possible to easily confirm the connection of appliances controlled by a control section, namely appliances connected to a TV set.

Abstract: An electronic discussion group includes interaction with closed captioning from a media program, in substantially real time. Video clips from the program may also be displayed on users'computer terminals.

Abstract: A video display system that includes a housing has arranged thereon a plurality of video input terminals for receiving a plurality of video signals having different scanning frequencies. An expansion/compression processing circuit replaceably mounted on the housing receives and expands/compresses the plurality of video signals and produces at least one video signal expanded/compressed in synchronism with a sync signal selected by a sync switching circuit. At least one of the video signals is synthesized with another video signal, and the synthesized video signal is produced by a video signal synthesis circuit. A video signal from the video signal synthesis circuit is used to generate a video display signal in synchronism with the sync signal. This video display signal is applied to a display. At least one such video display system, an AV controller, a central control console and a lecture table are combined to realize a screen display system.

Abstract: A real time visual communication system capable of improving a correspondence between a received video signal and a received audio signal in real time and improving reality. An AV signal is separated into a video signal and an audio signal, and the output state of the video or audio signal is controlled by the characteristics of the audio or video signal. For example, the sound field, reverberation, and the like are controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the video signal. A suitable image pickup unit is selected in accordance with the characteristics of the audio signal to make the sights of conversation participants coincide with each other. It is possible to reproduce sounds of audio signals well matching video signals and to provide visual communication having good reality because of the combination of matched audio and video signals.

Abstract: An audio/video production system facilitates professional quality image manipulation and editing using an enhanced general-purpose hardware. A program input may be translated into any of a variety of graphics or television formats, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM and HDTV, and stored as data-compressed images, using any of several commercially available methods such as Motion JPEG, MPEG, etc. While being processed, the images may be re-sized to produce a desired aspect ratio or dimensions using conventional techniques such as pixel interpolation. Frame rate conversion to and from conventional formats is performed by using the techniques employed for film-to-NTSC and film-to-PAL transfers, or by inter-frame interpolation, all well known in the art. By judicious selection of the optimal digitizing parameters, the system allows a user to establish an inter-related family of aspect ratios, resolutions, and frame rates, yet remain compatible with currently available and planned graphics and television formats.

Abstract: A system for encoding, storing, and displaying captions includes a modem for transmitting a signal including one or more closed captions generated in real time, a videotape player for playing a videotape of a television program including both a video signal and a time code signal corresponding to a time position of the video tape, an encoder for receiving the video signal and a caption input and integrating the video signal and the caption input into one integrated signal for transmission, and a computer that receives captions from the modem and a time code output from the video tape player. The computer transmits the received captions to an encoder and simultaneously generates data records storing the received captions with a time code stamp corresponding to the time code signal input when the caption was received.

Abstract: A system and method which mixes images, such as an advertisement, with a video stream of action occurring within a relatively unchanging space, such as a playing field, is disclosed. The system utilizes a model of the background space to change the video stream so as to include the image at some location within the background space. It includes a video frame grabber and an image implantation system. The frame grabber grabs a single frame of the video signal at one time. The image implantation system typically implants the grabbed image into the frame onto a predefined portion of a preselected one of the surfaces of the background space if the portion is shown in the frame. To determine the location of the portion to have implantation, the image implantation system includes a unit for receiving a) a flat model of the fixed surfaces and b) an image mask indicating the portion of the flat model onto which the image is to be mixed.

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.