Motion Picture Film Scanner Patents (Class 348/97)
  • Patent number: 7986340
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern of scan lines to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution in color. The direction of scanning of the scan lines is switched between alternate frames, and the resulting image is the superposition of successive frames integrated for viewing by the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Dmitriy Yavid, Askold Strat
  • Patent number: 7948522
    Abstract: A method for processing film images which are extracted from a recording beam path of a moving image camera and which are converted into digital assist signals by an optoelectronic transducer arranged in an assist beam path of the moving image camera is provided. Said assist beam path being interrupted periodically depending on the image recording frequency of the moving image camera, which digital assist signals are output to a processing unit with an image frequency matching the image recording frequency of the moving image camera or with an assist image frequency, to which processing unit recording, control and/or status signals of the moving image camera or of devices connected to the moving image camera are fed as metadata. The processing unit contains image conditioning functions and/or image analysis functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Arnold & Ritcher Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Klaus Jacumet
  • Publication number: 20110115901
    Abstract: A device for transferring photo and film into digital file includes an upper shell, a lower shell, a film clip, and a photo clip framework. A PCB bracket is in the upper shell, and a PCB with a camera lens and a sensor is fixed on the PCB bracket; a film clip rail is fixed in the upper shell, a pulley track is under the film clip rail, and a light box is hung under the pulley; the photo framework is in the lower shell; in the lower shell, a light board is on the photo framework. Said camera lens is a bifocal lens, of which one focus is used for picking up the film, and the other one is used for picking up the photo. According to the different imaging modes, the lens is adjusted between the two fixed focus to adapt to the working mode needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: VIGORHOOD PHOTOELECTRIC SHENZHEN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mingtong Jian
  • Patent number: 7929015
    Abstract: To be able to scan the sprocket holes of a film with improved precision by means of a film scanner, in which a correction signal is generated for compensating picture steadiness errors, it is proposed that the light source generates light in the infrared range, and that the scanning sensor(s) is (are) sensitive in the infrared range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: DFT Digital Film Technology Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Berthold Eiberger
  • Patent number: 7899270
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of correcting geometric information and providing a panoramic view. In the method of providing a panoramic view, a tilting vector (X?, Y?) is generated by applying matrices H(a,b) and HF to a source image vector (X,Y). The matrix H(a,b) is defined by distortion angles “b” towards a plane direction and a distortion angle “a” towards a depth direction of the source image, and the matrix HF is defined according to a camera parameter matrix K. Also, a two-dimensional vector (x,y) of a source image is converted into a three-dimensional vector (X,Y,W) on a retinal image plane having a unit radial distance from an origin of a ground plane. Also, a warped image width (WIW) is estimated from a width and a field of view (FOV) of the source image. A warping vector (x?,y?) is generated based on the converted vector (X,Y,W) and the WIW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keun Ho Kim, Do Kyoon Kim, Seok Yoon Jung, Hee Sae Lee, Anton Konouchine, Vladimir Vezhnevets
  • Patent number: 7898599
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to automated methods and systems for converting image streams having a first frame rate to a second frame rate without the need for user intervention. Embodiments of the present invention obviate the effects of processing of a telecine process. In one embodiment, where frames are encoded by a single video field, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent frames reveals a telecine pattern, thereby identifying which frames to remove. In another embodiment, where frames are encoded by even and odd video fields, which are interleaved to produce the frame, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent fields reveals the telecine pattern, identifies which frames to remove, and identifies frames that are candidates for re-interleaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: RealNetworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Francis Lippman
  • Patent number: 7873210
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to automatically reproduce film grain into a new image. A reference image and new image are obtained. An image of the reference image is subdivided into two or more tiles. A grain simulation tool is then used to automatically determine if an object feature exists in each of the two or more tiles. Response curves are constructed for each of the tiles that does not contain an object feature. Frames of grain are produced/generated based on the response curves and added to the new image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Peace Novosad
  • Patent number: 7859567
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern of scan lines to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution in color. The direction of scanning of the scan lines is switched between alternate frames, and the resulting image is the superposition of successive frames integrated for viewing by the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Dmitriy Yavid, Askold Strat
  • Patent number: 7792608
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a substrate loading station is served by a conveyor which continuously transports substrate carriers. A substrate carrier handler that is part of the substrate loading station operates to exchange substrate carriers with the conveyor while the conveyor is in motion. A carrier exchange procedure may include moving an end effector of the substrate carrier handler at a velocity that substantially matches a velocity of the conveyor. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Rice, Martin R. Elliott, Robert B. Lowrance, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Eric Andrew Englhardt
  • Patent number: 7791769
    Abstract: A method for providing a film image and an image display apparatus for providing the film image are provided. The method includes determining a scheme of an input image signal; if the input image signal is determined to be an interlaced image signal, converting the input image signal into a progressive image signal to generate a converted progressive image signal and converting a scanning rate the converted progressive image signal to generate an image signal having a selected scanning rate; if the input image signal is determined to be a progressive image signal, converting a scanning rate the input progressive image signal to generate the image signal having the selected scanning rate; and converting a color characteristic of the image signal having the selected scanning rate into an image signal having a color characteristic related to a selected type of a film. Accordingly, a general image can be viewed which has a similar effect to when a film image is projected on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-moon Byun, Tae-hong Jeong, Sang-jin Lee, Won-seok Ahn, Se-jin Pyo
  • Patent number: 7787010
    Abstract: A method for recording video images onto film media includes orienting a flat panel display relative to a film recording device, receiving a first frame of video data and a second frame of video data, displaying a first display image on the flat panel data, wherein the first display image is determined in response to the first frame of video data, and while displaying the fist display image on the flat panel display, exposing a portion of the film media with the film recording device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventor: David DiFrancesco
  • Patent number: 7738045
    Abstract: A film mode detector detects film mode of a series of fields of video by comparing pixels in a field adjacent the current field, with corresponding pixels directly above and directly below the pixels in an adjacent field. The number of pixels in the adjacent in time to the current field having (or not having) a value approximately between values of the pixels above and below in the current field is assessed. Film mode for a current field may be detected by monitoring the assessment from field to field. Alternatively or additionally, the detector may detect film mode by assessing for each current field, whether a relatively large or relatively small number of pixels in the immediately previous field have values outside a specified distance of values of a corresponding pixel in the immediately subsequent field, for at least a portion of the immediately previous and subsequent fields. Again, film mode may be detected by monitoring this second assessment from field to field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Doswald, Patrick Che Wa Ng
  • Patent number: 7728908
    Abstract: According to the invention, a pull-down signal detecting apparatus includes: an interfield motion detecting module configured to determine whether or not an interfield motion between a first field signal and a second field signal exists by comparing a first counted number with a first threshold; an interframe motion determining module configured to determine whether or not an interframe motion between the first field signal and a third field signal exists by comparing a second counted number with a second threshold; a determination module configured to determine whether or not the video signal is pull-down signal based on the determination result of the interfield motion determining module and the interframe motion determining module; and a threshold control module configured to vary the first threshold, when the determination result of the interframe motion determining module corresponds with a second pull-down pattern and when the determination result of the interfield motion determining module does not cor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hideaki Tokutomi
  • Patent number: 7705914
    Abstract: A pull-down signal detection circuit includes an inter-field correlation determination unit configured to determine an inter-field correlation on the basis of a current field signal and a 1-field delay signal, and providing a determination result which indicates a “strong/middle/weak” level, an inter-frame correlation determination unit configured to determine an inter-frame correlation on the basis of the current field signal and a 2-field delay signal, and a pull-down signal determination unit configured to determine whether the input video signal is a pull-down signal or not, on the basis of the determination results of the inter-field correlation determination unit and the inter-frame correlation determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Himio Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7705913
    Abstract: A method for film mode detection is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) detecting if a plurality of fields in a video signal are in a 3:2 pull-down pattern to control a plurality of first flags based on a plurality of statistics gathered from the fields, (B) detecting if the fields contain moving interlaced text to control a second flag based on both (i) the statistics and (ii) a repeat-field flag of the first flags that indicates repeating consecutive same polarity fields and (C) deciding among a plurality of inverse telecine processes to de-interlace the fields based on all of (i) a 3:2 mode flag of the first flags, (ii) a 3:2 direction flag of the first flags and (iii) the second flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Yunwei Jia, Lowell L. Winger
  • Patent number: 7697071
    Abstract: A device for detecting a display mode of a video signal having first pixels corresponding to a first field, second pixels corresponding to a second field, and third pixels corresponding to a third field, includes a pixel converter, a measurement circuit, and a decision circuit. The pixel converter converts the second pixels to generate converted pixels. The measurement circuit generates measurement values related to differences between a converted pixel, a first pixel, and a third pixel. The decision circuit determines the display mode of the video signal according to the first, second, and third measurement values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Chih Huang, Po-Wei Chao
  • Patent number: 7688388
    Abstract: An image processing method and device thereof are provided. The device includes a capture device and a processor. The capture device is adopted for receiving a plurality of frames and comparing at least two adjacent frames to obtain an area selection signal according to a differential value there-between. The processor is connected to the capture device for receiving the area selection signal and to separate each of the adjacent frames into at least two areas. Each of the areas of the adjacent frames is performed by an image processing step respectively, and then the images of the areas are combined to obtain a resulted frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Tsui-Chin Chen, Dze-Chang Wang, Hsiao-Ming Huang, Chang-Lun Chen, Ho-lin Wang, Chui-Hsun Chiu
  • Patent number: 7684895
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a wafer loading station adapted to exchange wafer carriers with a wafer carrier transport system comprises a biasing element adapted to urge the end effector of the wafer loading station away from a moveable conveyor of the wafer carrier transport system upon the occurrence of a unscheduled event such as a power failure or an emergency shutdown. In a second aspect, an uninterruptible power supply commands a controller to cause the wafer carrier handler to retract the end effector from the wafer carrier transport system upon the occurrence of the unscheduled event, and provides the power necessary for the same. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Rice, Eric A. Englhardt, Robert B. Lowrance, Martin R. Elliott, Jeffrey C. Hudgens
  • Patent number: 7671352
    Abstract: A detection apparatus for detecting perforation holes of a cinematographic film comprises at least one light source, at least one scanning sensor, which is arranged so as to receive light emitted by the light source after interaction with a perforation zone of the film, and an evaluation circuit for detecting, by means of an output signal of the scanning sensor, when an edge of a perforation hole passes through between light source and scanning sensor. The light source emits light which is polarized with a first polarization and the scanning sensor is sensitive selectively to light with a second polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: DFT Digital Film Technology Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Loew
  • Patent number: 7667880
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a look-up table which can be used to preview digital motion picture content. During operation, the system receives an analytical model for a digital motion picture workflow. Next, the system selects a set of input pixel values. The system then determines a set of output pixel values using the set of input pixel values and the analytical model. Finally, the system generates the look-up table by associating the set of input pixel values with the set of output pixel values. The analytical model comprises a number of models that capture the various stages in the digital motion picture workflow. These models can include a recorder model, a negative film model, a printer model, a positive film model, and a projector model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Adobe Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lars U. Borg
  • Patent number: 7649546
    Abstract: A media transfer device includes an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a screen, and a two-way mirror, such that, when an image is projected through the inlet opening and is reflected off of the two-way mirror onto the screen, a recorder located at the outlet opening may record the screen image as seen through the two-way mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: William B. Bellis, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7623183
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a video image on a display system comprises a decoder for converting the video image into continuous fields arranged in a first sequence, the continuous fields having a first scan rate different from a second scan rate of the display system, and sending a first signal indicating the first scan rate, a system identifier for sending a second signal indicating the second scan rate, a controller in response to the first signal and the second signal for determining interrupt points for the continuous fields, the interrupt points dividing the continuous fields into odd-numbered sections of fields and even-numbered sections of fields, a buffer for storing the continuous fields, a reorganizing unit for reorganizing one of the odd-numbered or even-numbered sections of fields into reorganized sections of fields, and a multiplexing circuit for selecting the reorganized sections of fields from the reorganizing unit, and selecting the other of the odd-numbered or even-numbered sections of field
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Rong-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7606412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating user preference data regarding the color characteristic of an image is provided where a preference image comprises an image converted to have a color characteristic that a user prefers with respect to a predetermined reference image, a preference value comprises a color characteristic value of the preference image, and a reference value comprises a color characteristic value of the reference image. The method for generating user preference data comprises (a) obtaining an image color characteristic value of a preference image and a reference image, (b) generating {preference value, reference value} which corresponds to a pair of the preference value and the reference value, and (c) generating the pair {preference value, reference value} as preference meta-data having at least one feature block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-sik Huh, Du-sik Park, Seong-deok Lee, Ki-won Yoo, Won-hee Choi, Sang-kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7605866
    Abstract: A video apparatus is provided with automatic deinterlacing and inverse telecine pre-filtering capability to automatically analyze the frames of the video to determine at least whether the video is one of telecine, non-telecine progressive and non-telecine interlaced formatted, and to automatically reformat the video into a non-telecine progressive format if the video is determined to be one of telecine and non-telecine interlaced formatted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Realnetworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Conklin
  • Patent number: 7596297
    Abstract: An encoded bit stream having a frame rate of 24 Hz or 23.976 Hz and a progressive format for both NTSC and PAL is recorded on a recording medium. An encoded stream reproduced from the recording medium is supplied to a decoder 20. In the decoder 20, the encoded stream is decoded and 24 p or 23.976 p video is obtained. A video converting portion 25 converts the reproduced video into a display video in accordance with the display format of a monitor 26. For the NTSC range, 29.97 i or 59.94 p display format can be used. For the PAL range, 25 i or 50 p display format can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Motoki Kato
  • Patent number: 7570482
    Abstract: A mobile computer structure having a rotatable screen is provided, which includes a main body, a rotating arm, and a panel. The rotating arm is pivotally disposed on the main body and is pivotally rotated between a first position and a second position. The panel has a display surface and a casing surface and is pivotally connected to the rotating arm. When the rotating arm pivotally rotates to the first position, the panel is attached to the main body with the display surface facing the main body, and when the rotating arm pivotally rotates to the second position, the panel is attached to the main body with the casing surface, thus making the display surface or the casing surface optionally face outside to achieve the purpose of protection or using.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Tien-Ming Chan
  • Publication number: 20090073262
    Abstract: A method for correcting defects in one or more frames of motion picture film, the method includes the steps of generating an image that includes an infrared channel and one or more color channels; providing an infrared unbuilding model that includes at least one non-linear component that accounts for cross-talk between the one or more color channels and the infrared channel; providing one or more parameters for the infrared unbuilding model; and applying the infrared unbuilding model parameters to the infrared unbuilding model to remove cross-talk between the one or more color channels and the infrared channel to generate an independent infrared channel that is free or substantially free of color channel content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gabriel Fielding
  • Patent number: 7479978
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for performing an inverse telecine process, and a recording medium to store a computer program for performing the inverse telecine method in a computer. The method for performing inverse telecine process includes calculating a total, for each frame of telecine images, of the absolute differences in odd and even field luminance values localized in a plurality of n×m pixel blocks that compose the frame. The calculated Frame Totals of Absolute Local Field Difference for five frames are normalizing components and outputting as a (row) vector; and the (row) vector of the normalized Frame Totals of Absolute Local Field Difference are compared to a plurality of templates to identify or reconstruct original film frames, which are recovered from the input video frames and output at a rate of N frames per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam-ik Cho, Hyung-il Koo, Jun-won Choi
  • Patent number: 7477430
    Abstract: A transparency conveying apparatus is provided with: a first rail for guiding one end of a transparency; a second rail for guiding the other end portion, which is provided parallel to the first rail with the transparency reading region placed between the first and second rails; a first belt for conveying the transparency along the first rail, which faces the first rail in a position where the one end is inserted between the first belt and the first rail; a second belt for conveying the transparency along the second rail, which faces the second rail in a position where the other end is inserted between the second belt and the second rail; a first engagement member for engaging the one end with the first belt; a second engagement member for engaging the other end with the second belt; and a drive unit for rotating the first and second belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Teruo Baba, Hisayuki Akahane, Harrick Selvan, Letchumanan Thiagarajan
  • Patent number: 7474328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for shooting an entire scene on a single large format film camera and recomposing the filmed scene into a video stream suitable for transfer to conventional formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Brunkhardt, Erik W. Courtney
  • Patent number: 7474841
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus enables smooth joint recording between 2 video coded streams without re-encoding by generating and inserting a dummy stream to maintain periodicity of phase information therebetween. A 2-3 pulldown unit 110 converts moving image data having a frame rate of 24 frames per 1 second, by periodically generating 2-field picture data and 3-field picture data from respective frames, to data having 60 fields per 1 second. An MPEG unit 111 compression-encodes the converted data. At this time, phase information of fields included in the respective pictures are added. A stream information detection unit 105 detects the phase information of a field included in a head picture. On the other hand, a join position information detection unit 107 detects the phase information of a field included in a rear end of a compressed coded stream already recorded on a recording medium 104.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shingo Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20080297598
    Abstract: A system for generating a digital representation of a video signal comprised of a sequence of video frames which each include two video fields of a duration such that the video plays at a first prespecified rate of frames per second. The sequence of video frames includes a prespecified number of redundant video fields. Redundant video fields in the video frame sequence are identified by a video processor, and the video frame sequence is digitized by an analog to digital converter, excluding the identified redundant video fields. The digitized video frames are then compressed by a video compressor to generate a digital representation of the video signal which plays at a second prespecified rate of frames per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Eric C. Peters, Patrick D. O'Connor, Michael E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20080252721
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a film detection device for determining whether an input picture signal is an interlaced signal generated by the telecine process, the film detection device including, a frame motion detection section, a field motion detection section, a motion judder detection section, and a film determination section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshito Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080174660
    Abstract: A system and method for creating static images that give viewers the impression of movement when viewed under regulated changing light conditions. The system and method comprises of a two-dimensional artwork image generated using computerized or traditional means, which imparts a smooth calculus gradient of changing color, texture and pattern; wherein the artwork gives the impression of containing shifting, disappearing and reappearing elements when viewed under a specific type of light environment including an LED based light source with color shifting or color wash capability. The light frequency from the light source is controlled by a computer for producing particular frequency changes and color cycles and may also be controlled manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Arjuna Noor
  • Publication number: 20080158350
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed. The method includes receiving a video clip including a plurality of frames. The method further includes detecting a telecine cadence of the video clip by comparing a top field and a bottom field of each of the plurality of frames. Further, based on the detected telecine cadence, the method reconstructs the video clip to an original frames-per-second (fps) value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ning Lu
  • Publication number: 20080151103
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus, which can prevent degradation of picture quality in converting an interlaced scan video signal to a progressive scan video signal, includes an interframe correlation detection means (11); an interfield correlation detection means (12); a field resolution determination means (13) which generates a signal (filhv) indicative of a degree of high frequency components existing in a field; a pull-down sequence detection means (14) which generates a telecine detection signal (tci) indicating whether or not an input video signal is any of 2-3 pull-down telecine video signal and 2-2 pull-down telecine video signal and also generates a mixing ratio signal (tcmix) indicative of a mixing ratio used at the time of interpolation processing; an interpolation signal generation means (110) which mixes a plurality of kinds of interpolation signals (Im, It) in accordance with the telecine detection signal (tci) and the mixing ratio signal (tcmix); and a rate doubling conversion means (9) whic
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Masako Asamura, Koji Minami, Chihiro Sakuwa, Toshihiro Gai
  • Patent number: 7369179
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to automated methods and systems for converting image streams having a first frame rate to a second frame rate without the need for user intervention. Embodiments of the present invention obviate the effects of processing of a telecine process. In one embodiment, where frames are encoded by a single video field, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent frames reveals a telecine pattern, thereby identifying which frames to remove. In another embodiment, where frames are encoded by even and odd video fields, which are interleaved to produce the frame, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent fields reveals the telecine pattern, identifies which frames to remove, and identifies frames that are candidates for re-interleaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: RealNetworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Francis Lippman
  • Publication number: 20080088746
    Abstract: A system and method for bad weave detection for inverse telecine. To detect a bad weave artifact, the number of reversals of the difference polarity between successive lines within a column of samples is counted. The count of the number of reversals of the difference polarity is referred to as the polarity change count. In the execution phase, the polarity change count can be used by a bad weave detector to take a system out of lock. The polarity change count can also be used during the detection phase to detect a particular cadence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick George Walls
  • Publication number: 20070252894
    Abstract: To enable a progressive synthesization process suited to each video signal even in such a case that a difference between video signals based on a video transmission sequence and the video signals not based on the video transmission sequence, is fuzzy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Teruyuki Satou, Hideki Matsuoka, Ritsuko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7269564
    Abstract: A method of determining an encoding rate for digital content. According to the method, the a sample of the content data is encoded for a predetermined period of time. The encoding rate is calculated by knowing the size of the sample of content encoded and the length of time necessary for encoding. In another embodiment, the encoding rate calculated for a specific encoding algorithm and encoding bit rate is averaged with any previously stored encoding rate for this encoding algorithm and encoding bit rate. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is described to carry out the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Louis Milsted, Qing Gong
  • Patent number: 7265776
    Abstract: A system to store and copy images downloaded from the memory unit for digital equipment and its relative apparatus. There is the transfer of the contents from the memory of the digital equipment to a data-storage, process and reproduction unit for the images and soundtrack, which is located inside a service center. The transfer is carried out by extracting the memory support unit in order to insert it in the image soundtrack storage, processing and copying unit, which downloads the content into the memory of the unit so that the memory support unit may be returned to the customer, that is, the contents of the memory transferred via air-waves to the main memory of the data-storage unit. The images and/or soundtrack are processed and copied on to a support in Video CD or Super Video CD form and/or on to a DVD in DVD format, and the images are sent to a receiver station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Polidea SrL
    Inventor: Melchiori Enzo
  • Publication number: 20070159527
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of correcting geometric information and providing a panoramic view. In the method of providing a panoramic view, a tilting vector (X?, Y?) is generated by applying matrices H(a,b) and HF to a source image vector (X,Y). The matrix H(a,b) is defined by distortion angles “b” towards a plane direction and a distortion angle “a” towards a depth direction of the source image, and the matrix HF is defined according to a camera parameter matrix K. Also, a two-dimensional vector (x,y) of a source image is converted into a three-dimensional vector (X,Y,W) on a retinal image plane having a unit radial distance from an origin of a ground plane. Also, a warped image width (WIW) is estimated from a width and a field of view (FOV) of the source image. A warping vector (x?,y?) is generated based on the converted vector (X,Y,W) and the WIW.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keun Ho Kim, Do Kyoon Kim, Seok Yoon Jung, Hee Sae Lee, Anton Konouchine, Vladimir Vezhnevets
  • Publication number: 20070140357
    Abstract: A method for treating a video signal including a plurality of consecutive video fields; at least some video fields of the plurality of video fields contributing to a plurality of substantially successively occurring motion sums; includes: (a) Effecting successive comparison of selected of the motion sums with at least one motion sum threshold in a predetermined cycle. The motion sum threshold is related with at least one earlier-occurring motion sum. The predetermined cycle establishes the successive comparison for evaluating whether the selected motion sums occur in a pattern characteristic of film mode content. (b) Treating the video signal as containing film mode content so long as the successive comparison indicates film mode content. (c) Treating the video signal as not containing the film mode content when a predetermined number of the successive comparisons indicate no film mode content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Clay D. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7217943
    Abstract: A film scanner is configured with a broadband irradiation source and a film carrier. The film carrier has at least one light passage for a visible spectral channel, and the light passage is oriented to at least one photosensitive photodetector. The photosensitive photodetector is arranged in a housing, and the film carrier is connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrte e.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Eckardt, Christoph Dobler
  • Patent number: 7218895
    Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more test signals at a first gateway from a second gateway. The method also includes comparing the one or more test signals to one or more expected signals. In addition, the method includes generating a score representing a voice quality supported by the first gateway on a path from the first gateway to the second gateway. The score is based at least partially on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jayasimha M. Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7215872
    Abstract: An image-effect apparatus which provides high quality motion pictures and image effects such as supper slow motion based on a small amount of image data. An image input unit inputs a first image and a second image. A matching processor performs pixel matching between the first image and the second image, and a result thereof is recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image between the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. A speed controller controls the number of intermediate images to be generated, based on a user's instruction. As the number of intermediate images generated is increased, slow motion and super slow motion images are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Monolith Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kozo Akiyoshi, Nobuo Akiyoshi, Yoshihisa Shinagawa
  • Patent number: 7190391
    Abstract: A method of scanning cinematographic film to produce digital images corresponding to images on frames of the film is provided, comprising the steps of: scanning the film and storing the digital images obtained; defining a first set of appearance attribute corrections to be applied to the images; storing a first set of appearance attribute correction parameters corresponding to the first set of appearance attribute corrections; defining at least one further set of appearance attribute corrections to be applied to the corrected images; storing a set of appearance attribute correction parameters corresponding to the or each of the further sets of appearance attribute corrections; and applying each of the stored sets of appearance attribute correction parameters to the stored images at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pandora International Limited
    Inventor: Stephen David Brett
  • Patent number: 7167280
    Abstract: A method of transferring an image recorded on a photographic film to a digital signal, using a film scanning device that generates scan data representative of the digital signal, comprises the steps of calibrating the film scanning device in relation to printing densities and scanning the photographic film with the film scanning device to produce scan data that represents printing densities. Inasmuch as the digital signal is used to drive a film recorder that exposes an output film that is subsequently printed onto a target print material, the scan data represents printing densities which when written out to the film recorder will produce printing densities of the output film onto the target print material that are identical to the printing densities of the same photographic film optically transferred onto the target print material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mitchell J. Bogdanowicz, Christian Lurin, Kyle J. Alvut
  • Patent number: 7133064
    Abstract: A method for a 3:2 pull-down film source detection. First, a source is received. Then, field differences of two fields of the same type in the source and an average field difference according to the field difference corresponding to at least one prior field in the source are calculated. The source is established as a 3:2 pull-down film source by checking whether a 3:2 pull-down signature is in the source according to the field difference and the average field difference, and a bad editing point is detected according to an interlaced frame information of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Integrated Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Wen-Kuo Lin
  • Patent number: RE40945
    Abstract: A method of increasing the scanning resolution of a scanner through controlling its driving system. By suitably adjusting the timing relationship between motor pulses and exposure pulses, a low-resolution driving system can produce a high-resolution image with no additional production cost incurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Chuan-Yu Hsu, Chen-Hsiang Shih