Abstract: The invention concerns a method for embedding video annotation data into a coded video stream. The method comprises the step of —encapsulating said video annotation data into a unit, so-called video annotation unit, of the coded video data stream which format corresponds to at least one format used for sending the associated video data, —inserting an identifiable synchronizing code enabling the identification of said video annotation unit into the video data stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display control device, a display method, and a program, whereby a new thumbnail method can be provided. A clustering unit 611 subjects each frame of a content to clustering into any cluster of a plurality of clusters, and a scene classifying unit 612 classifies, regarding each of a plurality of clusters, a frame belonging to a cluster into a scene that is a group of one or more frames that temporally continue. A thumbnail creating unit 613 creates the thumbnail of a scene, and a display control unit 614 displays the thumbnail thereof on a display device 603.

Abstract: Image data file systems and methods are operable to generate image data files for a plurality of images having a common image data array, and are operable to generate images from the image data files. An exemplary embodiment stores a common image data array into a master image data file, wherein the stored common image data array corresponds to an image data array of a first image of the plurality of images; and generates a soft link image data file based upon a second image of the plurality of images, wherein an image data array of the second image is the same as the common image data array, and wherein a soft link in the soft link image data file identifies a location of the stored common image data array.

Abstract: Apparatus uniquely identifies material recorded on an example of a recording medium. The medium has distinguishing data, a tape ID, distinguishing that example from other examples thereof recorded thereon. A generator generates data, e.g. IN and OUT time codes, identifying the or each piece of material recorded on the medium. A recorder (460) records the said distinguishing data on the medium. A reproducer (460) reproduces, from the recording medium, the distinguishing data. A processor, a PDA (469) associates the reproduced distinguishing data and the said identifying data with a unique identifier, a UMID, for the or each piece of material. A database (464) associates the unique identifier with metadata relating to the material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the appearance of a stereoscopic menu during playback of video data are described. The stereoscopic menu comprises at least one graphical elements, which is arranged at a depth When a user input to reduce or increase a depth of the stereoscopic menu is received (1); the depth of the graphical element is changed in accordance with the user input.

Abstract: An approach is provided for enriching media with meta-information blocks. Specifically, one or more segments of one or more media files are processed to determine meta-information (e.g., topics, annotations, meta-data, etc.) related to the one or more segments. Based on the determined meta-information, other media or related meta-information is determined, analyzed, and appended to the original media as one or more meta-blocks. One or more relationships among the original and other media is then determined. Based on the determination of the one or more relationships, topic blocks (i.e., multi-topic links) are generated and associated with the original and other media. The addition of the meta-blocks and topic blocks to the original media enables either a renderer or a service to generate one or more composite media (e.g., a video mashup) based on the navigation and analysis of media determined as a result of traversing the one or more topic blocks.

Abstract: An information stream (information stream) can be “bookmarked” with event markers to note points in time in the information stream of occurrences of interesting events. Repeat occurrences of an event are noted with the same event marker. The events of interest need not be a priori determined. In fact, unexpected events can be readily noted.

Abstract: A method that allows for generation of personalized stereoscopic motion pictures is described. The motion picture comprises a plurality of individual scenes are displayed in a predefined sequence. Such scenes may be generated from animation or other computer generated graphics, a filming of living actors or a combination of both. Once the scenes that define the motion picture are generated one or more of these scenes can then be combined in real-time with subsequently recorded images or image sequences to introduce a level of personalisation into the motion picture.

Abstract: Provided are a digital video recorder and a method of tracking an object using the same. The method includes: receiving a video; encoding the video to generate an encoded video; extracting a motion vector from the encoded video; generating object movement information on an object on the basis of the motion vector; and tracking a temporal movement pattern of the object on the basis of the object movement information.

Abstract: The reusable greeting card and envelope include a front leaf and rear leaf hinged together. An insert is removably placed within a slot in the front leaf and viewed through a window in the front leaf for viewing both sides of the insert. The rear leaf includes a modifiable message on a customizable greetings space, such as handwriting which can be removably placed. A scannable tag can be scanned by a smartphone to access a data storage location through the internet where customizable video and audio greetings can be provided for viewing by a recipient of the greeting card and re-recording when the greeting card is to be reused. The envelope has spaces thereon where address and return labels and postage can be removably placed. The envelope also includes a resealable closure allowing the interior of the envelope to be closed and reopened multiple times.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a computing device configured to allow a user to view a multi-stream video from a selected angle/direction with respect to the contents of the multi-stream video, under the user's control. The multi-stream video is generated using multiple Image Acquisition Devices (IAD), such as cameras, simultaneously, consecutively, or independently filming a scene. Each image data stream may be uniquely identified to allow selective real-time playback of image data streams under user control. The user may dynamically change the selection of an image stream, and thus the viewing angle, while viewing a recorded scene or may dynamically change the selection of an image stream to simulate panning of a scene. Multiple image streams of the same scene may be selected and viewed simultaneously to provide 3D or other visual effects.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a setting unit and a display controller configured to control the display unit. A plurality of recording modes include a first recording mode which generates heat so that the temperature in the case reaches a predetermined temperature, and a second recording mode which generates heat so that the temperature in the case cannot reach the predetermined temperature. The display controller determines the remaining recording time based on the temperature of a case, and determines whether the set-up recording mode is the first recording mode, and determines, based on a result of the determination, whether to display a remaining recording time which is determined based on the temperature in the case, on the display unit.

Abstract: In an AV system in which a television apparatus and a recorder are individually connected to an AV amplifier through an HDMI, in the case where sound is output from the AV amplifier, if insertion of headphones into the television apparatus is detected, control information to switch the destination of the audio data is transmitted from the television apparatus to the AV amplifier. The AV amplifier switches the destination of the audio data that is input from the recorder from a speaker output section to the television apparatus in accordance with the control information. Thus, even if the headphones are inserted into the television apparatus while the AV amplifier is outputting sound reproduced by the recorder, the sound can be output from the headphones.

Abstract: In the data structure for managing reproduction of text subtitle data, a text subtitle information area stores at least one text subtitle information segment. The text subtitle information segment is represented by a single PES packet of transport packets. In one embodiment, the text subtitle information segment includes an identifier identifying the text subtitle information segment as a text subtitle information segment.

Abstract: The MBT information for each frame is extracted from the moving picture compressed data containing the MBT information, an MBT symbol string is created by obtaining the frequency at which a specific MBT is contained from the extracted MBT information for each frame, appending a predetermined MBT symbol to each frame in accordance with its frequency feature, and arranging the MBT symbols according to the frame order, the cut point of the moving picture is discriminated from an array feature of MBT symbols in the MBT symbol string, and further a shot is identified based on an estimation model using the MBT symbol string.

Abstract: A stream generation apparatus generates a stream including coded pictures and a command for managing a buffer which holds a decoded picture, the command being added to one of the coded pictures as a reference picture. A judging unit judges whether or not the coded picture to which the command is added is skipped at the time of trick-play, and an adding unit adds, in the case where the coded picture is judged to be skipped, repetition information indicating the same contents as the command to another coded picture that follows, in decoding order, the coded picture judged to be skipped and that is not skipped at the time of the trick-play. A generating unit generates the stream including the coded pictures, the command and the repetition information.

Abstract: To improve the convenience of a record medium and allow a record process and reproduction process to be more easily performed than before. When a clip edit list update process 121 that updates video data and audio data recorded on a disc 32 is executed, an index file management section 72 manages and updates an index file held in an index file hold section 51 as the video data and audio data are updated. At this point, a search section 92 searches disc internal IDs assigned to clips or edit lists contained in the index file for the maximum value. A disc internal ID generation section 91 generates a disc internal ID according to the maximum value. An index file management section 72 updates the index file with the disc internal ID generated by the disc internal ID generation section 91.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using location information and/or signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show. The boundaries of the segments may then be utilized to change the volume of segments or playback a segment at a non-real time presentation rate.

Abstract: In an apparatus capable of mounting a recording medium for recording content data, an information acquisition section acquires protection information from a server, which indicates whether or not content data supplied from the server needs to be protected. A protection determination section determines whether or not the content data needs to be protected according to the protection information. When the content data needs to be protected, an ID determination section further determines whether or not a unique identification code is provided which uniquely identifies a recording medium mounted on the apparatus. When the recording medium has the unique identification, a recording destination settling section settles that recording medium to be a content recording destination. A data acquisition section acquires content data from the server. An encryption section encrypts the acquired content data using the unique identification code.

Abstract: In a case of recording and managing a program which has a plurality of image streams in one program, it is necessary to address which stream a logic table which records a position of an I picture for high-speed fast forwarding and rewinding corresponds to. In a recording method which records a digital broadcast, in particular one method is provided which records and manages the program which has the plurality of image streams in one program. In the case in which there are a plurality of image streams in one program, as information which indicates which stream the logic table of the I picture, for carrying out the fast forwarding and rewinding operations quickly, corresponds to, a component tag fixed by a European or Japanese digital broadcast standard is recorded with the logic table.

Abstract: A recording apparatus produces moving image data and still picture data from the moving image data. The recording apparatus (a) records a moving image file including the moving image data and first information on a recording medium, and (b) records a still picture file including the still picture data and second information on the recording medium. The first information indicates the still picture file and the second information indicates the moving image file. The recording apparatus (a) displays a reduced image of the moving image file and information indicating presence of the still picture file on a display device, if the recording apparatus is in a first mode, and (b) displays a reduced image of the still picture file and information indicating presence of the moving image file on the display device, if the recording apparatus is in a second mode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products that filter available content, produce a set of clean, discrete clips, and mix the clips to produce a package of content that matches a user's substantive preferences and conforms to a length and format specified by the user. Clips that do not match the user's preferences may be eliminated from use, as may be clips that have been viewed by the user previously. Moreover, the user can react to the received clips and judge them as to desirability and relevance to his or her preferences. These reactions may then become part of a user's set of preferences for generation of subsequent mixes.

Abstract: One of a video source device and a video sink device may: (a) deactivate a video processing function at the one device and send a command for causing the other of the video source device and the video sink device to activate the video processing function; (b) activate the video processing function at the one device and send a command for causing the other device to deactivate the video processing function; and (c) based on user input indicating whether (a) or (b) resulted in a preferred video image, effect (a) or (b). The one device may receive an indication of video processing functions of which the other device is capable, such that (a), (b) and (c) may be performed for each indicated video processing function of which the one device is also capable. A user interface including at least one selectable control for indicating whether a video image resulting from (a) or (b) is preferred may be displayed.

Abstract: Recording arrangements that records a picture on a recording medium in a file format, the arrangements including: forming the format so as to produce one Play Item in each of acquired pictures, and to arrange one or a plurality of Play Items in one Play List; and recording a picture on the recording medium according to the format; wherein: when recording a first picture first under a first age, a first Play List is produced, when recording a second picture further under the first date, a Play Item is produced in the first Play List without producing a new Play List, when recording a third picture first under a second date different from the first date, a second Play List is newly produced, and when recording a fourth picture further under the second date, a Play Item is produced in the second Play List without producing a new Play List.

Abstract: A playback apparatus plays back video data recorded on a recording medium such as a BD-ROM. The playback apparatus includes (i) an interface in which a removable medium such as an SDRAM is inserted, (ii) a detection module detecting that the removable medium is inserted, and (iii) a virtual file system. The virtual file system is used if the removable medium is detected to be inserted, if additional content such as subtitles is recorded on the removable medium, and furthermore if the additional content is associated with the video data recorded on the BD-ROM, etc. The virtual file system dynamically combines the video data recorded on the BD-ROM, etc. and the additional content of the removable medium so as to play back a virtual package.

Abstract: An information storage medium storing subtitle text-based information, and a method and apparatus utilizing same, process a subtitle. The information storage medium includes: dialog information which contains script text information of the subtitle and information specifying an output type of the script text; and presentation information which contains style information used to convert the script text into a bitmap format through rendering. With this structure, the amount of data required for a subtitle and the amount of data that should be processed when a subtitle is output may be greatly reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are described for receiving, storing, and recovering from storage one or more television program while maintaining proper audio to video synchronization or lip sync when the program is displayed. Preferably the audio and video portions are in digital form and may be compressed or uncompressed. The audio and video may be recorded on a physical storage medium such as tape, an optical or magnetic computer disk, or solid state memory or other such device providing user control functions including start, stop, record, play and search, with increased reproduction capability of such stored programs being facilitated by the present invention. Timing information is recovered from the audio and video to be displayed utilized to alter the time duration of a contiguous signal block (the alpha length) of the audio and/or video to correct for any timing errors therebetween.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a controller that sets type information, which represents that an application for executing a process using a dependent view video stream is an application for reproducing a 3-D image, in a clip information file which describes information on a transport stream including the dependent view video stream out of a base view video stream and the dependent view video stream obtained by encoding a plurality of video data according to the a predetermined video coding format.

Abstract: A playback device for updating a character string in synchronization with a moving image displays a gradation character using an available index in a color lookup table. The playback device includes a pre-analysis unit that pre-analyzes character-string display instruction information in a text subtitle stream, thereby recognizing in advance the available index in the color lookup table and displaying the gradation character using the available index.

Abstract: A channel test unit of a digital video recorder (DVR) includes a command generation module generating a selection signal to a controller. The controller outputs control signals to a multiplexer to select an output terminal of the multiplexer to switch to a signal channel. A signal generation module obtains a format voice data and converts to an analog voice signal and sends to the multiplexer. The multiplexer sends the analog voice signal to the selected signal channel after the signal channel is selected. A voice detection module defines an identification (ID) number for each of the signal channels in sequence and detects whether the DVR receives an analog voice signal, and determines whether all of the signal channels have been tested. A display module displays an ID number of the selected signal channel on a display device when the DVR does not receive the analog voice signal.

Abstract: The total running time of an original program signal, with related embedded ancillary data is altered to generate a time-shortened (or time-lengthened) program signal. The video signal embedded ancillary data packets are subject to separate processing without decoding payload text strings and caption information. The video portion of the original program signal is processed by deleting (or adding) individual frames on a manual, periodic or automatic basis. As fields or frames are removed (or added), corresponding ancillary data packets and text-based payload information are temporarily stored and analyzed such that data can be reassembled within the time-altered video program. Embedded circuitry determines the type of caption and subtitle information (HD/SD) and location within the Vertical Ancillary (VANC) and Horizontal Ancillary (HANC) packets for processing coupled with the original video signal.

Abstract: Automatic story production is implemented by the utilization of theme scripts with user assets to generate a quality finished product with minimum user input or direction. A user chooses a predesigned theme script to be applied to the user's assets to automatically create a story with a particular look and feel. Metadata and feature information, when available, is automatically gathered from the user assets to personalize the generated story. A user can include additional information and/or alter any aspect of the generated story to further personalize the resultant finished product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating playback instructions for time-warped playback of presentation layer protocol data. The method includes a protocol engine executing on a computing device recording a protocol data stream comprising a plurality of packets representing a user session. The protocol engine determines a complexity factor for a first portion of the protocol data stream and for a second portion of the protocol data stream based on content of the packets of the protocol data stream. The protocol engine determines a first playback rate for the first portion of the protocol data stream and a second playback rate for the second portion of the protocol data stream using the complexity factor of each portion of the protocol data stream, wherein the first playback rate differs from the second playback rate. The protocol engine renders the protocol data stream according to the determined playback rates.

Abstract: Provided is a method capable of suppressing generation of data that needs to undergo a complicated copyright process for redistribution thereof. The method includes: executing a program and outputting and displaying a screen generated by the program; reproducing and outputting user-acquired audio acquired arbitrarily by a user; recording the screen output during a specified period along with the user-acquired audio, as video data; and restricting recording of the video data while the user-acquired audio is being output.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product for recording presentable data accessed through interactive links displayed within an interactive television program are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, an interactive television recording device receives an interactive television signal containing one or more interactive links associated with presentable data. In response to receipt of a record command, the interactive television recording device records the interactive television program, and the presentable data associated with the one or more interactive links are accessed and recorded into a designated storage medium. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive television signal and the one or more interactive links are stored on a first data storage medium, while the presentable data are separately stored on a second data storage medium. If a play command is received, the interactive television recording device plays the interactive television signal from the first data storage medium.

Abstract: An optical disc recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information on an optical disc with format other than video recording format, includes a record control portion that records apparatus information indicating the apparatus on a DVD and stores record elapsed time in a recording process and aspect information indicating an aspect ratio of a TV broadcasting program to be recorded in a memory of the apparatus when the TV broadcasting program is recorded on the DVD in a format except a; and a reproduction control portion that corrects the aspect ratio in accordance with the record elapsed time and the aspect information stored in the memory if the apparatus information recorded on the DVD matches the apparatus information stored in the memory, when the DVD is reproduced.

Abstract: To provide a multiplexing method which facilitates a reproduction process and reduces unpleasantness felt by a viewer about image quality. The multiplexing method includes: a step of judging whether or not a clip to be coded should be coded as part of a continuous reproduction unit in which bitstreams are structured so as to allow continuous reproduction (S100); a step of determining a color space that is common within the continuous reproduction unit when it is judged that the clip should be coded as part of the continuous reproduction unit (S110); a step of generating bitstreams by coding the clip to be coded according to a determined color space (S112); and a step of packet-multiplexing bitstreams (S118).

Abstract: A video playback user interface includes display of tags or other information outside of a video play area. Tags can be visually associated with items in the video by using connectors such as lines, arrows, etc. that bridge between a tag and an item. Tag and other information can be included with a video file or associated with a video file and stored as a separate file or other data structure. Users can add text or other annotations for viewing at a later time or by other users. A snapshot of a video frame during playback can be obtained and sent to an email address, web site, storage device, or other destination. The snapshot includes a video frame or portion of a frame along with added information such as tags, annotations, etc.

Abstract: At least one of a probability density for a video and a granularity mapping for the video based upon the probability density are generated at an analytics server. The probability density is calculated according to a predetermined set of points in the video and a pseudo-randomly generated set of points in the video. The probability density is non-degenerate. The granularity mapping for the video provides a mapping of the probability density to the video. The at least one of the probability density and the granularity mapping are sent from the analytics server to a video content server so that the video content server sends the video and the at least one of the probability density, and the granularity mapping to each of a plurality of clients. A set of beacons is generated by the each of the plurality of the clients according to the probability density and the granularity mapping.

Abstract: In one embodiment the data structure includes at least one stream file for the graphic information, and at least one playlist file including at least one subplayitem. The subplayitem includes navigation information for reproducing the stream file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording of channels are provided. In a particular method, a first window of the plurality of windows is designated to display a first program of a first channel and a second window of the plurality of windows is designated to display a second program of a second channel. The first channel and the second channel are each included in a set of channels. The method also includes automatically recording the first program associated with the first channel while the first program is in progress and automatically recording the second program associated with the second channel while the second program is in progress. The method further includes sending a start of program option to a display device. In response to a selection of the start of program option, a recorded displayed program in progress is automatically replayed from a beginning of the displayed program at the display device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing video data and metadata associated with the video data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a content management system receives video data and metadata associated with the video data, such as a title, a thumbnail image and a subject matter identifier. Instructions for a media player used to present the video data using a destination site are also generated to simplify distribution of the video data to one or more destination sites. The content management system further enables a user to edit the stored video data to customize placements of advertisements or other data within the video data by identifying one or more cue points in the video data. A data store is coupled to the content management system to store the video data and the metadata associated with the video data.

Abstract: A video image reproducing apparatus reads out sub-content information related to sub-content to be reproduced, from a recording medium, obtains attribute information indicative of the features of the sub-content, on the basis of the sub-content information, and controls each reproduction procedure of the main content and the sub-content on the basis of the attribute information, so that the main content and the sub-content are reproduced in coordination with the features of the sub-content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a DVR. An embodiment allows multimedia device users to select programs to record or download movie or music over a network, such as the Internet, from a content provider. The system automatically downloads and stores ancillary program data that is directly related to, and associated with, a program that has been selected for recording or content requested for download. When a user selects a program to view the user is offered the opportunity to browse ancillary program data associated with the program and view an ancillary program data. The service can charge the content provider or an advertiser for each time their ancillary program data is viewed by a user. The ancillary programming is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted.

Abstract: A video receiving apparatus having an input terminal to receive pixel-based video data transmitted with pixel clock synchronized with the video data is provided. The video receiving apparatus may include a separation unit, an information acquisition unit, and a determination unit. The separation unit may be configured to separate auxiliary data added to the video data from the video data obtained at the input terminal. The information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire information on the number of horizontal pixels and the number of vertical pixels for the input video data from the auxiliary data separated at the separation unit. The determination unit may be configured to determine a type of the input video data based on the information on the number of horizontal pixels and the number of vertical pixels that is obtained at the information acquisition unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video server including a recording device configured to encode a received video signal based on a predetermined encoding method into video data; a write controller configured to divide the video data in order to generate a plurality of divided data, generate a redundant data for restoring either of the divided data of the number of setup when the divided data of the number of setup in advance, perform write-in controlling of the plurality of divided data and the plurality of redundant data; a plurality of storage devices configured to record the number of setup of divided data and the redundant data based on the divided data of the number of setup by distributing herein according to the write-in controlling; and a main controller configured to record management information on the video data recorded on each storage device.

Abstract: There is described a method and system for recording, transmitting, and playing videos of an event-based format. Instead of providing a representation of each frame in a video as a complete image with brightness and color information for each pixel composing the image, each frame of a video is represented using a minimal data set that corresponds to an event that has taken place during the frame. Events are detected and recorded and the video may then be reconstructed by identifying actions that are triggered by the recorded events and executing the actions accordingly. Actions are identified by matching an event and an event coordinate, considering the objects and/or shapes present in a frame at the event coordinate and determining the consequences of the event on the objects/shapes.

Abstract: A method of reproducing from a storage medium video data and graphics data for displaying a menu screen. The method includes: decoding graphics data; and outputting, on the basis of the decoded graphics data, the decoded graphics data when an activation command is generated by a user or displaying the decoded graphics data at a designated time.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage unit that stores object metadata created by associating object present time information indicating a time when an object is present in video of audio/video data with object identification information to identify the object, music metadata containing music present time information indicating the time when music is present in audio of the audio/video data, and object BGM correspondence information created by associating the object identification information with BGM identification information and a control unit that determines whether any time in the audio/video data satisfying conditions that the time matches a time indicated by the object present time information and does not match a time indicated by the music present time information is present and outputs BGM identified by the BGM identification information associated with the object identification information associated with the object present time information when reproduction advances to the time concerned.

Abstract: Video streams and an entry map are recorded on a BD-ROM in association with each other. The video stream constituting a slide show includes a plurality of IDR pictures. The entry map (EP_map) associated with the IDR pictures indicates an entry time (PTS_EP_start) of each IDR picture included in the video stream in association with an entry point (SPN_EP_start). Application_type indicates that entry information of each of pieces of picture data constituting the video stream exists in the EP_map and each piece of picture data is to be decoded independently. When a time-based slideshow has been identified all of the pieces of picture data are repeatedly pointed to by entries in the entry map.