Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for archiving video content to film and recovering the video from the film archive. Video data corresponding to the content and a characterization pattern associated with the data are provided as encoded data, which is recorded onto a film for producing a film archive. The characterization pattern contains spatial, temporal and colorimetric information relating to the video data, and provides a basis for recovering the video content from the film archive.

Abstract: A video system and process in which a series of video frames are encoded for fast forward and/or fast reverse playback, wherein a subset of frames are encoded as reference frames that have a hierarchical relationship with each other. The reference frames are I frames and predicted frames, such as P, B, or IDR frames.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus (115) includes a storage section (117) having a content attribute database (DB1) and a point database (DB2). Further, a point calculating section (120) of the recording/reproducing apparatus (115) extracts attribute information sets for each content item from the content attribute database (DB1). Further, deletion factor points associated with deletion factors corresponding to the extracted attribute information sets are extracted from the point database (DB2) for each content item, and evaluation points are calculated in accordance with the extracted plural deletion factor points. This allows the user to appropriately reserve a space required in a recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus, computer program product and method provide a mechanism for independently allow a user to pause the display of a video stream from a given source, while also enabling the user to operate a menu function from a data stream from the same source.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a substantially real time stream of digital information signals on a disc like record carrier has been proposed. The stream of information signals represents information arranged in a sequence of video frames, each video frame arranged in separate, consecutive data blocks comprised in separate, consecutive data packets. The apparatus comprises input means (1) for receiving the stream of digital signals, processing means (100) for processing the stream of digital information signals to obtain digital information signals and writing means (102) for writing the digital information signals into the units of recording on the disc like record carrier. The processing means (102) are adopted to detect the data blocks in the data packets and to allocate consecutive data blocks comprised in multiple data packets into consecutive logical units, a size of each logical unit corresponding to the predetermined size of the unit of recording.

Abstract: A system that enables an event or moments within an event to be captured and provided in a record that preserves at least some aspects of the participant's perspective of the event. In particular, the present invention involves centralized recording of the event in one or more modes including video, audio, and still image recordings and a system that enables a participant (i.e., one who perceives the event) to select portions of the event recording substantially contemporaneously with the event occurrence. A personalized record is made by duplicating the selected portions from the event record. In a particular example, the personalized record is recorded on a digital media such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk (END) or the like.

Abstract: A display controller integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The display controller IC includes a video interface that receives an image for real time display on a display. The display controller IC further includes means that is configured to store the image on a data storage device so that it can be displayed again at a later time. A display device including the display controller IC and a method of capturing and displaying images are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a moving image processing apparatus, including a cut transition detection unit configured to detect inter-cut transition from a moving image including a plurality of cuts, a cut grouping unit configured to group the plurality of cuts into cut groups based on a degree of similarity among the cuts, an inter-cut distance calculation unit configured to calculate inter-cut distances based on inter-cut temporal distances in the moving image, an inter-cut group distance calculation unit configured to calculate inter-cut group distances by summing up the inter-cut distances, which are calculated with respect to the plurality of cuts, in each cut group, and a cut structure image generation unit configured to generate a cut structure image including representative images of the cuts belonging to the cut groups and information indicating the inter-cut group distances.

Abstract: There is provided a television broadcast program recording system including a television receiver and a recorder. The television receiver obtains a DST data indicating whether or not DST is currently applied, and detects a start and end of a DST application to a current time based on the obtained DST data. When the start or end of the DST application is detected, the television receiver transmits a newest electronic program list to the recorder. The recorder receives the electronic program list, and then compares a broadcast time data of a broadcast program in the memory with that included in the received electronic program list. As a result of this, when they are not identical with each other, the recorder changes the broadcast time data of the above broadcast program stored in the memory to the broadcast time data of the above broadcast program included in the electronic program list.

Abstract: A method of recording an encoded bit stream, said encoded bit stream representing a plurality of video objects comprising a sequence of cells together constituting a part of an MPEG2 Program Stream, on a disc like record carrier, such as an optical disc. The method comprises recording video objects comprising a sequence of contiguously recorded cells, each cell comprising a unique cell identification number within a video object, recording of a playback sequence of cells that defines a playable program chain of cells, wherein said sequence comprises references to the cell identification numbers and recording navigation data within said cells comprising said cell identification numbers.

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: A video data recoding method suitable for recording computer sessions. Each video image frame is divided into multiple blocks. A server processes the video frames and transmits only changed blocks for each frame to a video log server. The video log server stores the changed blocks with block indices in a data file. The video log server also maintains a virtual frame table which stores, for each block of the frame, the data location within the data file where the most recent occurrence of that block is stored. The virtual frame table is continuously updated as changed blocks are stored in the data file. The video log server further stores a snapshot file containing snapshots of the virtual frame table at predetermined time points, along with time stamps and a next changed frame location. The data file and the snapshot file are used to reproduce the video images.

Abstract: A multi-format digital video production system enables a user to process an input video program to produce an output version of the program in a final format which may have a different frame rate, pixel dimensions, or both. An internal production format of 24 fps is preferably chosen to provide the greatest compatibility with existing and planned formats associated with HDTV standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 high-definition television, and film. Images are re-sized horizontally and vertically by pixel interpolation, thereby producing larger or smaller image dimensions so as to fill the particular needs of individual applications. Frame rates are adapted by inter-frame interpolation or by traditional schemes, including “3:2 pull-down” for 24-to-30 fps conversions. Simple speed-up (for 24-to-25 conversions) or slow-down (for 25-to-24 conversions) for playback, or by manipulating the frame rate itself using a program storage facility with asynchronous reading and writing capabilities.

Abstract: A method of storing a substantially real time stream of information signals arranged in separate, consecutive data packets of digital format on a disc like record carrier. A new stream pack (S_PCK) is defined comprising a pack header and a multiple of source packets containing said data packets with corresponding added time stamps related to a time of arrival of said data packets. The pack header comprises data packet retrieval information, such as the number of new source packets in the stream pack and the effect of the start location of the first source packet in the stream pack. Preferably private stream 2 of the MPEG-format is employed for this new stream.

Abstract: A storage medium for storing text-based subtitle data including style information, a reproducing apparatus and methods are provided for reproducing text-based subtitle data including style information separately recorded on the storage medium. The storage medium includes: multimedia image data; and text-based subtitle data for displaying subtitles on an image based on the multimedia image data, wherein the text-based subtitle data includes dialog information indicating subtitle contents to be displayed on the image, style information indicating an output style of the dialog information, and partial style information indicating an output style applied to a portion of the dialog information. Accordingly, subtitles can be provided in a plurality of languages without limited to the number of units of subtitle data. In addition, subtitle data can be easily produced and edited. Likewise, an output style of the subtitle data can be changed in a variety of ways.

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: A recording medium and a recording apparatus store manufacturer information to support specific functions for each manufacturer and a method therefore. A reproducing apparatus reproduces the manufacturer information to support specific functions. When the recording apparatus modifies the contents of the recording medium, the manufacturer's identification code is recorded. The recording apparatus and the reproducing apparatus checks the identification code on the recording medium before using its own manufacture information item for some specific function. Also, a time required to determine whether the manufacturer information items are effective is reduced.

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: 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: A recording system includes an input unit for inputting moving image data, a memory for accumulating the moving image data input by the input unit, a recording unit for recording the moving image data in a recording medium, and a selection unit for selecting either one of a first recording mode and a second recording mode. In the first recording mode, a predetermined amount of the moving image data is accumulated in the memory, is read out from the memory, and is recorded in the recording medium. In the second recording mode, the moving image data is recorded in the recording medium without being accumulated in the memory.

Abstract: A television has an encoder, a random access memory buffer, and a decoder in addition to components of a conventional television receiver. The encoder encodes television signals to a digital format and the random access memory buffer stores the encoded television signal in response to activation of a pause function. The random access memory buffer outputs the stored digital television signal and the decoder decodes the digital television signal output from the random access memory buffer in response to deactivation of the pause function.

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: A broadcast program recording/reproducing device is provided that is capable of continuously reproducing a program recorded so as to be distributed between a plurality of devices. A reception level detection unit (105) detects the reception level of the received broadcast electric wave. When the reception level is equal to or lower than a predetermined reception level, a recording request transmission unit (106) generates a recording start request packet, and transmits it to a server (20). A management information write unit (107) writes management information into a terminal storage unit (104). A continuous reproduction control unit (108) determines whether the program is recorded so as to be distributed between storing means and an external device based on the management information.

Abstract: Entry points are managed so they are easy for users to understand. The data recording apparatus has a receiver unit that receives a stream of encoded digital data; an analyzer that detects change in an attribute of the received stream and that outputs the detection information; a controller that generates management information containing the detection information output by the analyzer and time information indicating detection time of the change as a first entry point; a drive that records the management information and the received stream to a data storage medium; and an input unit that defines a second entry point. This second entry point is set relative to the playback path of the stream and is used to access and read from a particular point in the stream. The controller further generates the management information containing the first entry point and the second entry point separately identified.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a storage unit that sequentially stores a plurality of frame images based on an imaging signal from an imaging sensor that images light from a subject, a moving image data generation unit that generates slow motion moving image data that is to be played at a second frame rate lower than a first frame rate that represents the number of frame images stored per unit time in the storage unit, based on the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit during a predetermined time period, a still image data generation unit that generates at least one piece of still image data based on at least one frame image of the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit during the predetermined time period, and a record control unit that associates the slow motion moving image data generated by the moving image data generation unit and the still image data generated by the still image data generation unit and records the slow motion moving image data and the still image data in a reco

Abstract: A machine-implemented authoring method for a high definition digital versatile disc includes: receiving a user-specified title; enabling a user to specify an initial playlist file and at least one application, the initial playlist file being one of a template-generated raw playlist file and a user-authored raw playlist file; and in response to a user-inputted command, modifying the initial playlist file to set corresponding relationship between the user-specified title and the at least one application such that, during playback of the user-specified title, the at least one application set to correspond to the user-specified title can be invoked and executed.

Abstract: Personal video recording including identifying a message point in operation of a PVR and transmitting a message. Embodiments include associating a message type with the message point and selecting, in dependence upon the message type, a message to be transmitted. Embodiments include receiving a response to the message; selecting, in dependence upon the response, a command to be executed; and executing the selected command.

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: Machine learning for control of a personal video recorder (“PVR”), including providing records of transmissions of messages; identifying a message point in operation of a PVR; selecting, in dependence upon the message point, a message to be transmitted; and determining in dependence upon the records of transmissions of messages whether to transmit the selected message. Embodiments include determining whether to transmit the selected message in dependence upon a frequency with which the message is transmitted to a user. Embodiments include transmitting to users messages prompting for responses identifying commands; storing records of transmissions of messages, including storing records of responses; and selecting a message to be transmitted in dependence upon the records of responses to messages. Embodiments include structuring the selected message in dependence upon the records of responses to messages, including inserting in the selected message choices for a set of sequenced commands.

Abstract: Entry points are managed so they are easy for users to understand. The data recording apparatus has a receiver unit that receives a stream of encoded digital data; an analyzer that detects change in an attribute of the received stream and that outputs the detection information; a controller that generates management information containing the detection information output by the analyzer and time information indicating detection time of the change as a first entry point; a drive that records the management information and the received stream to a data storage medium; and an input unit that defines a second entry point. This second entry point is set relative to the playback path of the stream and is used to access and read from a particular point in the stream. The controller further generates the management information containing the first entry point and the second entry point separately identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recording and managing a multi-channel broadcast stream. The present method records on a recording medium such as a BD-RW a multi-channel broadcast stream where a plurality of channels are multiplexed, and creates and records management information for individual search and reproduction control of the plural channels. Consequently, this method ensures fast random access and various trick play of individual subchannel streams multiplexed in a recorded multi-channel stream at user's request.

Abstract: There is provided a recording apparatus that is capable of avoiding the deletion of contents, which is important to the user, due to overwriting of the contents and degradation in reproduction quality due to recompression thereof, by allowing the user to selectively delete unnecessary contents by himself or herself using a deleting contents selection screen displayed to the user when there is little remaining recording capacity on a recording medium. The recording apparatus records information data on a recording medium at a plurality of different recording data rates. A recording data rate of the information data selected from the plurality of different recording data rates is set. A recordable time period is detected based on the set recording data rate and an information quantity of information data that has already been recorded on the recording medium. Recordable time period information indicative of the detected recordable time period is displayed.

Abstract: Entry points are managed so they are easy for users to understand. The data recording apparatus has a receiver unit that receives a stream of encoded digital data; an analyzer that detects change in an attribute of the received stream and that outputs the detection information; a controller that generates management information containing the detection information output by the analyzer and time information indicating detection time of the change as a first entry point; a drive that records the management information and the received stream to a data storage medium; and an input unit that defines a second entry point. This second entry point is set relative to the playback path of the stream and is used to access and read from a particular point in the stream. The controller further generates the management information containing the first entry point and the second entry point separately identified.

Abstract: Provided is a metadata structure for storing and re-producing stereoscopic data and a method for storing a stereoscopic content file based on the metadata structure. The stereoscopic content file storing method includes storing streams of the stereoscopic contents; and, when the stereoscopic content has more than two elementary streams, storing information for dividing the elementary streams into a main track and a supplementary track.

Abstract: Machine learning for control of a personal video recorder (“PVR”), including providing records of transmissions of messages; identifying a message point in operation of a PVR; selecting, in dependence upon the message point, a message to be transmitted; and determining in dependence upon the records of transmissions of messages whether to transmit the selected message. Embodiments include determining whether to transmit the selected message in dependence upon a frequency with which the message is transmitted to a user. Embodiments include transmitting to users messages prompting for responses identifying commands; storing records of transmissions of messages, including storing records of responses; and selecting a message to be transmitted in dependence upon the records of responses to messages. Embodiments include structuring the selected message in dependence upon the records of responses to messages, including inserting in the selected message choices for a set of sequenced commands.

Abstract: A picture start code detecting section 131 detects the input timing of the leading data of a picture from TS packets inputted to a buffer 11. A counter 132 outputs a timing signal at the time when the leading data of the picture has been inputted 30 times, thereby detecting the input timing of data of one second. A counter 133 counts the data amount of TS packets inputted to the buffer 11 during the period of time from the reception of a timing signal from the counter 132 to the next reception. The count value is read via a DFF 134 and inputted to a read control section 135. The read control section 135 sets the input value from the DFF 134 as the reading speed of TS packets from the buffer 11.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus generates an information file which has a plurality of storage unit elements each of which includes size information and which information file include one or more first storage unit elements each for storing encoded information data and one or more second storage unit elements each for storing management information regarding the information data stored in the first storage unit element, such that a new first storage unit element is formed for every predetermined amount of the encoded information data, and the second storage unit element corresponding to the formed first storage unit element is formed, thereby generating information file.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for recording digital multimedia by buffering. The method includes performing buffering with regard to each of a plurality of received multimedia services in a predetermined output mode; managing buffering information relating to buffering settings with regard to each of the buffered multimedia services; and controlling output of a corresponding multimedia service according to the buffering information, wherein the output mode comprises a time shift mode where a previously buffered multimedia service is called and reproduced and a background mode where a currently received multimedia service is buffered without being displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A playback apparatus not only plays back an AV stream recorded on a BD-ROM but also downloads an update kit from a WWW server (500) and writes it on a local HD (12). The AV stream stored in the local HD (12) includes an audio stream for an additional language. A control unit (16) reads the AV stream recorded on the BD-ROM and the AV stream recorded in the local HD (12) in units of access units. An audio decoder (6) obtains a necessary audio frame from the access units read from the BD-ROM and the local HD (12) and plays it back. A video decoder (4) obtains video data from the access unit read from the BD-ROM and plays it back.

Abstract: An audio/video recording method and system is provided. The method includes receiving by a processor of an audio/video recording device, a request for recording broadcast audio/video data. The processor analyzes audio/video presentation capabilities for audio/video presentation devices and formats of a first group of broadcast audio/video files associated with the broadcast audio/video data. Results of the analyses are compared and in response a first audio/video file is selected from the first group of broadcast audio/video files. The first audio/video file includes a first format requiring a first amount of storage space within a storage device of the audio/video recording device. The first format is associated with the audio/video presentation capabilities of a first audio/video presentation device and the first audio/video file is recorded.

Abstract: In general, a digital video player is described that has a form factor that allows the video player to be built into or otherwise attached to another enclosure. The digital video player may be built into or otherwise attached to the other enclosure such as any physical packaging around or accompanying a product, a Point of Sale (POS) structure near the product in a store, or attached to the product itself.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program for recording and playing back content data, method, apparatus and program for playing back content data, and method, apparatus and program for recording content data. The recording and playback apparatus is configured to record content data including a content and play back the content of the content data at a position specified by first relative time information indicating a relative time with respect to a start position of the content. A record start time information generator generates record start time information. A stream playback control table generator generates a stream playback control table associated with a stream resource record in a content data recording unit. Based on the content start time information and the record start time information, a relative time information correction unit corrects relative time information, of a segment to be played back, identified by a metadata manager based on segment metadata.

Abstract: A playback apparatus not only plays back an AV stream recorded on a BD-ROM but also downloads an update kit from a WWW server (500) and writes it on a local HD (12). The AV stream stored in the local HD (12) includes an audio stream for an additional language. A control unit (16) reads the AV stream recorded on the BD-ROM and the AV stream recorded in the local. HD (12) in units of access units. An audio decoder (6) obtains a necessary audio frame from the access units read from the BD-ROM and the local HD (12) and plays it back. A video decoder (4) obtains video data from the access unit read from the BD-ROM and plays it back.

Abstract: An information storage medium on which multi-angle data is recorded includes at least two clips in each of which video object data for an angle of the multi-angle data is recorded. The at least two clips are recorded in contiguous areas of the information storage medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a reception unit which receives broadcast data; a storage unit which, in response to a time shift function being turned on, sequentially stores broadcast data received via the reception unit; and a control unit which, in response to the storage unit being filled with a predefined amount (in time) of broadcast data, generates a file in which broadcast data is stored in time order by deleting least recent broadcast data in the storage unit while storing subsequent broadcast data to most recent broadcast data in the storage unit in a spare storage space of the storage unit next to the most recent broadcast data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image pickup circuit having a plurality of photographic modes, such as television standards, a compression processing circuit for performing compression processing of an image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup circuit, the compression circuit having a plurality of compression modes, and a selecting circuit for selecting one of the compression modes of the compression processing circuit in accordance with a selected one of the photographic modes of the image pickup circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method can test multiple signal channels of a digital video recorder (DVR). Image data are obtained from a storage device and converted the image data to a video signal. The DVR sends the video signal to an image distributor, and generates a selection command to a controller for controlling the image distributor to select a signal channel to be tested. After the video signal is received from the DVR, the image distributor sends the video signal to the selected signal channel. An ID number of the selected signal channel is displayed on a display device when the DVR does not receive the video signal from the selected video channel.

Abstract: An apparatus which easily discriminates 3D (stereoscopic vision) contents from non-3D contents among recorded program contents can be provided. Further, a unit to prohibit unintentional generation of a virtual play list where 3D contents and non-3D contents are mixed can be provided. For these purposes, a 3D flag is recorded in a play list file. Further, upon virtual play list generation, the recorded 3D flag set values are obtained and it is checked whether or not 3D contents and non-3D contents are mixed.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a reproduction control device including: a first receiving module configured to receive addresses of plural respective content data that correspond to each other in substance but are different from each other in usable functions and first function information indicating sets of usable functions of the plural respective content data; a second receiving module configured to receive second function information indicating functions supported by an external device; a selecting module configured to select a function to be used in playing back; and a sending module configured to determine content data that allow the external device to use the selected function according to the first and second function information, and to send an address of the determined content data to the external device.

Abstract: A method and system for storing a video on a storage device are provided. The method includes formatting each image in a plurality of images into a plurality of tiles, the plurality of images being captured as a temporal sequence of images at successive points in time. The method further includes selecting a tile from each image in the temporal sequence of images to obtain a temporal sequence of tiles to generate a video segment; selecting another tile from each image in the temporal sequence of images to obtain another temporal sequence of tiles to generate another video segment; and repeating the selecting a tile from each image in the temporal sequence of images to obtain a plurality of temporal sequences of tiles to generate a plurality of video segments. The obtained plurality of video segments are stored in a file on the storage device.