Abstract: A method annotates information of video streams to enable their subsequent trick mode presentation. Annotations are performed while simultaneously storing the one or more video programs and further in concert while decoding and displaying the one or more video programs.

Abstract: An image-processing apparatus is configured to read encoded video data from a recording medium, decode the encoded video data, and re-encode the decoded video data. Further, the image-processing apparatus is configured to record information about a viewing-operation-history relating to the encoded video data and determine a target bit rate of the re-encoding based on the information about the viewing-operation-history. An image-processing method includes reading encoded video data from a recording medium, decoding the encoded video data, detecting information about a viewing-operation history relating to the encoded video data, re-encoding decoded video data obtained at the decoding step, and determining a target bit rate of the re-encoding performed at the encoding step based on the information about the viewing-operation-history.

Abstract: A method for controlling playback of video data on a first device (12) by a second device (13) is disclosed, which includes, at the level of the second device, presenting an image corresponding to a section of the video data; and in response to a change of the presentation status of the image, transmitting a command to the first device to adapt the playback status of the section of video data on the first device as a function of the change of the presentation status of the image.

Abstract: A media system and method for distributed trick play resolution using user preferences. The method of distributed trick play resolution in a distributed media group network, includes: determining trick play preferences at each of a plurality of peer nodes in the distributed media group network with respect to a media item; and resolving conflicting trick play preferences between the peer nodes based on the determined trick play preferences. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus is provided, which is provided with a recording medium, a image processing unit, a display, and a controlling unit. The recording medium stores plural continuous image frames of one scene. The image processing unit adds and combines a predetermined number of image frames among the plural image frames stored in the recording medium to successively produce image frames H for reproduction. The display switches the image frames for reproduction at a reproducing frame rate to reproduce a moving image. The controlling unit sets the number of image frames to be added and combined by the image processing unit in accordance with a reproducing speed of the moving image, whereby the moving image is reproduced with noises reduced at various reproducing speeds.

Abstract: In a record/playback apparatus, if playback of image data is stopped, recording information relating to a stop point at which the playback of the image data is stopped and generating image data playback control information that specifies a playback resume point based on the stop point at which the playback of the image data is stopped. When the image data is recorded onto another recording medium, the playback control information is recorded together with the image data as resume information, thereby providing a user-friendly resume playback function.

Abstract: When a user issues a bookmark setup instruction, bookmark information, which includes identification information for a reproduction point whereat video and audio data for currently reproduced content are recorded, identification information for the pertinent content and position information indicating the current reproduction point are generated and stored in a storage unit. And when a user issues a bookmark display instruction, the bookmark information is read from the storage unit and a list of bookmarks is displayed. When one of the bookmarks on the list is selected and its reproduction is instructed, a command is transmitted to a reproduction apparatus, indicated in bookmark information that corresponds to the selected bookmark, to reproduce content, indicated in the bookmark information, beginning at a reproduction point designated in the bookmark information.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: A variable speed reproduction is accomplished without sacrifice of picture quality. A controller 425 creates EP_map( ) in a clip information file with an address of RAPI extracted by an RAPI information extraction unit 423, PTS of an intra-picture immediately preceded by RAPI, and one of end positions of the intra-picture and second, third, and fourth reference pictured preceded by the intra-picture and stores EP_map( ) to an output server 426. In other words, the controller 425 copies a value close to a predetermined sector count (the number of sectors that can be read at a time in the encode process) of the end positions of the four reference pictures (1stRef_picture, 2ndRef_picture, 3rdRef_picture, and 4thRef_picture) to N-th_Ref_picture_copy, decides index_minus1 based on N-th_Ref_picture_copy and records it on a disc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, providing a transport stream including a video stream that comprises a sequence of pictures corresponding to a video program, each of the pictures of the sequence uniquely associated with one of k successive tiers, where k is a non-negative integer number starting with a lowest tier number; and providing personal video recording assist (PVRA) information in the transport stream at a location corresponding to each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a first tier and each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a second tier different than the first tier, the PVRA information comprising an indication of a first tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the first tier and a second tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the second tier, the pictures corresponding to the first tier number decodable independently of the pictures corresponding to the second tier number.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing video with embedded media are disclosed. An example method includes dividing an image comprising a number of pixels into a number of portions, each portion including less than all of the pixels of the image, and blending respective ones of the portions with different video frames of a stream of video frames comprising a host presentation, wherein the media reaches a discernibility threshold when the host presentation is played at an accelerated rate.

Abstract: A first input signal, which has a first playback sequence, is resequenced based upon a characteristic of a second input signal. The resequencing occurs analyzing the characteristic in the second input signal, and modifying the first playback sequence of the first input signal based upon the analysis of the characteristic to generate a second playback sequence. Finally, a third signal is output using the second playback sequence.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a playback speed information acquiring module and a video signal output module. The playback speed information acquiring module is configured to acquire information relating to a playback speed of video. The video signal output module is configured to perform 3D depth estimation processing on the video according to the acquired information relating to the playback speed of the video and to output a video signal that is subjected to the 3D depth estimation processing.

Abstract: A system for playing digital video at varying playback speeds can include a fetcher module configured to retrieve encoded pictures from a data store and an allocator module configured to selectively delete encoded pictures from an input cache. The system further can include a decoder module and an output cache module. The decoder module can decode pictures received from the input cache. The output cache module can store a plurality of decoded pictures and provide selected ones of the pictures as output. Pictures are processed within each of the modules according to a priority corresponding to each picture.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention disclose a method for fast forward/backward play of video data includes: obtaining fast forward/backward index information that meets a fast forward/backward play request from a pre-generated fast forward/backward sequence index file according to the fast forward/backward play request from a client; and obtaining video data that meets the fast forward/backward play request from a pre-generated fast forward/backward sequence file according to the index information and transmitting the video data to the client via a network. An embodiment of the present invention also discloses a streaming server. With the method and streaming server provided by the present invention, the fast forward/backward video data reading efficiency of the streaming server may be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and operation control method thereof: A mobile communication terminal according to the present invention comprises: an input unit having at least one searching keys specified for a section search of multimedia data; and a controller allocating the searching keys to predetermined reproducing positions of the multimedia data, respectively, and controlling reproducing time points of the multimedia data to be moved to reproducing positions allocated to the searching key if the searching keys are input. The present invention uses the searching keys specified for the section search upon reproducing the multimedia data to rapidly perform the section search, making it possible to easily use products regarding a mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A system records an AV stream composed of a plurality of record units (RUs) containing independently reproducible video units (VUs) of at least video or audio and program information (Movie atom) managing the AV stream, onto a recording medium. The program information contains a piece of information (Edit list atom) that manages a point of junction between the record units or between AV streams. In decoding the AV stream, decoding is halted or decoders are switched at the point of junction, based on the management information on the points of junction, for example.

Abstract: A method for operating a data reproduction device enables users to resume reproduction of audio and/or video content across different devices of the same or different type. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of receiving first index data from a different data reproduction device wherein the first index data indicates a first position in content in a first format and the content includes at least one of audio and video data, determining a second position in the content in a second format using the first index data, and enabling reproduction of the content in the second format beginning from the second position.

Abstract: A method for implementing trick mode functionality includes storing a video stream and information related to the video stream in memory, receiving a request for a trick mode operation, decoding a plurality of undecoded dependent frames to create a decoded frame, and outputting the decoded frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to indicating different video playback rates. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes providing a user interface for a digital video editing system, the user interface including a graphical representation of playback time for a sequence of digital video; receiving input specifying a change in playback rate for the sequence of digital video; and showing the change in playback rate, the showing including providing marks along the graphical representation of playback time for the sequence of digital video; wherein the marks include different shapes to represent at least two different playback rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a playback apparatus, a method, and a program which can appropriately perform jump playback when content transmitted through a network is played back in real time. A terminal 3 receives stream data transmitted from a server 1, buffers the stream data, and plays back the buffered data. The terminal 3 has multiple buffers to allow content data of the positions of jump destinations that can be specified as a jump destination during jump playback to be pre-buffered in the multiple buffers. As a result, upon receiving a request for jump playback, the terminal 3 can start playback from a jump destination without delay, since the data of the jump destination has already been buffered. The present invention is applied to, for example, television receivers.

Abstract: A video display apparatus adapted to be connected to a video playback apparatus having a first frame rate conversion unit configured to convert a frame rate of video data, includes a second frame rate conversion unit configured to convert a frame rate of the video data which is input from the video playback apparatus, and a control unit configured to control and associate operations in the first frame rate conversion unit and the second frame rate conversion unit in response to a request for performing a trick playback of the video data.

Abstract: Interacting with a television program includes beginning playback of the program for perception by a user, analyzing the program to detect a cue within the program, automatically pausing playback of the program when the cue is detected, accepting user input data in response to the cue, resuming playback of the program when the user input data is received, and comparing the user input data to a non-user response. Interactivity provided by the program analysis, pausing playback, accepting user input data, resuming playback, and comparing operations supports execution of at least one of an entertainment application and an educational application at a user's site without requiring modification of the television program by a program provider.

Abstract: A method for transmitting frames of fast trick mode video commences by detecting whether a frame of the fast trick video constitute an I-frame, and if so, then replacing the I frame with a dummy B-frame to maintain a target bandwidth. If the frame of video trick mode data constitutes at least one of a B or P frame, then that frame and the frame(s) predicted by the at least one B or P frame is replaced with a dummy B-frame.

Abstract: In a video server, rate information showing a bit rate in encoding input video data from a recording line is stores on a recording medium together with encoded data, and a reproduction speed is controlled in accordance with the rate information so that the higher the bit rate is in preview-reproducing, the lower the reproduction speed becomes.

Abstract: Aspects of performing smooth backwards playback in a DVD system are described. The aspects include reconstructing frame data for every frame in a set of frames of an original playback, the set of frames preceding a currently displayed frame. Further included is the utilization of at least seven frame buffers to store frame data during the reconstructing step. The reconstructed frame data is then displayed in reverse order of the original playback for the set of frames.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) enabled set-top box (STB) may be operable to store an advertisement and associated playback control information received from a media provider into a storage device in the PVR enabled STB, schedule the stored advertisement for viewing based on the associated playback control information. The PVR enabled STB may be operable to insert the stored advertisement into media content for one or more times based on the scheduling. The PVR enabled STB may be operable to cause display of the stored advertisement and the media content in different transport formats. At a forward/reverse playback position during a PVR playback, the PVR enabled STB may be operable to cause display of the stored advertisement when a play count associated with the stored advertisement is less than a count threshold at the forward/reverse playback position.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting a picture of a video program for display in accordance with a selected trick play mode of a DVR are described herein. Sometimes, when desired playback speed is faster than normal, a DVR is forced to select some pictures to play and some pictures to skip. Ideally, in order to preserve “smooth” viewing quality, the next picture to be displayed should be temporally close to the currently displayed picture. Since some pictures can take longer to decode than others, accounting for picture decoding costs helps ensure that the best picture can be selected for decoding given playback speed requirements. According to one embodiment of the invention, for each picture of a plurality of pictures in a video data stream, a DVR determines a decoding cost for that picture. Based on the determined costs, the DVR selects a particular picture. The DVR outputs the selected picture for display.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is for a DVD on which a TS-VOB, and pieces of playback path information each showing a playback path of the TS-VOB are recorded. When extended control with various contents can be executed by an apparatus at the time of playback, an extended attribute section in which extended control is valid is specified in accordance with the contents of the extended control. When an extended attribute section is to be uniformly specified for playback paths of the TS-VOB, a section marker for specifying a location of the extended attribute section of the TS-VOB is generated in VOB information. When an extended attribute section is to be individually specified for one playback path, a section marker specifying a location of the extended attribute section of the playback path is generated in PGC information. The generated VOB information and PGC information are written to the DVD.

Abstract: A system modifies video by embedding portions of media, such as subsets of image pixels, in video frames. When the video is played at normal speed, the media is not discernible. However, when the video is played at an accelerated rate in the forward or reverse direction, the portions of images embedded in video frames coalesce into discernible media. The embedded media may be simple text, images, video, audio, or other media. The system may also evaluate base videos as well as insertion media using neuro-response measurements to determine how and what type of media to embed. The media may be embedded in real-time or near real-time into video for delivery to a user for playback on devices such as digital video recorders, computer systems, software and hardware players, cable boxes, etc.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and products for administering a time-shifting cache in a media playback device are disclosed, where the media playback device receives from a digital media provider a digital media stream of digital media content and administering the time-shifting cache includes caching the digital media content of the digital media stream in the time-shifting cache; dynamically identifying one or more non-preferred segments of the cached digital media content; and managing the time-shifting cache in dependence upon the identified non-preferred segments.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for selecting which videos to recommend to users by predicting the degree to which recommending each video will satisfy certain goals. To make the predictions, a trained machine learning engine is fed both collaborative filtering parameter values and content-based filtering parameter values. In the case of video-to-video recommendations, the collaborative filtering parameter values may be based on a video pair that includes a video in which a user has already demonstrated an interest. The machine learning engine generates a machine-learning score for each video. The machine learning scores are used as the basis for selecting which videos to recommend to a particular user.

Abstract: A number of cameras capture a scene and send corresponding video sub-streams to an acquisition PC. Each sub-stream is made up of a plurality of sub-frames. The acquisition PC sends the sub-streams over a network to a playback PC. The playback PC stores each sub-frame in a queue corresponding to an associated sub-stream. For each sub-stream the playback PC calculates a sub-stream average period to produce a plurality of sub-stream average periods. It then calculates a composite average period by averaging the plurality of sub-stream average periods, and calculates a playback frame rate as a reciprocal of the composite average period. The playback PC then reads the sub-frames from their corresponding queue in synchronism with the calculated playback frame rate to display the plurality of sub-streams.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a memory may receive digital video data containing a first I frame and a second I frame with a plurality of P frames located between the I frames. The I frames each include a first timestamp. A processor may determine a subset of the P frames to be played in a trick mode along with the first I frame and the second I frame based on the number of P frames included in the plurality of P frames and the desired playback speed.

Abstract: A method for viewing a collection of images or videos, includes analyzing the collection to determine properties of the images or videos and using the determined properties to produce icons corresponding to such properties; providing a time-varying display of the images or videos in the collection following an ordering of the images or videos in the collection and at least one of the corresponding icons; receiving a user selection of an icon; and changing the display of the images or videos in the collection following a reordering of the images or videos in the collection in response to the user selection.

Abstract: A data output apparatus is provided. The data output apparatus includes a playback unit and an audio processing unit. The playback unit may carry out playback of data at 2× speed from a tape-shaped recording medium, on which has been recorded video data with a field frequency of 59.94 Hz and audio data with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, by playing back video data in odd-numbered fields and audio data corresponding thereto and video data in even-numbered fields and audio data corresponding thereto in parallel. The audio processing unit may write the audio data corresponding to the odd-numbered fields and the audio data corresponding to the even-numbered fields played back in parallel in the playback unit into a memory, read out the audio data from the memory at 96 kHz in order of the corresponding fields, and output the audio data to dual-link HD-SDI transmitters.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus that can be connected to a video playback apparatus includes an input unit configured to input video data from the video playback apparatus, an interpolation unit configured to generate interpolated frame image data of input video data, and an output unit configured to output the interpolated frame image data as interpolated video data, wherein the interpolation unit generates different interpolated frame image data according to a playback mode of the video playback apparatus.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus, for recording/reproducing video content comprises a recording/reproducing portion, which is configured to record the video content into a recording medium, and to reproduce the video content recorded in the recording medium, wherein determination is made if video content to be reproduced at high-speed includes video content or not, which can be displayed in 3D, when reproducing the video content recorded in the recording medium at the high-speed, and upon basis of that determination, a method of high-speed reproduction is changed.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide personal video recording trick modes are provided. In one example, a method that provides a trick mode in a personal video recording system may include the steps of receiving a transport stream; storing data from the transport stream in a data storage; generating index table using the data from the transport stream; receiving a trick mode command; and accessing, based on the trick mode command, particular data in the data storage using the index table.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect a time-shift event associated with the presentation of media content are disclosed. A disclosed system generates a first metering event representative of a first time period in which a program was continuously presented and a second metering event representative of a second time period in which a program was continuously presented. A time-shift detector receives the first and second metering events and calculates a presentation gap value and a broadcast time jump value. The time-shift detector compares the presentation gap value and the broadcast time jump value to determine whether a pause event, a fast forward event or a rewind event occurred.

Abstract: The invention enables the apparent display rate of an audiovisual display to be varied. The invention can modify an original set of audio data in accordance with a target display rate, then modify a related original set of video data to conform to the modifications made to the audio data set, such that the modified audio and video data sets are synchronized. When the modified audio and video data sets so produced are used to generate an audiovisual display, the audiovisual display has an apparent display rate that approximates the target display rate. The target display rate can be faster or slower than a normal display rate at which an audiovisual display system generates an audiovisual display from the original sets of audio and video data. The target display rate can be established solely by a user instruction, by analysis of the audiovisual data, or by modification of a user-specified nominal target display rate based upon analysis of the audiovisual data.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a moving image including: an acquiring section which acquires moving image data of an object imaged at a predetermined imaging frame rate; an identifying section which applies a predetermined analysis process to the moving image data and identifies a first frame image among a plurality of first frame images and second frame images constituting the moving image data, wherein the first frame images are to be reproduced in slow motion, and the second frame images are frame images other than the first frame images; and a processor which performs a frame-number reduction process to reduce the number of the second frame images at a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for viewing video content while dynamically switching between multiple viewing modes that present the video content at different levels of abridgment. While video content is playing in one viewing mode, input may be received to play the video content in another viewing mode. One of the viewing modes may present the video content in a more condensed form than the other viewing mode does, so that when switching from one viewing mode to another viewing mode, a more abridged or less abridged version of the video content may be presented. One of the viewing modes may be a full presentation mode that shows a complete, unabridged version of the video content, while the other of the viewing modes may play a condensed version of the video content.

Abstract: A method of scrolling or fast-forwarding/rewind includes enabling a fast forwarding/rewind mode of a device to review a file, activating an input device to change a fast forwarding/rewind speed at a first rate, and activating the input device at least one subsequent time to change the fast forwarding/rewind speed at a second rate that is different from the first.

Abstract: A graphic user interface is provided to facilitate a playback of a movie from any desired point. The graphic user interface includes a track bar to reflect how much time data pertaining to the movie title is available for playback. After it is determined that a current data point is being dragged along the track bar, a time corresponding to the current data point is tracked as such a subsequent playback of the movie starts right from the current data point. In one embodiment, dragging the current data point along the track bar is achieved by a scroll wheel.

Abstract: A television personal computer 40, when saving video data 43 by recording a video content, extracts a section containing a predetermined type of scene from within the video content, and displays, when instructed to reproduce the video data, a picture framing area and a time line. The time line includes blocks specifying the section containing the predetermined type of scene together with this type of scene, and an indicator indicating a reproducing point is displayed on the time line.

Abstract: A method of reproducing a video image is provided. The method includes reproducing a video image in a three-dimensional (3D) manner, being requested to reproduce the video image at an Nx playback speed (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), and in response to the request, reproducing the video image at the Nx playback speed. The reproducing of the video image at the Nx playback speed comprises includes reproducing the video image at the Nx playback speed in a two-dimensional (2D) manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing smooth visual search of media encoded for adaptive bitrate streaming using trick play streams are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes requesting and buffering portions of video from at least one of the alternative streams using a playback device, decoding the buffered portions of video using a decoder on the playback device, receiving at least one user instruction directing the playback device to perform a visual search of the media, requesting and buffering portions of video from the trick play stream using the playback device, and decoding the buffered portions of the trick play stream using a decoder on the playback device.

Abstract: Provided is a video reproduction method with a less difference between a target speed and an actual speed, when fast forward reproduction or fast rewind reproduction is performed on reproduction units consisting of a plurality of connected video units. When the video units are switched, in fast forward reproduction, as an elapsed jump time duration, a difference between a reproduction time of a last displayed picture in a source video unit and an end time of the source video unit is calculated (S104), then, as a remaining jump time duration, a value is calculated by subtracting the calculated elapsed jump time duration from the jump time duration corresponding to the designated speed (S105), then, as a reproduction start time, a time is calculated by adding the calculated remaining time duration to a start time of a destination video unit (S106), and the video is reproduced from the reproduction start time.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.