Showing papers on "Smacker video published in 1996"

Method and apparatus for frame accurate access of digital audio-visual information

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a digital video delivery system is provided. A digital representation of an audio-visual work, such as an MPEG file, is parsed to produce a tag file. The tag file includes information about each of the frames in the audio-visual work. During the performance of the audio-visual work, data from the digital representation is sent from a video pump to a decoder. Seek operations are performed by causing the video pump to stop transmitting data from the current position in the digital representation, and to start transmitting data from a new position in the digital representation. The information in the tag file is inspected to determine the new position from which to start transmitting data. To ensure that the data stream transmitted by the video pump maintains compliance with the applicable video format, prefix data that includes appropriate header information is transmitted by said video pump prior to transmitting data from the new position. Fast and slow forward and rewind operations are performed by selecting video frames based on the information contained in the tag file and the desired presentation rate, and generating a data stream containing data that represents the selected video frames. A video editor is provided for generating a new video file from pre-existing video files. The video editor selects frames from the pre-existing video files based on editing commands and the information contained in the tag files of the pre-existing video files. A presentation rate, start position, end position, and source file may be separately specified for each sequence to be created by the video editor.

Digital watermarking of raw and compressed video

Abstract: Embedding information into multimedia data is a topic that has gained increasing attention recently. For video broadcast applications, watermarking of video, and especially of already encoded video, is interesting. We present a scheme for robust interoperable watermarking of MPEG-2 encoded video. The watermark is embedded either into the uncoded video or into the MPEG-2 bitstream, and can be retrieved from the decoded video. The scheme working on encoded video is of much lower complexity than a complete decoding process followed by watermarking in the pixel domain and re-encoding. Although an existing MPEG-2 bitstream is partly altered, the scheme avoids drift problems. The scheme has been implemented and practical results show that a robust watermark can be embedded into MPEG encoded video which can be used to transmit arbitrary binary information at a data rate of several bytes/second.

An empirical study of secure MPEG video transmissions

Abstract: MPEG (Moving Pictures Expert Group) is an industrial standard for video processing and is widely used in multimedia applications in the Internet. However, no security provision is specified in the standard. We conducted an experimental study of previously proposed selective encryption schemes for MPEG video security. This study showed that these methods are inadequate for sensitive applications. We discuss the tradeoffs between levels of security and computational and compression efficiency.

Video viewing assisting method and a video playback system therefor

Abstract: In order to provided information for helping a viewing user remember the contents of past viewing of a video program, in an easy-to-comprehend form and in as small an information amount as possible, a video terminal device capable of controlling video playback by a controller stores a position of the video program at which it was interrupted by the user. The interrupted position is stored in a video library of a video server. Images representative of a portion from the start or another position of the interrupted video program up to the interrupted position are extracted by a video digest making program. The extracted representative images are represented by a list display based on reduced icons or a digest image. The list or the digest image is displayed before resuming the interrupted video program.

Video stabilization system and method

Abstract: A system (26) for stabilizing a video recording of a scene (20, 22, & 24) made with a video camera (34) is provided. The video recording may include video data (36) and audio (38) data. The system (26) may include source frame storage (64) for storing source video data (36) as a plurality of sequential frames. The system (26) may also include a processor (50) for detecting camera movement occurring during recording and for modifying the video data (36) to compensate for the camera movement. Additionally the system (26) may include destination frame storage (70) for storing the modified video data as plurality of sequential frames.

Apparatus having flexible capabilities for analysis of video information

Abstract: A flexible video information analysis apparatus stores a video information data base and a plurality of moving image content analysis algorithms for analyzing the video information in the data base. A user can manipulate a mouse to select one of the analysis algorithms. The selected algorithm is used to analyze video information in the data base.

Unified program guide interface

Abstract: Analog and digital video signals are each representative of a picture and each may carry program guide information. A demultiplexer has the digital video signal as an input and the program guide information as an output. A demodulator has at least a luminance component of the analog video signal as an input and the program guide information as an output. A microprocessor, a video graphics adapter, the demultiplexer and the demodulator are interconnected by a data bus. Either of the program guide outputs is transferable to the video graphics adapter, which formats a graphics video signal representative of the program guide information. The graphics video signal and a selected one of the video signals are inputs to a multiplexer, which outputs a combined video signal representative of both the program guide information and the picture represented by the selected video signal.

Video receiver display of video overlaying menu

Abstract: A video display, which may be a television receiver with associated set top device, an intelligent television receiver, or a personal computer system enabled for television display, has associated therewith a remote control which controls modification of the visual images displayed. By use of the remote control, a human observer may cause a processor controlling the video display to execute a control program formulated in a particularly concise language and controlling the display of menus and the like. Menus are displayed as overlays onto a live motion video image. A display controller and video reception circuitry cooperating for displaying full motion video visual images occupying a minor portion of a viewable screen area and a menu display occupying a major portion of the screen area.

Video coding : the second generation approach

Abstract: 1 Second Generation Video Coding Techniques L Torres, M Kunt 2 Pixel-Based Video Compression Schemes N Garcia, et al 3 Coding-Oriented Segmentation of Video Sequences F Marqes, et al 4 Coding of Partition Sequences P Salembier, et al 5 Region-Oriented Texture Coding M Gilge 6 Segmentation-Based Motion Estimation for Second Generation Video Coding Techniques F Dufaux, F Moscheni 7 Fractal-Based Image and Video Coding M Gharavi-Alkhansari, TS Huang 8 Model-Based Video Coding K Aizawa 9 A Perceptually Motivated Three-Component Image Model N Farvardin, X Ran 10 Extended Signal-Theoretic Techniques for Very Low Bit-Rate Video Coding H Li, R Forchheimer

Method and apparatus for extracting indexing information from digital video data

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically index the locations of specified events on a video tape. The events, for example, include touchdowns, fumbles and other football-related events. An index to the locations where these events occur are created by using both speech detection and video analysis algorithms. A speech detection algorithm locates specific words in the audio portion data of the video tape. Locations where the specific words are found are passed to the video analysis algorithm. A range around each of the locations is established. Each range is segmented into shots using a histogram technique. The video analysis algorithm analyzes each segmented range for certain video features using line extraction techniques to identify the event. The final product of the video analysis is a set of pointers (or indexes) to the locations of the events in the video tape.

System for delivering compressed stored video data by adjusting the transfer bit rate to compensate for high network load

Abstract: A system for delivering video data comprises a video server (1) including a video database (11) for storing video index information (13) defining a plurality of settings for a transfer bit rate of video data and indicating which data included in original video data (12) the video server should transfer to a client (2) through a network (3) when setting the transfer bit rate to one of the plurality of settings, a video data assembler (14) for extracting data from the original video data by referring to the video data index information so as to set the transfer bit rate to one of the plurality of settings, and for reassembling the extracted data to create video data to be transferred at the set transfer bit rate to the client, while maintaining consistency in contents of the original video data, and a video data delivery unit (15) for delivering a constant amount of data at certain intervals in accordance with the set transfer bit rate in order to transfer the video data reassembled by the video data assembler to the client. Furthermore, the video server comprises a network load sensor (17) for measuring a load imposed on the network.

Simultaneously acquiring video images and analog signals

Abstract: A system provides for simultaneous collection, storage and analysis of an analog signal and video signal. Multiplexes of up to 240 low bandwidth analog channels with a camera video signal is effective. The output is a standard composite video signal containing analog and video data. The combined signals can be stored on videotape, or can be digitized by a framegrabber. The circuitry separates horizontal synchronizing pulses from a camera output. The signal is then multiplexed with the video signal, such that a portion of each video horizontal line represents the analog data. The combined output is stored together, providing a means for synchronizing the two signals during analysis. The design allows easy coordination of animate and inanimate events with video images from a standard video camera. The system also provides for interleaving digitized physiological signals and video images of subjects onto digital media in a standard file format. The system can provide for multimedia communications such as teleconferencing, surveillance systems using video and analog signals and also single cell physical and visible behavior according to changing conditions.

System and method to provide interactivity for a networked video server

Abstract: An interactive video system supports functions typically expected with a VCR such as play, pause, fast forward and rewind. A set top box is coupled to a display terminal and a first interface. The set top box includes a memory for storing an operating system in set top enabling codes. A video dial tone network includes a control channel and a data channel coupled to a second interface linked to the first interface. A first gateway controls establishment of a video session between a video server and the display terminal. A second gateway establishes connection between the video server and the set top box over a data channel in response to an input from the first gateway. An application server coupled to the first gateway and the video server contains executable code for transferring video data, video and audio information from the video server to the display terminal. The application server includes a shared queue coupled to a plurality of application engines and set top boxes and includes program code for multi-tasking operation. The code operates the application engines in response to application tables to provide video transmission as a panel object indicative of the state of set top boxes in a video session.

Personal video capture system including a video camera at a plurality of video locations

Abstract: A personalized video system for acquiring video of an individual consumer as shot at an amusement park or the like and combining those images with standard, preshot video of rides or attractions. The system includes cameras for generating digital video signals of the consumer at several locations on the attraction which are marked by an identification processor with information identifying the particular attractions with the particular consumer and stored in memory. The identifying information and information as to which of several attractions have been frequented by an individual are input by means of a card to a controller. Upon receipt of signals indicating the consumer wishes to receive a completed video, the controller generates command signals for a video assembler to create the final video product inserting the personalized video signals as appropriate in a standard, preshot film.

Dual compression format digital video production system

Abstract: An audio/video production system is implemented on a PC-based platform, preferably utilizing various forms of removable magnetic, optical, or magneto-optical storage media. Specially modified cameras or other sources provide digitally data-compressed audio and video program materials in two formats, a first format having a higher data-compression ratio and intended for use in off-line systems to develop edit decision lists, and a second format having a lower data-compression ratio and intended for use in on-line editing and to produce the final representations of the programs. Off-line editing decisions may thus be developed on a PC using removable storage media, and final representations of the programs may be produced on-line in accordance with stationary-head or rotary-head digital-tape-based formats, such as DAT, 6-mm or 8-mm tapes. In an alternative embodiment, automatic and unattended editing, or extended program playback of more than 40 hours duration of digital video, is available.

Method for automatically providing a compressed rendition of a video program in a format suitable for electronic searching and retrieval

Abstract: A compressed rendition of a video program is provided in a format suitable for electronic searching and retrieval. An electronic pictorial transcript representation of the video program is initially received. The video program has a video component and a second information-bearing media component associated therewith. The pictorial transcript representation includes a representative frame from each segment of the video component of the video program and a portion of the second media component associated with the segment. The electronic pictorial transcript is transformed into a hypertext format to form a hypertext pictorial transcript. The hypertext pictorial transcript is subsequently recorded in an electronic medium.

Multiple codecs for video encoding format compatibility

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and storage medium for processing video data. According to one embodiment, first data encoded in a first high level encoding format and second data encoded in a second high level encoding format are provided. The first data is decoded with a first format decoder of a video subsystem. The second data is decoded with a second format decoder of the video subsystem.

Audio characterization for video indexing

Abstract: The major problem facing video databases is that of content characterization of video clips once the cut boundaries have been determined. The current efforts in this direction are focussed exclusively on the use of pictorial information, thereby neglecting an important supplementary source of content information, i.e. the embedded audio or sound track. The current research in audio processing can be readily applied to create many different video indices for use in Video On Demand (VOD), educational video indexing, sports video characterization, etc. MPEG is an emerging video and audio compression standard with rapidly increasing popularity in multimedia industry. Compressed bit stream processing has gained good recognition among the researchers. We have also demonstrated feature extraction in MPEG compressed video which implements a majority of scene change detection schemes on compressed video. In this paper, we examine the potential of audio information for content characterization by demonstrating the extraction of widely used features in audio processing directly from compressed data stream and their application to video clip classification.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Apparatus for creating individually customized videos

Abstract: A apparatus for creating an individually customized video product from a plurality of video segments uses a central computer and one or more workstations to control the operation of a video file server and video recorders connected thereto. An operator at the workstation enters selection choices into a workstation. The apparatus uses the selection choices to select and order a subset of video segments prestored on the video file server. Each selected video segment is directly related to a selection choice. The selected and ordered subset of video segments are output to a video recorder to make the customized video product.

Apparatus and method for synchronizing audio and video frames in an MPEG presentation system

Abstract: Synchronization of MPEG audio and video presentations is attained by detecting a lack of synchrony between the data presentations and modifying the audio data stream based on the detected lack of synchrony. Synchrony of the MPEG audio and video presentations is monitored by tracking the amount of data transferred to audio and video interfaces over time. Synchronization of MPEG audio and video presentations is achieved in a system in which audio and video interfaces are controlled by separate and independent timing signal generators by tracking the amount of audio and video data output by the respective audio and video interfaces. The amount of audio and video data output by the interfaces is compared and, as a result of the comparison, the audio data stream is modified to restore synchrony. Alternatively, presentation of the video data stream is modified to achieve synchrony.

Video data playback system using effective scheme for producing coded video data for fast playback mode

Abstract: A video data playback system for reproducing requested video data by switching coded video data to be reproduced between normal playback coded video data and fast playback coded video data according to a requested playback mode, where the normal playback coded video data are encoded by a first video coding scheme using both intra-frame coding and inter-frame coding, while the fast playback coded video data are encoded by a second video coding scheme using only intra-frame coding and having a playback bit rate and a frame rate identical to those of the normal playback coded video data. The normal playback coded video data can be obtained by encoding the original video data first, then the fast playback coded video data can be obtained by encoding selectively decoded normal playback coded video data. Alternatively, the normal and fast playback coded video data can be obtained by synchronizing start and end of encoding by the first video coding scheme and encoding by the second video coding scheme.

Video information management system which provides intelligent responses to video data content features

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing and storing video data includes a video camera for generating video data and analysis circuitry for analyzing the video data generated by the video camera to detect a predetermined characteristic of the video data. The apparatus also includes first and second storage devices, and routes the analyzed video data to a selected one of the first and second storage devices in response to detection of the predetermined characteristic of the video data.

A layered DCT coder for Internet video

Abstract: Several compression schemes for Internet video utilize block-based conditional replenishment (CR) where block updates are coded independently of the past. In the current Internet video tools, blocks are compressed with a single-layer representation. We propose a new approach that compresses image blocks using a layered representation. Our layered-DCT (LDCT) compression algorithm, derived from progressive JPEG, has been combined with CR and optimized for efficient software implementation to provide an improved solution for Internet packet video. Although LDCT is constrained to a layered representation, its compression performance is as good or better than the single layer Intra-H.261 and baseline JPEG coding schemes.

RTP Payload Format for JPEG-compressed Video

Abstract: This memo describes the RTP payload format for JPEG video streams. The packet format is optimized for real-time video streams where codec parameters change rarely from frame to frame.

System and method for the mixing of graphics and video signals

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for mixing a plurality of graphics and video signals to create a desired output format, the desired output format being a mixture of the received signals. The mechanisim for achieving this rich format is a multi-modal graphics video overlay controller. The controller having a set of opcodes, selects a subset of the opcode set, this selection being a function of a desired output format of the mixed signals. The subset of opcodes is then utilized to control the means for selectively switching among the received graphics and video signals to create the desired output format. The selective switching is accomplished on a pixel by pixel basis.

System for creating video of an event with a synchronized transcript

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to create a video product with synchronized video and text of an event The video product allows a user to play back a video of the event, while simultaneously viewing the corresponding transcript If an original transcript was made of the event, the video product allows the user to play back the video while also viewing the page and line numbers of the original transcript

Video retrieving method and apparatus

Abstract: The video retrieving method provides a video retrieval man-machine interface which visually specifies a desired video out of many stored videos by using previously linked picture data corresponding to the videos. Also, a video reproduction operating man-machine interface visually designates the position of reproduction out of the picture group indicative of the contents. The video retrieving method employs video data, character information linked to the video data, picture data linked to the videos, and time information corresponding to the picture data in the video data. The character information is composed of a title of each video and a creation date thereof. The picture data include, as retrieval information, one picture data representing the content of the relevant video (one picture expressing the video, i.e., a leaflet or the like), and a plurality of picture data adapted to grasp the contents of the entire video. The time information indicates the temporal position of the picture data in the video data.

Video eavesdropping and reverse assembly to transmit video action to a remote console

Abstract: A computer system having integrated remote console functionality. Cycles intended for a video graphics controller are snooped to acquire the video data or control information contained in the cycle. Analysis is performed on the video data to detect sequential or repetitive operations. The video data is encoded into higher level primitives, if possible. The video data and primitives are held in a first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory until the FIFO reaches a critical level, or a staleness timer times out. Special firmware executed in system management mode reads the FIFO and converts the video data and primitives into conventional ASCII text or the required format. The firmware also maintains a copy of the video frame buffer to further encode the video data, if possible. The firmware then transmits the conventional ASCII text via a modem to a user stationed at a remote computer system.

Visual content highlighting via automatic extraction of embedded captions on MPEG compressed video

Abstract: Embedded captions in TV programs such as news broadcasts, documentaries and coverage of sports events provide important information on the underlying events. In digital video libraries, such captions represent a highly condensed form of key information on the contents of the video. In this paper we propose a scheme to automatically detect the presence of captions embedded in video frames. The proposed method operates on reduced image sequences which are efficiently reconstructed from compressed MPEG video and thus does not require full frame decompression. The detection, extraction and analysis of embedded captions help to capture the highlights of visual contents in video documents for better organization of video, to present succinctly the important messages embedded in the images, and to facilitate browsing, searching and retrieval of relevant clips.

System and method for displaying a video menu

Abstract: An interactive video menu system provides an economical method for the storage, transmission, and reception of data necessary for interactive video sessions, which allows high-resolution images to be broadcast to end users along with all the control information necessary to display and navigate through these images. A simple interpretive script is run on the end user's device which traps the broadcast information and allows rapid response time and control of the interactive session without requiring expensive high-bandwidth facilities. Buffer equalized coding is used so that still, picture-in-a-still; and moving video images can be compressed at rates below those typically used with the MPEG-2 standard and continuously transmitted as video backgrounds in a seamless loop saving bandwidth without degradation in video quality. Data that instructs the end-user device how to display the video backgrounds and what foreground text to overlay on the video backgrounds is broadcast simultaneously in the bit stream This creates the appearance of a dedicated connection to the server while minimizing bandwidth and equipment cost and complexity.