Wide-band multi-format audio/video production system with frame-rate conversion
DCFirst Claim
1. A method of producing a video program, comprising the steps of:
- receiving an input video program in an input format;
converting the input video program into a digital production format by sampling the input program at a sampling frequency in excess of 18 megahertz;
providing high-capacity digital video storage means equipped with an asynchronous program recording and reproducing capability to perform a frame-rate conversion; and
processing the video program in the production format using the high-capacity video storage means on a selective basis to output a version of the video program having a desired frame rate and image dimensions in pixels.
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Litigations
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Accused Products
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. The step of converting the signal to a HDTV format is preferably performed using a modified upconversion process for wideband signals (utilizing a higher sampling clock frequency) and a resizing to HDTV format frame dimensions in pixels. The present invention thus encourages production at relatively low pixel dimensions to make use of lower-cost general-purpose technology and to maintain high signal-to-noise ratio, and then subsequently expands the resultant image into a so-called up-converted program. This is in contrast to alternative approaches, which recommend operating at HDTV-type resolution, then down-converting, as necessary, to smaller image formats.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method of producing a video program, comprising the steps of:
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receiving an input video program in an input format;
converting the input video program into a digital production format by sampling the input program at a sampling frequency in excess of 18 megahertz;
providing high-capacity digital video storage means equipped with an asynchronous program recording and reproducing capability to perform a frame-rate conversion; and
processing the video program in the production format using the high-capacity video storage means on a selective basis to output a version of the video program having a desired frame rate and image dimensions in pixels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of producing an enhanced definition video program, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a standard definition television (SDTV) program from a source having a resolution capability of 600 or more lines;
converting the input video program into a digital production format by sampling the input program at a sampling frequency in excess of 18 megahertz;
providing high-capacity digital video storage means equipped with an asynchronous program recording and reproducing capability to perform a frame-rate conversion;
storing the program in data compressed form; and
processing the program in the production format to output an enhanced definition version of the program having a desired frame rate and image dimensions in pixels. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification