Multi-format audio/video production system with frame-rate conversion
DCFirst Claim
1. A multi-format audio/video production system adapted for use with a display device, comprising:
- an input to receive a signal representative of an audio/video program in one of a plurality of display formats;
high-capacity video storage means including an asynchronous program recording and reproducing capability;
an operator control; and
a graphics processor in communication with the input, the high-capacity video storage means, and the operator control, enabling a user to perform the following functions;
(a) convert the display format of the audio/video program received through the input into an intermediate production format,(b) perform a frame-rate conversion of the audio/video program received through the input means using the asynchronous recording and reproducing capability associated with the high-capacity video storage means, and(c) output a program having a display format or frame rate different than that of the audio/video program received through the input.
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Litigations
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Accused Products
Abstract
An audio/video production system facilitates professional quality image manipulation and editing. A program input may be translated into any of a variety of graphics or television formats, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM and HDTV, and stored as data-compressed images, using any of several commercially available methods such as Motion JPEG, MPEG, etc. While being processed, the images may be re-sized to produce a desired aspect ratio or dimensions using conventional techniques such as pixel interpolation, and signals within the video data stream optionally may be utilized to control "pan/scan" operations at a receiving video display unit, in case this unit does not have the same aspect ratio as the source signal. Other information may be utilized to. restrict playback of the program material based on predetermined regional or geographical criteria. Frame rate conversion to and from conventional formats is performed by using the prevailing techniques employed for film-to-NTSC and film-to-PAL transfers, or by inter-frame interpolation, all well known in the art, or by reproduction of the program at a selected non-standard frame rate, optionally combined with these prevailing techniques. By judicious selection of the optimal digitizing parameters, the system allows a user to establish an inter-related family of aspect ratios, resolutions, and frame rates, yet remain compatible with currently available and planned graphics and television formats.
172 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A multi-format audio/video production system adapted for use with a display device, comprising:
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an input to receive a signal representative of an audio/video program in one of a plurality of display formats; high-capacity video storage means including an asynchronous program recording and reproducing capability; an operator control; and a graphics processor in communication with the input, the high-capacity video storage means, and the operator control, enabling a user to perform the following functions; (a) convert the display format of the audio/video program received through the input into an intermediate production format, (b) perform a frame-rate conversion of the audio/video program received through the input means using the asynchronous recording and reproducing capability associated with the high-capacity video storage means, and (c) output a program having a display format or frame rate different than that of the audio/video program received through the input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A multi-format audio/video production system forming part of a general-purpose computer platform having a user input and a color display, the system comprising:
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means to receive an input video program in one of a plurality of input formats; high-capacity video storage means; means to convert the input program into a 24 frames-per-second (fps) production format, if necessary, for storage within the high-capacity video storage means and for review on the color display; means to convert the production format into one or more of the following output formats, either directly from the input receiving means or from the storage means; NTSC at 30 fps, PAL/SECAM at 25 fps, HDTV at 25 fps, HDTV at 30 fps, film-compatible video at 24 fps, and film-compatible video at 30 fps; and asynchronous program recording and reproducing capabilities to provide a program in an output format having a frame rate greater than 24 per second. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. In an enhanced personal computer having a color monitor, the method of producing a video program, comprising the steps of:
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receiving an input video program; converting the input video program into a production format having a predetermined frame rate and image dimension in pixels; providing a high-capacity video storage means equipped with an asynchronous program recording and reproducing capability to perform a frame-rate conversion; manipulating the video program in the production format using the high-capacity video storage means on a selective basis to output an edited version of the program having a desired frame rate and image dimensions in pixels which may be different from those of the production format. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification