Other

Videa, LLC

Multi-format, Inc.

Hawk Technology Systems, L.l.c.

Rateze Remote Mgmt LLC

Technicolor Videocassette of Michigan Inc.

S.f. IP Properties 21 LLC

Immotion Imagery Technologies, LLC

S.f. IP Properties 50 LLC

Future Network, Inc.

Barry H Schwab

John G Posa

Kinya Washino

James W Hussey

Video signals are received from multiple sources, including remote sources, and are collected at a central location for viewing and/or storage. The signals are transmitted to a central site as compressed, progressively-scanned streaming video signals, employing data rates in the range of 2-4 Mbps. 24 fps or less is used, and the frame rate may be variable or fixed. The source signal frame rate and image size may be different for each source signal, and the frame rate and image size of the source signal in the format stored may be different from the frame rate and image size in the format displayed. In formats utilizing less than 24 fps progressive scan multi-format, direct streaming is made possible from HDTV (16:9) data, enabling applications utilizing these higher levels of resolution. Application of these formats adjusts streams, enabling a video surveillance system to transmit streams to a remote viewing device.

High-quality, reduced data rate streaming video production and monitoring system

A multi-format digital video production system is capable of maintaining full-bandwidth resolution of subject material while providing professional quality editing and manipulation of images intended for digital television and other applications, including digital HDTV programs and specialized video monitoring applications. This allows emerging broadband video transmission media, including Internet broadcast schemes, to overcome existing technology limitations. The approach facilitates high-quality/large-screen video production and monitoring through the use of conventional broadband channels, including those which currently only exhibit bandwidths on the order of 4 Mbps. In formats utilizing substantially 24 fps progressive scan multi-format system, direct streaming is made possible from HDTV (16:9) high-quality data, thereby expanding market applications which require these higher levels of resolution, bits per pixel, and so forth. For example, these formats are employable to enable a video surveillance system to transmit images and video streams to a remote viewing device.

A multi-format digital video production system is capable of maintaining full-bandwidth resolution of subject material while providing professional quality editing and manipulation of images intended for digital television and other applications, including digital HDTV programs and specialized video monitoring applications. This allows emerging broadband video transmission media, including Internet broadcast schemes, to overcome existing technology limitations. The approach facilitates high-quality/large-screen video production and monitoring through the use of conventional broadband channels, including those which currently only exhibit bandwidths on the order of 4 Mbps. In formats utilizing substantially 24 fps progressive scan multi-format system, direct streaming is made possible from HDTV (16:9) high-quality data, thereby expanding market applications which require these higher levels of resolution, bits per pixel, and so forth.

The perception of a displayed image is altered for viewers moving relative to the position of the display system screen, thereby imparting a sense of three-dimensional immersion in the scene being displayed. A display generator generates a scene having foreground and background elements, and a display screen displaying the scene. A sensor detects the position of a viewer relative to the display screen, and a processor is operative to shift the relative position of the foreground and background elements in the displayed scene as a function of viewer position, such that the viewer's perspective of the scene changes as the viewer moves relative to the display screen. The foreground and background elements may be presented in the form of multiple superimposed graphics planes, and/or a camera may be used to record the scene through panning at sequential angles. The system may be used to implement virtual windows, virtual mirrors and other effects without requiring viewers or users to modify behavior or wear glasses, beacons, etc.

Perspective altering display system

A system for manual or automatic correction of geometric or video image distortions introduced by projection onto obliquely angled or imperfect surfaces. Sensors may be disposed at the projector itself, at the projected image surface, or in a portable remote-control unit. Corrections may be applied as part of an original set-up process, or dynamically as the configuration changes. Image-stabilization techniques are utilized where applicable, as is the use of test patterns and the incorporation of 'helper' signals into the video image. Tactile-sensing capabilities provide an interactive environment, and various packaging configurations for projection units and sensor provisions are disclosed.

Automatic correction of keystone distortion and other unwanted artifacts in projected images

A secure transaction method involves establishing an electronically accessible verification site authorized by the holder of a credit or debit card, and accessing the verification site by a merchant to determine whether a request for goods or services is authorized. The request for goods or services is based upon the use of the credit or debit card, but the card is not physically presented. The verification site is an electronic mail account which may be established by the merchant, card holder or other authorized person or entity. An authorization message is preferably sent from the site to the merchant in response to the step of accessing the verification site by the merchant. The verification site may also be wirelessly accessible, enabling an authorization message to be delivered through a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or other mobile device.

Method for secure transactions utilizing physically separated computers

Improvements to enhance electronic books, particularly improvements having both a viewing and audio enunciation capability are disclosed. A exemplary user control is provided enabling a reader to receive a 'recap' up to a point designated by the reader or, alternatively, allow the reader to 'finish the book' by being provided with a summary, covering the material from a given point to the end. In another example, a pointing device (e.g., a touch pad) is provided along with curser on the display, enabling a reader to click on words for additional information. In still another example, when material of any kind is &#x201c;read&#x201d; to a user, the device may be used to automatically display images on the display screen associated with the material being read. In another example, an electronic book may be provided with a communications link or a short-range radio transmitter, such as a low-power FM transmitter.

Portable communications device

An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

Video input switching and signal processing apparatus

Improvements enhance the use of portable communications devices such as cellular telephones. According to one embodiment, data storage capacity is added to the device, such that if a 'speed-dial' type operation is initiated, the device is operative to announce a pre-recorded message previously associated by the user with that key sequence, such as the number and/or person being dialed. Another feature enables the user to program a series of telephone numbers before in advance. In this way, the user is able to initiate the dialing of the numbers sequentially, without having to select or key in information for each call while driving. Yet another aspect of the invention offers the ability to interact with GPS ('Global Positioning Satellite') information. In some scenarios, it may be advantageous to be able to switch the communications link (say, between different carrier services, such as &#x201c;Air-Touch Cellular&#x201d; or &#x201c;Sprint PCS&#x201d;) as the communications device is moved to different locations. Alternatively, the ability to identify its own location enables the device to respond to inquiries from an external stimulus source, by which the location of the device is transmitted back to the external source.

A projected still or video image is controlled with light generated by a laser pointer, for example. A device with a projector and a display controller projects an image onto a surface, and an image sensor views the projected image. A handheld device outputs a beam of light. A controller receives information from the image sensor regarding the presence or movement of light from the handheld device interacting with the projected image on the surface, and a control function is implemented if the light from the handheld device interacts with the projected image in accordance with a stored predetermined visual interactions such as encircling, 'scratching,' or other movements. The controller may be programmed to recognize light of a specific laser wavelength in conjunction with a control operation.

Video projection apparatus and methods, with image content control

Video switching and signal processing apparatus

A PC-based system for monitoring and storing representative images from video cameras may be utilized for security or other monitoring applications. Camera inputs from digital or analog sources are individually and independently digitized and displayed at a first set of image sizes, sampling rates, and frame rates, and may be stored in digital form on various recording media at a second set of image sizes, sampling rates, and frame rates, and these two sets of sizes and rates may or may not be identical. Provisions are included for adding detection or alarm systems which will automatically alter image size, sampling rate and/or frame rate of an individual input source, or activate other physical responses. In addition to security system monitoring, further applications of the invention are disclosed for process monitoring in manufacturing environments and also for applications in videoconferencing.

Video monitoring and conferencing system

A video indexing system uses pictures representative of a recorded video program to assist a user in determining the contents of a recorded medium without having to view the program itself. The pictures preferably represent segments of the program which are spaced apart in time, enabling a relatively small number of such pictures to characterize a lengthy program, and are presented in separate windows on the screen of the same device used to display the video program. The pictures may include still or moving imagery. A viewer optionally may select a particular picture with a pointing device, to commence replay of the recorded program from that period in the program, or to recall stored audio information so as to assist in identifying the selection. The picture information may be stored on the same medium as that used to record the video program, or a different medium may be used.

Growing community of inventors

West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Barry H Schwab