A man extraction method for video phone use has been studied. Extracting a man and fading back ground realize effective image data compression and automatic control of camera angle or zoom ratio. A man extraction algorithm consisting of three steps, man detection, man area prediction and setting extracting conditions, has been devised. The man extraction algorithm showed satisfactory result with 85% accuracy.

View full abstract

A new video camera FV7 is developed, which converts photographic images, such as 35mm negative or positive transparent film images and photographic print images, to video images on TV monitors. The outlines and some key technologies of the camera are described.

View full abstract

We have developed a new method of adaptive gradation correction for the video camera. A variable and nonlinear gamma characteristic is applied to input image depending on the luminance distribution. We have established the decision rule of the gamma characteristic using the learning algorithms of neural networks. The effect of our new method is 10 dB expansion of the dynamic range.

View full abstract

This paper shows the new features and easy-operations applied to CCD-TR11(8mm video camera, released Oct. 94). About the new features, solar light aided CEVF, 3 microphone audio system and improvement of color quality. About easy-operations, setting menu mode used by dial key and less electric power consumption of the set. We'd like to improve further performances and operations on our next products.

View full abstract

This paper describes new signal processing methods for MUSE Decoder. These methods improve picture quality, especially moving pictures. In order to achieve these improvements, we have developed a new 7(line)X7(dot)2-D filter and a Transient compensation method which restores contour by increasing contour gradients. Further we have developed a precise motion detector using wide bandwidth 1 frame difference. These signal processing methods are used at Phase 2 Hi-Vision receiver.

View full abstract

In this paper, the development of the prototype of 2nd generation EDTV(EDTV-II) decoder is described. We examined the system composition as the decoder for the public welfare and took the composition which used SVP(Scan-line Video Processor) for main part of the decipherment circuit. Consequently, it was possible to realize by the scale by which building into television set. In addition, a fair result was obtained about the performance because of the confirmation by the image.

View full abstract

Wide television with the aspect ration control function has been spreading in Japan. However, previously a user had to change the aspect of wide television according to pictures. Therefore, we have developed a system which detect the aspect ratio of various video signals and control it automatically. It consists of an aspect detection LSI, analysis CPU and an aspect control LSI.

View full abstract

We developed an IC, which contains a micro processor and can process various kind of signal format and display format. Horizontal and vertical variable subsampling filters are employed. An originally developed micro processor controls the display timing.

View full abstract

Due to recent DBS popularity, DBS receivers are being incorporated into TV and VTR systems, requiring them to be compact and low cost. We changed the process of the QPSK demodulation from analog to digital. This made it possible to construct this system using CMOS technology. In addition, we incorporated a PCM decoder, digital filter and a DA converter on the same chip. We successfully reduced the number of external components and the total cost.

View full abstract

By transmitting color information in a device-independent standard color space, it is possible to connect any device to any other devices without color correction and to transmit color information precisely. One possible method of achieving the transformation from device-dependent color space to a standard color space as well as the inverse transformation from the standard color space to a device-dependent color space, is to use a 3D LUT in conjunction with linear interpolation. However, the conventional method has a problem of accumulated transformation errors due to repeated transmissions. This paper presents a high-precision color transformation method whose precision of individual transmission has been improved so as to withstand repeated transmissions.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

In this paper, we describe Provisional Standard of Compact Interface for AV service(CI) enacted by EIAJ, and test tool for verification, which provides environment of Easy-Conformance-Test. CI is considerably compatible with EIAJ ET-2102(HBS) and IEC-1030, but its important concept is easy to take in for conventional AV equipment which is cost sensitive.

View full abstract

CD-R media are enjoying popularity because of the compatibility with CD's, its reasonable cost and the large data capacity. We introduced the newly developed quadruple-speed (4x) CD-ROM writer which can read and write a CD-R disc according to the CD-ROM format four times the speed of the conventional one. The writer is built in our 500disc CD-ROM changer mechanism. This paper summarizes key technologies associated with the quadruple-speed CD-R recording and CD-ROM writer system.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

The MPEG2 standard is expected to be the most promising method for encoding/coding motion pictures of the next-generation digital video discs (DVD). Recently we have developed a variable frame rate method for the DVD systems. In this method the compression efficiency of the information recorded into the discs is extremely improved by not only changing the encoding rate but also the frame rate at the same time. The scheme for realizing variable frame rate is that, when recorded, the data corresponding to appropriate flames of the moving pictures are deleted and, when reconstructed, the frames before the deleted frames are repeatedly read out.

View full abstract

This paper describes a study on the bitrate of the video bitstream for the digital video disk player (DVD) and recorder (VDR). The number of bits generated in the picture depends on the global and local characteristics of the image. Therefore we propose that the bitrate of the video bitstream should be variable according to the sequence or the program. Furthermore we have performed the simulation trial in order to improve the quality of the picture coded by real-time encoder such as VDR. The result of our simulation trial shows that the modification of the rate control improves the quality of the reconstructed picture.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

We have developed a new tension control technology without a tension sensor for VCR, which had a direct-drive reel motor. This technology can reduce the tension fluctuation by detecting the period of reel FG. We have realized a smaller mechanism and a lower cost by using the technology.

View full abstract

The home-use digital VCR is required to realize a higher picture / sound quality, longer recording time, and digital functions like the dubbing. Authors have developed a small deck mechanism for 1/4 inch digital camcorder newly. In this mechanism, following features are realized. (1) The new tape transport system suitable for the thin metal evaporated tape. (2) The small drum suitable for the high density recording and the wide band transmission. (3) The mechanical noise reduction technology to lower the noise caused by the high speed rotation drum.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

In VCRs which record FM signals, it is well known that SNR is improved by emphasizing lower sidebands or suppressing upper sidebands of playback FM signals. SNR is sacrificed, however, for keeping inversions margin by a conventional equalizer whose characteristic is fixed. We have developed the "dynamic equalizer" that selects a proper equalizer among several ones every sampling point according to a state of playback FM signal. We have been able to improve SNR without generating inversions.

View full abstract

2nd generation SVHS digital signal processing system has been developed. This system consists of three chips, luminance signal processor, chrominance signal processor and analog interface IC. Characteristic of these two LSIs is the system that contains one ADC, two DACs and peripheral processors, for example Y/C separator and Sub-Emphasis as luminance processor, in a chip. And we have developed three dimensional signal processor that can connect with 2nd generation system at the digital signal. This paper describes the system constitution and signal processing algorithm of luminance, chrominance and three dimensional signal processors.

View full abstract