Picture-based video indexing system
DCFirst Claim
1. A video indexing method, comprising the steps of:
- recording a video program having a sequence of images;
separately storing information representative of a subset of the images, the image subset representing segments of the program which are separated in time; and
displaying images from the subset in separate windows on a display device as a way of identifying the contents of the video program, at least one of the windows displaying a segment including motion imagery.
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Abstract
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.
45 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A video indexing method, comprising the steps of:
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recording a video program having a sequence of images;
separately storing information representative of a subset of the images, the image subset representing segments of the program which are separated in time; and
displaying images from the subset in separate windows on a display device as a way of identifying the contents of the video program, at least one of the windows displaying a segment including motion imagery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
storing audio information in conjunction with an image of the subset;
user-selecting a displayed image from the subset; and
replaying the stored audio information corresponding to the selected image.
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5. The method of claim 1, further including the step of analyzing the video program to ensure that the separately stored image information contains subject matter from the video program.
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6. A picture-based video indexing system configured for use with a video recorder and display device, the system comprising:
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an input for receiving a video program to be recorded by the video recorder;
means for deriving pictures representative of time-separated segments of the program;
means for storing the pictures; and
means for displaying the stored pictures on the display device, including one or more segments containing motion imagery to provide an index of the recorded video program. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22)
a picture memory storing information representative of groups of images associated with each time-spaced period of the program;
a frame buffer in communication with the picture memory and display device;
video display generation means for outputting the contents of the frame buffer to the display device in the form of a video signal; and
means for periodically updating the frame buffer with individual images from a particular group to convey motion.
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15. The picture-based video indexing system of claim 14, wherein the picture memory, frame buffer, video display generation means, and means for updating are cooperatively operative to display an array of moving pictures on the display device.
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16. The picture-based video indexing system of claim 14, further including:
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a multi-channel tuner having a video output in communication with the frame buffer and video display generation means; and
means for sequencing through a plurality of tuned channels, whereby pictures representative of the video programs available on each of the tuned channels appear in separate windows on the display device.
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17. The picture-based video indexing system of claim 16, wherein the means for sequencing through a plurality of tuned channels continuously cycles through the channels enabling moving pictures representative of the video programs available on each of the tuned channels to appear in the separate windows.
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22. The method of claim 12, including pictures containing motion imagery.
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18. A video indexing method, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a video program having a sequence of images along with separately encoded image information representing segments of the program which are separated in time;
recording the video program;
separately storing the encoded image information; and
displaying images derived from the encoded image information as a way of identifying the contents of the video program. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 23)
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Specification