Digital video system for assembling video sequences

Abstract

An image processing system (10) obtains image sequences and assembles a presentation therefrom. The system has a camera (12) for capturing image sequences, a random-access electronic memory (16) for temporary storage of the image sequences, an input reader for accepting pre-programmed instructions from a first storage medium, a control panel with a display (18) for viewing image sequences (64) and presenting pre-programmed instructions to the operator and an operator interface for accepting responses to the pre-programmed instructions. A control logic processor (20) executes pre-programmed instructions and arranges the presentation from the captured image sequences stored in random-access electronic memory (16), according to operator responses. An output writer records the presentation onto a storage medium.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the capture and display of motion images and more particularly relates to an apparatus and method for producing more compelling video programs by a consumer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the consumer market, steadily improving image quality, increased affordability, and ease of use have contributed to the rapid acceptance and use of video camcorders. Digital video capture and display devices have further benefited from advances in storage technologies using magnetic, optical, and electronic storage media such as digital videotape, memory cards, optical disks, and high-capacity random access memory (RAM) components. However, while camcorders have grown in popularity, many consumers express some level of disappointment with the image output achieved. For many reasons, the output from consumer camcorders can be disappointing or uninteresting to the viewer when compared with output captured and edited by imaging pro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides guidance to the camera operator by means of visual and / or audible instructions for capturing image content appropriate to a theme or event.

[0027] It is a further advantage of the present invention that it frees the camera operator from editing or imaging sequence concerns, enabling the operator to have a more enjoyable experience in obtaining images electronically.

[0028] It is a further advantage of the present invention that it enables a novice camera operator to produce images and image sequences that have a more professional, edited appearance.

[0029] It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that it allows an operator to customize an event- or theme-based image sequence to be suited to a particular subject or audience.

Problems solved by technology

However, while camcorders have grown in popularity, many consumers express some level of disappointment with the image output achieved.

For many reasons, the output from consumer camcorders can be disappointing or uninteresting to the viewer when compared with output captured and edited by imaging professionals.

The problem is not typically caused by failure to use the equipment properly, but by a basic lack of a script, or a story, which is compelling to the viewer.

Post-production modification and editing of video sequences is possible, but is inconvenient, and difficult to use for most consumers.

Further, solutions offered in these patents are not intended to provide the benefits afforded by professional editing techniques, such as scripting and composition used by cinematographers, who seldom shoot a motion picture sequence in the studio according to the timeline sequence of a motion picture.

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