Methods and apparatus for correction of 2-3 field patterns

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user to correct a discontinuous 2-3 field sequence within a disrupted video signal. A 2-3 field pattern fixer can be operated in a one-pass mode and / or a two-pass mode. In the one-pass mode, the disrupted video signal is analyzed to generate correction information, which is used to correct the disrupted video signal as it passes through the 2-3 pattern fixer, resulting in an undisrupted video signal with a continuous 2-3 field sequence. In the two-pass mode, the disrupted video signal is analyzed to generate correction information, which is then stored. This correction information is then used to correct a duplicate of the disrupted video signal, resulting in an undisrupted video signal with a continuous 2-3 field sequence. In this connection, the 2-3 field pattern fixer includes a field sequence detector, a field sequence analyzer, a field sequence generator and a multiple delay tap circuit. The field sequence detector generates field difference values in response to receiving the disrupted video signal. The field sequence analyzer analyzes these field difference values to determine one or more discontinuities within the discontinuous 2-3 field sequence. The field sequence generator generates one or more field sequence correction signals in response to this analysis. The multiple delay tap circuit applies these correction signals to a video signal to generate an undisrupted video signal having a continuous 2-3 field sequence. The 2-3 field pattern fixer can optionally includes a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) memory and a time code comparator, which can be used to store a multitude of the correction signals during the first pass of the two-pass mode, and for synchronizing the application of each of the correction signals to the duplicated disrupted video signal during the second pass of the two-pass mode.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 430,608, filed May 5, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,029, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 295,936, filed Apr. 21, 1999, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,559,890, both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to methods and systems for processing videotape, and more particularly to correcting a discontinuous 2-3 field pattern that resides on the videotape. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In general, telecine machines that operate at 60 field / sec (actually, 59.94 fields / sec) employ a 3:2 pulldown convention to convert film media, which runs at 24 frame / sec (actually, 23.976 / sec), to video media, which runs at 60 television field / sec (actually, 59.94 fields / sec). Specifically, a two-field video sequence and a three-field video sequence are alternately generated, with each field sequence corresponding to a film frame. These v...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a 2-3 field pattern fixer includes a field sequence detector, a field sequence analyzer, a field sequence generator and a multiple delay tap circuit. The field sequence detector receives the disrupted video signal and generates a series of field difference values in response thereto by sequentially comparing each of the fields with a field two fields previous. The field sequence analyzer analyzes the series of field difference values and generates field sequence to determine one or more discontinuities within the 2-3 field sequence of the disrupted video signal. The field sequence generator uses this information to generate field sequence reorganization information in the form of a correction signal. In the preferred embodiment, the correction signal comprises a sequence of delays. The correction signal is preferably generated, such that a cumulative delay within the undisrupted video signal is minimized and the number of odd field delays are minimized. The multiple delay tap circuit then applies the correction signal to a video signal to generate an undisrupted video signal having a continuous 2-3 field sequence. That is, selected fields of the disrupted video signal or duplicate of the disrupted video signal are delayed in accordance with the correction signal, thereby resulting in the undisrupted video signal. The multiple delay tap circuit can optionally include at least one cross-fader to cross-fade between an odd-delayed field and an even-delayed field, thereby minimizing any blur caused by odd field delays.

Problems solved by technology

That is, selected fields of the disrupted video signal or duplicate of the disrupted video signal are delayed in accordance with the correction signal, thereby resulting in the undisrupted video signal.

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