Patent ID: 6366706
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
Method for automatic aspect format detection in digital video pictures comprising:a black bars analyzing step wherein for each of at least two possible aspect formats, at least one of a top and a bottom area is defined and analyzed as to whether a black bar is present or not; a center analyzing step wherein for each of the possible aspect formats, a center area is defined and analyzed as to whether an active picture area is present or not; a horizontal transition analyzing step comprising analyzing for whether or not a horizontal border is present between a dark area and the active part of the picture; wherein a gradient computation step is performed which assigns to pixels a number that distinguishes among states in which a pixel is found to be on a correct horizontal border line, on no horizontal border line, or on a special structure not corresponding to the correct horizontal border line; and, a format choice step comprising selecting a picture aspect format as a result of said analyzing and gradient computation steps.