Abstract: Decoding side intra-prediction derivation for video coding. Just decoded pixels within a given picture (image) (e.g., such as a given picture (image) within video data) are employed for decoding other pixels within that very same picture (image) using prediction vectors extending from the just decoded pixels to the pixels currently being decoded. In one instance, this intra-prediction operation in accordance with video or image processing can also operate using relatively limited information provided from the device that provides or transmits the video data to the device in which it undergoes processing. Coarse and/or refined direction information corresponding to these prediction vectors may be provided from the device that provides or transmits the video data to the device in which it undergoes processing.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) video transmitter may be operable to encode a 3D video to generate a scalable video coding (SVC) base layer and a SVC enhancement layer. A first view such as a first high-resolution view and a second view such as a second high-resolution view of the 3D video in the SVC enhancement layer may be separate frames. A first half-resolution view and a second half-resolution view of the 3D video in the SVC base layer may be packed in a single frame. The first half-resolution view in the SVC base layer may be a base-layer reference for the first high-resolution view in the SVC enhancement layer for inter-layer prediction of spatial scalable coding. The first high-resolution view in the SVC enhancement layer may be an intra-layer reference for the second high-resolution view in the SVC enhancement layer for intra-layer prediction of temporal scalable coding.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) video transmitter may be operable to encode a 3D video to generate a scalable video coding (SVC) base layer and a SVC enhancement layer. A first half-resolution view and a second half-resolution view of the 3D video in the SVC base layer may be packed in a first single frame. A first view such as a first high-resolution view and a second view such as a second high-resolution view of the 3D video in the SVC enhancement layer may be packed in a second single frame. The high-resolution may comprise a resolution that may be greater than half resolution. The first single frame in the SVC base layer may be used as a base-layer reference for the second single frame in the SVC enhancement layer for inter-layer prediction of spatial scalable coding.

Abstract: A technique to ensure watermarking a highest selected layer for decoding when receiving a scalable coded bitstream having a plurality of bitstream layers. In one technique, the watermark is associated only with the highest layer that is selected from the hierarchically arranged layers and not in any of the lower layers of the hierarchy. In another technique, the watermarks are present in all the layers, but each lower layer watermark is compensated in a next higher layer to remove effects of the presence of the lower layer watermark in the next higher layer.

Abstract: A scalable encoder is enabled to crop received video content to form multiple resolution video layers comprising a base video layer and one or more enhancement video layers in different spatial resolutions. The base video layer and the one or more enhancement video layers are successively encoded and combined to generate composite video to be communicated to one or more video reception units. Coding information of the base video layer is utilized for encoding each of the one or more enhancement video layers. A video reception unit is operable to decode first the coded base video layer followed by the coded enhancement video layer based on device requirement. The video reception unit adjusts resolution of the decoded base video layer to improve video quality based on corresponding decoded enhancement video layers. A logo inserted at a desired position inside a cropping window is processed accordingly at the video reception unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for motion vector estimation using a pivotal pixel search are presented. Aspects of the system may include an image interpolation system that enables selection of an interpolated picture element neighborhood within an interpolated image frame. The image interpolation system may enable selection of one of a plurality of computed candidate motion vectors based on the location of the interpolated picture element neighborhood within the interpolated image frame. The image interpolation system may enable generation of picture element values within the selected interpolated picture element neighborhood based on at least the selected one of the plurality of computed candidate motion vectors.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for pixel adaptive weighted median filtering for block motion vector decomposition are presented. Aspects of the system may include an image interpolation system that enables decomposition of a plurality of pixel block level motion vectors into a plurality of pixel level motion vectors. The image interpolation system may enable generation of a plurality of pixel values within an interpolated image frame based on the plurality of pixel level motion vectors.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for hierarchical motion estimation with multi-layer sub-pixel accuracy and motion vector smoothing are presented. Aspects of the system may include hierarchical motion vector computation that enables motion vectors to be computed at each level in the hierarchy based on a distinct pixel resolution level. A smoothing algorithm may be utilized to suppress spurious motion vector generation. The motion vectors computed at one level in the hierarchy may be utilized when computing motion vectors in a subsequent level. A bias value may be computed for each motion vector that provides an evaluation metric that may enable determination of whether the computed motion vector is to be utilized to enable generation of the interpolated image frame.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for motion-compensated picture rate up-conversion (PRUC) of digital video using picture boundary processing may include generating one or more forward motion vectors and one or more backward motion vectors based on extracted picture rate up-conversion (PRUC) data. A cost of performing motion estimation of a particular block along the generated forward motion vectors and the generated backward motion vectors corresponding to the particular block may be calculated. The particular block may be a boundary block. A motion vector with the least cost may be selected and motion compensated to generate a plurality of interpolated pictures.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for video compression with integrated picture rate up-conversion (PRUC) may include generating picture rate up-conversion (PRUC) data from received video data while the received video data is being encoded. The generated PRUC data may be encoded and communicated to a decoder in order to enable generation of a plurality of interpolated pictures. The generated encoded PRUC data may be communicated via a sideband to the decoder by embedding the generated encoded PRUC data within the encoded received video data prior to the communication to the decoder.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for motion-compensated picture rate up-conversion (PRUC) using information extracted from a compressed video stream may include extracting PRUC data from a compressed video data stream while the compressed video data stream is being decompressed by a video decompression engine. The PRUC data may comprise, for example, local block motion vectors, block coding modes, quantization levels, quantized residual data and decoded pictures. A plurality of interpolated pictures may be generated based on extracting the PRUC data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for hierarchically layered adaptive median motion vector smoothing are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include generating motion vectors (MVs) for video pictures at each level of a hierarchical motion estimation process, where each level may use different resolution video pictures. The MVs may be smooth filtered at each level to reduce or remove spurious MVs. The smooth filtering may comprise scalar median filtering and/or vector median filtering. The smooth filtering may receive as inputs a plurality of MVs, for example, the MV being filtered and eight MVs from the surrounding video blocks. The vector costs of the nine MVs may be compared to a threshold vector cost, and those MVs with costs above the threshold value may be discarded. The threshold value may be dynamically changed based on, for example, content of the video pictures and/or to adjust a window size of the smoothing filter.

Abstract: In conventional packet communications systems, such as MPEG-2, the data stream includes a program clock reference (PCR) so that the receiver decoder can lock on to the data stream. The invention eliminates the need to send the PCR by transferring a data transport rate explicitly in the header of the data packets so that the decoder can use the transport rate as a locking reference and adjust its phase lock loop. The transport rate is carried in the adaptation field as user private data.