Abstract: A hierarchical data compression system and method for encoding and decoding video data by dividing each video frame of the video data into independent layers. Each of the layers contains a specific frequency band that is less than the entire frequency spectrum contained in the video frame. This impendency allows each layer to be encoded and decoded independently of other layers. Because each layer contains a specific frequency band, any unwanted and extraneous frequencies that arise during encoding that are not present in the original source are automatically removed. In general, the hierarchical data compression method divides video frames into layers, with each layer containing a specific frequency band. The layers then are encoded. Later, the layers are decoded to recover the video frames. The hierarchal data compression system includes a hierarchical encoder and decoder for facilitating independent encoding and decoding of each layer of the divided video frames.

Abstract: A hierarchical data compression system and method for encoding and decoding video data by dividing each video frame of the video data into independent layers. Each of the layers contains a specific frequency band that is less than the entire frequency spectrum contained in the video frame. This impendency allows each layer to be encoded and decoded independently of other layers. Because each layer contains a specific frequency band, any unwanted and extraneous frequencies that arise during encoding that are not present in the original source are automatically removed. In general, the hierarchical data compression method divides video frames into layers, with each layer containing a specific frequency band. The layers then are encoded. Later, the layers are decoded to recover the video frames. The hierarchal data compression system includes a hierarchical encoder and decoder for facilitating independent encoding and decoding of each layer of the divided video frames.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting, collecting information about, and analyzing a queue. A video camera is positioned to view the queue, and a sequence of video images from the camera may be processed in order to perform the functionality of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented at checkout lanes in a retail establishment, in a bank, at customer service desks, at self-service kiosks, at banks, or any other location where a queue (line) of people or other objects may form. After detecting the queue, the present invention, may collect multi-dimensional information regarding the queue, including the number of people, etc., in the queue, the average service time for each person in the queue, as well as various other types of information regarding the queue. The present invention may thereafter analyze the collected information in various ways, based upon various criteria.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting, collecting information about, and analyzing a queue. A video camera is positioned to view the queue, and a sequence of video images from the camera may be processed in order to perform the functionality of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented at checkout lanes in a retail establishment, in a bank, at customer service desks, at self-service kiosks, at banks, or any other location where a queue (line) of people or other objects may form. After detecting the queue, the present invention may collect multi-dimensional information regarding the queue, including the number of people, etc., in the queue, the average service time for each person in the queue, as well as various other types of information regarding the queue. The present invention may thereafter analyze the collected information in various ways, based upon various criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that compresses reference frame information to efficiently utilize memory within a video decoder. Specifically, the present invention stores one or more reference frames in a compressed format, then recalls and decompresses portions of the frames as needed to decode predicted frames within a received bitstream containing video information.