Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing B-picture scene changes. A prediction stage predicts a B-picture scene change based upon a sequence of statistical information in an encoder order and a reaction stage is responsive to the prediction stage for modifying a quantization scale of a rate control algorithm.

Abstract: A method, system and program product in accordance with the preferred embodiments use motion vector data to track an object being monitored by a video camera. Motion vector data are used to calculate pan, tilt and/or zoom adjustment data. For example, motion vector data may be provided to a motion tracking processor at a macroblock level by an MPEG compression processor. Alternatively, motion vector data may be provided to a motion tracking processor at a pixel level by a pre-processor. The pan, tilt and/or zoom adjustment data is sent to the camera. For example, the pan, tilt and/or zoom adjustment data may be sent to a PTZ adjustment mechanism of the camera. Because the preferred embodiments use a closed loop system, tracking the object is made easier and does not require a skilled operator.

Abstract: A method, system and program product in accordance with the preferred embodiments use motion vector data to track an object moving between areas being monitored by a plurality of video cameras. Motion vector data are used to predict whether an object in a first field of view covered by a first camera system will enter a second field of view covered by a second camera system. If the prediction is that the object will enter the second field of view, tracking data are provided to the second camera system. The tracking data may include pan, tilt and/or zoom adjustment data, which may be provided to a PTZ adjustment mechanism of the second camera system, for example. Alternatively, or in addition, the tracking data may include pan/tilt motion vector data, zoom factor data and/or shrinkage/expansion data, which are provided to a motion tracking processor of the second camera system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing B-picture scene changes. A prediction stage predicts a B-picture scene change based upon a sequence of statistical information in an encoder order and a reaction stage is responsive to the prediction stage for modifying a quantization scale of a rate control algorithm.