Abstract: Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation.

Abstract: Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for improved quality video compression. Image quality from MPEG-style video coding may be improved by preserving a higher number of bits during intermediate encoding and decoding processing steps. Problems of inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) mismatch can be eliminated by exactly matching the IDCT function numerical algorithm of the decoder to the IDCT function numerical algorithm used for the decoding portion of the encoder. Also included is an application of high precision compression to wide dynamic range images by extending the range of the “quantization parameter” or “QP”. The extension of QP may be accomplished either by increasing the range of QP directly, or indirectly through a non-linear transformation. Also included is an application of extended intermediate processing precision and an extended QP range to reduced contrast regions of an image to extend the precision with which the low-contrast portions are compression coded.

Abstract: Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation.

Abstract: Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programs for high quality wide-range multi-layer image compression coding, including consistent ubiquitous use of floating point values in essentially all computations; an adjustable floating-point deadband; use of an optimal band-split filter; use of entire SNR layers at lower resolution levels; targeting of specific SNR layers to specific quality improvements; concentration of coding bits in regions of interest in targeted band-split and SNR layers; use of statically-assigned targets for high-pass and/or for SNR layers; improved SNR by using a lower quantization value for regions of an image showing a higher compression coding error; application of non-linear functions of color when computing difference values when creating an SNR layer; use of finer overall quantization at lower resolution levels with regional quantization scaling; removal of source image noise before motion-compensated compression or film steadying; use of one or more full-range low bands; use of alternate q

Abstract: A method, system, and computer programs for improving the image quality of one or more predicted frames in a video image compression system, where each frame comprises a plurality of pixels. A picture region or macroblock of certain types of frames can be encoded by reference to one or more referenceable frames in some cases, and by reference to two or more referenceable frames in other cases. Such encoding may include interpolation, such as an unequal weighting. The DC value or AC pixel values of a picture region may be interpolated as well, with or without weighting. A code pattern of such frames having a variable number of bidirectional predicted frames can be dynamically determined. Frames can be transmitted from an encoder to a decoder in a delivery order different from a display order. Sharpening and/or softening filters can be applied to a picture region of certain frames during motion vector compensated prediction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for improving compressed image chroma information. In one aspect of the invention, a resolution for a red color component of a color video image is used that is higher than the resolution for a blue color component of the color video image. Another aspect includes utilizing a lower or higher value of a quantization parameter (QP) for one or more chroma channels as compared to the luminance channel. Another aspect is use of a logarithmic representation of a video image to benefit image coding. Another aspect uses more than two chroma channels to represent a video image.

Abstract: A system and method for bit-exact lossless compression coding of still and moving images. An original image is encoded to produce a lossy compressed image, and is also used to construct a sorted list of bin values to which the lossy image is compared to generate output from which the original image can be losslessly reconstructed. The similarity of corresponding pixel values between the lossy image and the original image permits efficient generation of a lossless residual that allows for bit-exact reproduction of the original image. Pixel values nearly equidistant from two sorted list values are on a “cusp” and either directly coded or flagged as cusp values from which corresponding lossless values can be re-determined. Non-cusp pixel values are coded as the difference between the index of the sorted bin having a value nearest to the floating point value being processed, and the index of the sorted bin containing the exact pixel value of the original image.

Abstract: Techniques for video image compression in a video system involve providing a sequence of frames including picture regions, and determining first unequal weights, in which the first unequal weights are used to determine pixel luminance values of a picture region of at least one of the frames. The techniques involve determining second unequal weights, where the second unequal weights are used to determine pixel chroma values of the picture region of at least the one frame. The first unequal weights can include AC weights, and the second unequal weights can include DC weights. A representation of pixel luminance values can differ from a representation of pixel chroma values. The techniques for determining the first unequal weights can involve accessing representative transformations for the pixel luminance values, and the techniques for determining the second unequal weights can involve accessing representative transformations for the pixel chroma values.

Abstract: Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation.

Abstract: A method and system for accurate and precise representation of color for still and moving images, particularly sequences of digitized color images. Spectral and/or extended dynamic range information is retained as images are captured, processed, and presented during color adjustment. Using this extra spectral information, various methodologies for further presenting or processing the color within these images can be optimized. Presentation-device independence is achieved not by attempting to discover a device-independent intermediate representation, but rather by deferring the binding and mapping of color representation onto a presentation device until its actual use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for improving compressed image chroma information. In one aspect of the invention, a resolution for a red color component of a color video image is used that is higher than the resolution for a blue color component of the color video image. Another aspect includes utilizing a lower or higher value of a quantization parameter (QP) for one or more chroma channels as compared to the luminance channel. Another aspect is use of a logarithmic representation of a video image to benefit image coding. Another aspect uses more than two chroma channels to represent a video image.

Abstract: Motion compensation for video compression using a “flowfield” comprising a per-pixel field of motion vectors and confidence values. Flowfields can be quantized transform coded for compression motion compensation. Encoding-only flowfields match with one or more previous and subsequent frames to determine both modulation for resolution-enhancing layers, as well as sharp/soft filtering for an original image, a base layer, and for resolution-enhancing layers. Encoding-only flowfields can be used with various codec types by using the flowfield motion vector length and confidence to drive sharp/soft filters to improve efficiency via in-place noise reduction. Pixels may be displaced using encoding-only flowfields to nearby frames, and weighted for efficient noise reduction. Encoding-only flowfields are discarded after their use in encoding, and therefore do not require coded bits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image compression using temporal and resolution layering of compressed image frames, and which provides encryption and watermarking capabilities. In particular, layered compression allows a form of modularized decomposition of an image that supports flexible encryption and watermarking techniques. Using layered compression, the base layer and various internal components of the base layer can be used to encrypt a compressed layered movie data stream. By using such a layered subset of the bits, the entire picture stream can be made unrecognizable by encrypting only a small fraction of the bits of the entire stream. A variety of encryption algorithms and strengths can be applied to various portions of the layered stream, including enhancement layers. Encryption algorithms or keys can be changed at each slice boundary as well, to provide greater intertwining of the encryption and the picture stream.

Abstract: A technique for improving image compression by pre-processing the image frames. In particular, methods for de-interlacing and noise reduction using combinations of median filters, applied both spatially and temporally, with and without motion analysis, are described.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer programs for improving the image quality of one or more predicted frames in a video image compression system, where each frame comprises a plurality of pixels. A picture region or macroblock of certain types of frames can be encoded by reference to one or more referenceable frames in some cases, and by reference to two or more referenceable frames in other cases. Such encoding may include interpolation, such as an unequal weighting. The DC value or AC pixel values of a picture region may be interpolated as well, with or without weighting. A code pattern of such frames having a variable number of bidirectional predicted frames can be dynamically determined. Frames can be transmitted from an encoder to a decoder in a delivery order different from a display order. Sharpening and/or softening filters can be applied to a picture region of certain frames during motion vector compensated prediction.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer programs for improving the image quality of one or more predicted frames in a video image compression system, where each frame comprises a plurality of pixels. A picture region or macroblock of certain types of frames can be encoded by reference to one or more referenceable frames in some cases, and by reference to two or more referenceable frames in other cases. Such encoding may include interpolation, such as an unequal weighting. The DC value or AC pixel values of a picture region may be interpolated as well, with or without weighting. A code pattern of such frames having a variable number of bidirectional predicted frames can be dynamically determined. Frames can be transmitted from an encoder to a decoder in a delivery order different from a display order. Sharpening and/or softening filters can be applied to a picture region of certain frames during motion vector compensated prediction.

Abstract: A system and method for bit-exact lossless compression coding of still and moving images. An original image is encoded to produce a lossy compressed image, and is also used to construct a sorted list of bin values to which the lossy image is compared to generate output from which the original image can be losslessly reconstructed. The similarity of corresponding pixel values between the lossy image and the original image permits efficient generation of a lossless residual that allows for bit-exact reproduction of the original image. Pixel values nearly equidistant from two sorted list values are on a “cusp” and either directly coded or flagged as cusp values from which corresponding lossless values can be re-determined. Non-cusp pixel values are coded as the difference between the index of the sorted bin having a value nearest to the floating point value being processed, and the index of the sorted bin containing the exact pixel value of the original image.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programs for high quality wide-range multi-layer image compression coding, including consistent ubiquitous use of floating point values in essentially all computations; an adjustable floating-point deadband; use of an optimal band-split filter; use of entire SNR layers at lower resolution levels; targeting of specific SNR layers to specific quality improvements; concentration of coding bits in regions of interest in targeted band-split and SNR layers; use of statically-assigned targets for high-pass and/or for SNR layers; improved SNR by using a lower quantization value for regions of an image showing a higher compression coding error; application of non-linear functions of color when computing difference values when creating an SNR layer; use of finer overall quantization at lower resolution levels with regional quantization scaling; removal of source image noise before motion-compensated compression or film steadying; use of one or more full-range low bands; use of alternate q