Abstract: Simulation of film grain in an image can occur by compressing a video image, then transmitting compressed video together with a message containing at least one parameter indicative of the original film grain, to a decoder, and restoring the original grainy appearance of images by having the decoder simulating film grain based on the content of the film grain message. To improve efficiency, one or more parameters of film grain information undergo scaling in accordance with a target pixel block size for pixel blocks in the image. Such scaling allows for the use of conventional circuitry for performing block-based operations in connection with the film grain simulation.

Abstract: A method for minimizing and optimizing a list of active reference pictures to be used for (forward or backward) inter coding of a current picture, or of a pixel region (e.g., video object) within the current picture. Setting the number of active reference pictures in a list equal to one based upon one or more decisions related to the pixel data and movement between the current picture and one or more reference pictures. Otherwise, minimizing the number of active reference pictures in the list based upon one or more other decisions related to the pixel data and movement between the current picture and one or more reference pictures. Minimizing the number of active reference pictures in a second reference picture list-based upon the utilization of reference pictures in the first reference picture list. A video encoder processes data representing a two-dimensional video image which has been produced by a conventional commercially available video camera.

Abstract: A hybrid intra-inter bi-predictive (or multi-predictive) coding mode allows both intraframe (intra) and interframe (inter) predictions to be combined together for hybrid-encoding a current macroblock or a subblock. Bi-prediction may be used also in I-pictures, combining two intra predictions that use two different intra prediction directions. A video encoder processes data representing a two-dimensional video image which has been produced by a conventional commercially available video camera. The video encoder is adapted to select, for coding a current macroblock, between an intra encoding mode, an P-frame inter encoding mode, a B-frame bi-predictive inter mode, and a hybrid intra-inter bi-predictive encoding mode. A video decoder receives and decodes a data stream that may contain a block/macroblock encoded in accordance with the hybrid intra-inter bi-predictive encoding mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for staggercasting to a mobile receiver, includes encoding a first signal representing content at a first quality and encoding a second signal representing the content at a second quality different than the first quality. A composite signal comprising the first and second encoded signals, wherein the first encoded signal is delayed with respect to the second encoded signal, is broadcast. The broadcast composite signal receiving at the mobile receiver where the received encoded signal having the lower quality is extracted from the received composite signal and the extracted encoded signal is decoded.

Abstract: A video encoder, decoder, and methods for watermarking video content are disclosed; the encoder including a quantization unit for quantizing coefficients of the video bitstream, and an embedding unit in signal communication with the quantization unit for embedding bits of the digital fingerprint in blocks of the video bitstream as a function of the parity of the number of coded coefficients in the block; and the decoder including a detection unit for detecting bits of the digital fingerprint in blocks of the video bitstream as a function of the parity of the number of coded coefficients in the block, and an inverse-quantization unit in signal communication with the detection unit for inverse-quantizing coefficients of the video bitstream.

Abstract: A decoding arrangement for decoding pictures in an incoming video stream includes a noise generator for adding a dither signal containing random noise to the pictures after video decoding, to improve the subjective video quality. The noise generator adds noise to each pixel in an amount correlated to additive noise of pixels in a prior picture, either a previously displayed picture (i.e., a previously decoded picture to which noise has been added), or a previously decoded picture.

Abstract: Simulating film grain in an encoded image occurs by extracting the film grain and then characterizing the film grain for encoding in a video stream to enable the film grain restoration upon decoding. Typically, the film grain is characterized based either on the type of film, or by using a particular model. In practice, the film grain particulars are transmitted as parallel information to the video coded stream, typically as a film grain Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message when using the ITU T H.264 video coding standard.

Abstract: A video encoder and corresponding methods are provided for weighted prediction estimation using a displaced frame difference or differential, the encoder embodying a method for receiving a substantially uncompressed image block, assigning a weighting factor for the image block corresponding to a particular reference picture having a corresponding index, computing motion vectors corresponding to the difference between the image block and the particular reference picture, motion compensating the particular reference picture in correspondence with the motion vectors, multiplying the motion compensated reference picture by the assigned weighting factor to form a weighted motion compensated reference picture, subtracting the weighted motion compensated reference picture from the substantially uncompressed image block, and encoding a signal indicative of the difference between the substantially uncompressed image block and the weighted motion compensated reference picture along with the corresponding index of the p

Abstract: A video decoder and method for low-complexity spatial scalable video are disclosed, the decoder for receiving compressed high-resolution scalable and standard-resolution bitstreams and providing high-resolution video, and including an I-picture detector for receiving the compressed standard-resolution bitstream, a standard-resolution Intra decoder coupled with the I-picture detector for decoding I-pictures, a high-resolution video decoder for receiving the compressed high-resoluction scalable bitstream, and a selector coupled with the standard-resolution Intra video decoder and the high-resolution video decoder for selecting between the outputs from the standard-resolution Intra video decoder and the high-resolution video decoder to provide the high-resolution video sequence.

Abstract: A video encoder and corresponding methods are provided for selecting the mode of a current macroblock of an inter-coded frame, including one or more of checking first modes for a subset of macroblock modes, selectively checking other modes in response to motion vector information of the checked first modes, and selecting the mode for the current macroblock in response to the checked modes; checking the macroblock mode of at least one neighboring macroblock, and selecting the mode for the current macroblock in response to the macroblock mode of the at least one checked neighboring macroblock; checking the cost of a subset of macroblock modes, further checking only intra-coded modes if the checked cost meets a preset criteria, and selecting the mode for the current macroblock in response to the checked modes; and adjusting an early-stopping threshold in response to checked macroblock modes, and selecting the mode for the current macroblock in response to the checked macroblock modes if the adjusted early-stoppi

Abstract: Noise reduction is achieved during video encoding with low complexity by making use of the motion estimation decision sets for noise reduction. Motion estimation is performed N times (where N is integer) on each macroblock to yield N sets of motion estimation data, each set including a reference picture index and a motion vector. Typically, although not necessarily, each set of motion estimation data makes use of a different reference picture. For each macroblock, the N sets of motion estimation data are used to create a noise-reduced macroblock, which is then encoded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a reduced cost HDTV/SDTV video decoder are disclosed. The described joint video decoder is capable of decoding HDTV pictures at approximately the resolution of standard definition television pictures and can be used to decode HDTV and/or SDTV pictures. The described video decoder may be used as part of a picture-in-picture decoder circuit for providing picture-in-picture capability without providing multiple full resolution video decoders. The reduction in decoder circuit complexity is achieved through the use of a plurality of data reduction techniques including the use of a preparser, downsampling, and truncating pixel values.

Abstract: An encoder and corresponding method are disclosed for performing video rate control to meet network traffic model restrictions, including pre-encoding the sequence of pictures for each of a plurality of quantization parameter values, selecting for each picture of the sequence one of the plurality of quantization parameter values responsive to the quantization parameter values and bitrate operating points of the neighboring pictures in the sliding time window, and encoding each picture of the sequence using the quantization parameter value selected for that picture.

Abstract: A complete User Datagram Protocol (CUDP) is disclosed that reduces packet loss. Channel frame error information is used with a packet level forward error correction (FEC) coding technique to accommodate wireless multimedia traffic. Each packet, as well as the channel frame error information, is forwarded to a given application. The CUDP protocol further assists the FEC decoding process by forwarding the locations of corrupted frames to the FEC decoder. Maximal Distance Separable (MDS) codes can be applied to a group of packets, to achieve additional robustness. An MDS decoder utilizes the frame error information to recognize the erasures within each packet. The error information can be represented as a set of LTU error indicators associated with each packet (for FEC decoders requiring an erasure indicator). The error indicators point to the starting and ending location of the erroneous data. The error information can also be represented as a reformatted packet (for FEC decoders Recognizing Erasures).

Abstract: A video encoder and corresponding method are provided for mixed inter/intra encoding of a macroblock having a plurality of partitions, where the encoder includes a reference picture weighting applicator coupled with a reference picture weighting factor unit for assigning weighting factors corresponding to each of the inter and intra coded partitions, respectively; and the corresponding method for encoding a macroblock with several partitions includes inter-coding at least one partition and intra-coding at least a second partition.

Abstract: A video encoder and method are disclosed, the encoder for receiving high-resolution video and providing compressed high-resolution scalable and standard-resolution bitstreams, and including a standard-resolution encoder, a selector coupled with the standard-resolution encoder for selecting between a signal indicative of the received high-resolution sequence and a signal indicative of a standard-resolution version of the received sequence, and a high-resolution encoder coupled with the selector for providing a high-resolution scalable bitstream.

Abstract: A video encoder and corresponding method are described for enabling fast channel change of compressed video, where a video encoder for receiving input pictures and providing compressed stream data includes a normal encoding portion for receiving input pictures and providing normal stream data, a lower-quality encoding portion for receiving input pictures and providing channel change stream data, and a multiplexor in signal communication with each of the normal and lower-quality portions for receiving and combining the normal and channel change data streams.

Abstract: A video decoder, encoder, and corresponding methods for processing video signal data for an image block with two reference picture indices to predict the image block are disclosed that utilize implicit weighting of reference pictures to enhance video compression, where a decoder includes an implicit reference picture weighting factor unit for determining a weighting factor corresponding each reference picture index; and encoder includes an implicit reference picture weighting factor assignor for assigning a weighting factor corresponding to each reference picture index; and a method for decoding includes receiving the reference picture indices with the data that corresponds to the image block, determining an implicit weighting factor responsive to the relative positioning of the image block and the reference pictures indicated by each reference picture index, retrieving a reference picture for each index, motion compensating the retrieved reference pictures, and multiplying the motion compensated reference pi

Abstract: A video decoder, encoder, and corresponding methods for processing video signal data for an image block with two reference picture indices to predict the image block are disclosed that utilize implicit weighting of reference pictures to enhance video compression, where a decoder includes an implicit reference picture weighting factor unit for determining a weighting factor corresponding to each reference picture index; an encoder includes an implicit reference picture weighting factor assignor for assigning a weighting factor corresponding to each reference picture index; and a method for decoding includes receiving the reference picture indices with the data that corresponds to the image block, determining an implicit weighting factor responsive to the relative positioning of the image block and the reference pictures indicated by each reference picture index, retrieving a reference picture for each index, motion compensating the retrieved reference pictures, and multiplying the motion compensated reference

Abstract: A method and apparatus that inserts watermark signal into decoded video pictures where the watermark creation function is combined with the video decoder and makes use of compressed domain information to create a perceptually adaptive watermark signal.