Abstract: A feature coding unit extracts and encodes a feature of a video signal so as to generate a feature stream. A feature identifying unit checks a decoded feature obtained as a result of decoding the feature stream against a search key from a user for a match so that a video content requested by the user is retrieved.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set.

Abstract: A moving image coded string is mapped with a set of information areas as one packet, and each packet is added with an error code and control information in a multiplexing part so that it is decided at the receiving side, from the result of error detection by decoding the error detection code, whether an error has occurred in each information area of the packet.

Abstract: Multiplexing means of an image encoding device multiplexes object display speed information or image display absolute time information, and an image decoding device performs image processing on the basis of the multiplexed object display speed information or image display absolute time information, whereby image decoding process can be performed smoothly and accurately.

Abstract: A feature coding unit extracts and encodes a feature of a video signal so as to generate a feature stream. A feature identifying unit checks a decoded feature obtained as a result of decoding the feature stream against a search key from a user for a match so that a video content requested by the user is retrieved.

Abstract: Multiplexing means of an image encoding device multiplexes object display speed information or image display absolute time information, and an image decoding device performs image processing on the basis of the multiplexed object display speed information or image display absolute time information, whereby image decoding process can be performed smoothly and accurately.

Abstract: Multiplexing means of an image encoding device multiplexes object display speed information or image display absolute time information, and an image decoding device performs image processing on the basis of the multiplexed object display speed information or image display absolute time information, whereby image decoding process can be performed smoothly and accurately.

Abstract: Multimedia content containing moving pictures and audio is divided into multiple scenes and metadata is generated for each of the scenes obtained as a result of the division. It is possible to generate metadata containing scene structure information metadata that describes the hierarchical structure of the content in addition to scene section information and titles. Also, a name or an identifier of each descriptor contained in the metadata is described as hint information for manipulation of metadata composed of at least one descriptor describing semantic content, a structure, and characteristics of content.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set.

Abstract: To achieve an encoding system including a highly efficient prediction performed in response to the content of a scene, a significance, and a motion characteristic of a moving picture and the like, memories a, b, c, motion compensator 5 responsive to an arbitrary transform parameter representing the motion of a prediction picture segment for generating a predicted picture by using arbitrary data stored in the memories a, b, c based upon the transform parameter, and memory update unit 15 for allowing the content of one or more of the memories to be updated at an arbitrary period of time, are provided.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set.

Abstract: In an MPEG-2 decoder (2), a variable length decoder (2A) carries out syntax analysis of input compression data (1) according to the MPEG-2 standard, and generates coding mode information (3), motion vector information (4) and prediction residual signal (2B). The prediction residual signal (2B) is transformed to a decoded picture (5) through a dequantizer (2C) and the like, and is supplied to an MPEG-4 encoder (10) via a resolution converter (6). In the MPEG-4 encoder (10), a coding parameter deciding section (10B) decides a motion vector according to a prediction error estimation value for evaluating a prediction efficiency when using a motion vector candidate generated by a motion vector mapping section (7), and according to a value for evaluating a motion vector rate when using the motion vector candidate.

Abstract: Video contents are presented in the forms requested by viewers in a quick and accurate manner based on a request condition at a video viewing side. In a content delivery server 5, a content extraction part 5A inquires the presence or absence of video contents, which belong to a requested classification, to a content database 4 based on a content classification request 1E-1 in query information 1E, converts the video contents into the form of a content URI list 5C, and sends them to a content processing part 5D along with a content view form request 1E-2. The content processing part 5D requests, based on the content view form request 1E-2, the whole or parts of video contents needed to be presented according to the requested view form among the video contents of view candidates designated by the URI list 5C to the content database 4, grabs and processes video contents comprising video data 3A and metadata 3B, so that a content delivery part 5F delivers the video contents thus processed to a user terminal 1.

Abstract: A segmenting section divides an input image into a plurality of segments. A hierarchizing section determines classes of the respective segments according to a predetermined criterion, and produces a class identification signal indicating the classes of the respective segments. A coding section encodes the segmented image signal into code data while changing the value of a coding control parameter for each of the segments in accordance with the class identification signal. Examples of the coding control parameter are a coding time interval and precision of quantization.

Abstract: Each of an image coding apparatus and an image decoding apparatus uses a motion compensated prediction using virtual samples so as to detect a motion vector for each of regions of each frame of an input signal. Accuracy of virtual samples is locally determined while the accuracy of virtual samples is associated with the size of each region which is a motion vector detection unit in which a motion vector is detected. Virtual samples having half-pixel accuracy are used for motion vector detection unit regions having a smaller size 8×8 MC, such as blocks of 8×4 size, blocks of 4×8 size, and blocks of 4×4 size, and virtual samples having ¼-pixel accuracy are used for motion vector detection unit regions that are equal to or larger than 8×8 MC in size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motion compensating apparatus which is capable of enhancing the overall coding efficiency by taking the amount of coded information used to code a motion vector as well as the sum of difference absolute values of estimated differences into consideration in order to determine an optimal vector.

Abstract: A segmenting section divides an input image into a plurality of segments. A hierarchizing section determines classes of the respective segments according to a predetermined criterion, and produces a class identification signal indicating the classes of the respective segments. A coding section encodes the segmented image signal into code data while changing the value of a coding control parameter for each of the segments in accordance with the class identification signal. Examples of the coding control parameter are a coding time interval and precision of quantization.

Abstract: To achieve an encoding system including a highly efficient prediction performed in response to the content of a scene, a significance, and a motion characteristic of a moving picture and the like, memories a, b, c, motion compensator 5 responsive to an arbitrary transform parameter representing the motion of a prediction picture segment for generating a predicted picture by using arbitrary data stored in the memories a, b, c based upon the transform parameter, and memory update unit 15 for allowing the content of one or more of the memories to be updated at an arbitrary period of time, are provided.

Abstract: In a bit stream syntax containing compressed video slice data for compressed video data of a slice structure, a slice header for compressed video slice data has attached thereto a slice start code, a register reset flag indicating whether a register value, which designates a status of a codeword occurring in an arithmetic coding process, should be reset in the next transmission unit, an initial register value which indicates a register value to be used to start arithmetic coding/decoding to build/decompose the next transmission unit, only when the register reset flag indicates that the register should not be reset.