Abstract: An apparatus and method to represent a video signal for improved source quality versus decoding complexity for a given compression rate and improved resistance against data loss when delivered over an error-prone network. The method comprises a 3-D matching pursuit algorithm with an improved 3-D dictionary. The 3-D MP encoder transforms blocks of frames into a set of spatio-temporal functions from the improved dictionary. The 3-D coder outputs a video stream that is highly resistant to data loss. Also, the proposed dictionary is optimized for source quality versus decoding complexity for a given compression rate.

Abstract: Techniques for computing a multimedia stream schedule in a resource-constrained environment. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for processing multiple media streams in accordance with a resource-constrained environment includes the following steps/operations. An optimization associated with a composite representation of the multiple media streams is computed based on timing constraints associated with the multiple media streams and one or more constraints associated with at least one device in the resource-constrained environment useable to present at least one of the multiple media streams. Scheduling transmission and/or storage of the multiple media streams, based on the optimization, is then performed. The multiple media streams may be encoded, based on the optimization, prior to the scheduling step/operation.

Abstract: A resource-efficient live streaming system includes a broadcaster and a streaming server. The broadcaster receives a live feed and broadcasts a media stream to the streaming server containing several descriptions of the live feed along with control information. The broadcaster includes a stream thinner that implements a pruning algorithm. If descriptions from different streams are similar enough, one or more of them may be discarded without penalizing the quality of service perceived by the receivers. The streaming server assembles compressed data units into streams according to the control information from the broadcaster. The streaming server may also gather client feedback in order to estimate the status of the transmission channels and forwards the information to the broadcaster. The streaming server builds and streams media information to clients according to user preferences and receiver capabilities.

Abstract: Techniques for securely and adaptively delivering multimedia content. It is assumed that a set of alternate access units for each time slot is obtained. Then, the encryption stream index of each access unit from the set of alternate access units of the previous time slot are obtained. An encryption stream index is then assigned to each access unit in the set of alternate access units in the current time slot, such that the encryption index increases over time. Thus, the invention overcomes the problem of encrypting a multimedia stream that may have multiple access units for each time slot by selecting the encryption index for each access unit such that the encryption index increases, regardless of which access unit the delivery system (e.g., server) selects for transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming data over a communications network with varying streaming conditions, include a conditioning unit for conditioning the data by creating a plurality of representations, a packaging unit responsive to the conditioning unit for packaging the plurality of conditioned data representations, a media server responsive to the packaging means for observing at least one current streaming condition and selecting a most appropriate packaged conditioned data representation in accordance with the observed at least one current streaming condition, and a communications network responsive to the media server for streaming the selected packaged conditioned data representation.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a system to efficiently manipulate in the compressed domain, spatial and/or temporal scaling of matching pursuit-coded digital signals. These manipulations, referred to as transcoding, may take place at a transcoding proxy located at an origin server, in any intermediary along the transmission path from the origin server to the client device, and/or at the client device. The preferred embodiment focuses on a method to perform rate adaptation and spatio-temporal scaling of a video stream composed of 3-D atoms in order to serve a set of heterogeneous client devices (e.g., a high-end personal computer, a personal digital assistant and a wireless phone). The proposed method applies to 1-D atoms (decomposition of audio signals) and 2-D atoms (image decomposition).

Abstract: An apparatus and method to represent a video signal for improved source quality versus decoding complexity for a given compression rate and improved resistance against data loss when delivered over an error-prone network. The method comprises a 3-D matching pursuit algorithm with an improved 3-D dictionary. The 3-D MP encoder transforms blocks of frames into a set of spatio-temporal functions from the improved dictionary. The 3-D coder outputs a video stream that is highly resistant to data loss. Also, the proposed dictionary is optimized for source quality versus decoding complexity for a given compression rate.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a system to efficiently manipulate in the compressed domain, spatial and/or temporal scaling of matching pursuit-coded digital signals. These manipulations, referred to as transcoding, may take place at a transcoding proxy located at an origin server, in any intermediary along the transmission path from the origin server to the client device, and/or at the client device. The preferred embodiment focuses on a method to perform rate adaptation and spatio-temporal scaling of a video stream composed of 3-D atoms in order to serve a set of heterogeneous client devices (e.g., a high-end personal computer, a personal digital assistant and a wireless phone). The proposed method applies to 1-D atoms (decomposition of audio signals) and 2-D atoms (image decomposition).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the delivery of a digital multimedia stream over a lossy packet network. The method consists in creating data packets of equivalent perceptual relevance to the end-user and as of equal length as possible. Therefore a packet loss induces the same perceptual degradation independently of its location in the multimedia stream.