Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiplexing system comprising a set of transcoders (TC[1] to TC[n]), a controller (CONT) and a multiplexer (MUX). The set of transcoders comprises n transcoders, each transcoder (TC[i]) allowing an input compressed data signal (ICS[i]) encoded at an input bit rate (Rin[i]) to be converted into an output compressed data signal (OCS[i]) encoded at an output bit rate (Rout[i]). The controller (CONT) receives from each transcoder parametric information on the regulation process and the video coding complexity and subsequently computes the bit rate allocated (Rout[i]) to each transcoder (TC[i]) according to a total bit rate capacity available at the output of the multiplexer. The controller receives also parametric information derived from the input compressed data signal (ICS[i]), this information being used to improve the bit rate allocation strategy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiplexing system comprising a set of transcoders (TC[1] to TC[n]), a controller (CONT) and a multiplexer (MUX). The set of transcoders comprises n transcoders, each transcoder (TC[i]) allowing an input compressed data signal (ICS[i]) encoded at an input bit rate (Rin[i]) to be converted into an output compressed data signal (OCS[i]) encoded at an output bit rate (Rout[i]). The controller (CONT) receives from each transcoder parametric information on the regulation process and the video coding complexity and subsequently computes the bit rate allocated (Rout[i]) to each transcoder (TC[i]) according to a total bit rate capacity available at the output of the multiplexer. The controller receives also parametric information derived from the input compressed data signal (ICS[i]), this information being used to improve the bit rate allocation strategy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video decoding method for decoding a set of video signals comprising a base layer signal and at least one enhancement layer signal and for supplying a decoded output signal, said decoding method comprising: a first decoding step for decoding the base layer signal and supplying a decoded base layer signal, said first step being associated with a compensating step for motion compensation of a reference image, a second decoding step for decoding the enhancement layer signals and supplying decoded enhancement layer signals, a combining step for combining the decoded base layer signal and the decoded enhancement layer signals to supply said decoded output signal. The decoding method is characterized in that it comprises a selection step for selecting, as a function of a selection signal, the signal from which said reference image is taken, the selection being made from said decoded base layer signal and said decoded output signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video decoding method for decoding a set of video signals comprising a base layer signal and at least one enhancement layer signal and for supplying a decoded output signal, said decoding method comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcoding device comprising partial decoding means (PD) for receiving a primary coded signal (S1) and providing a dequantized signal (IQS) including DCT coefficients ; quantization means (Q) for receiving the dequantized signal and providing a quantized signal (QS) using correction matrices (COR); and partial encoding means (PE) for receiving the quantized signal and providing a secondary coded signal (S2). Such a transcoding device allows the primary signal encoded at a first bit rate to be converted into the secondary signal encoded at a second bit rate lower than the first one while an optimum signal quality is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiplexing system comprising a set of transcoders (TC[1] to TC[n]), a controller (CONT) and a multiplexer (MUX). The set of transcoders comprises n transcoders, each transcoder (TC[i]) allowing an input compressed data signal (ICS[i]) encoded at an input bit rate (Rin[i]) to be converted into an output compressed data signal (OCS[i]) encoded at an output bit rate (Rout[i]). The controller (CONT) receives from each transcoder parametric information on the regulation process and the video coding complexity and subsequently computes the bit rate allocated (Rout[i]) to each transcoder (TC[i]) according to a total bit rate capacity available at the output of the multiplexer. The controller receives also parametric information derived from the input compressed data signal (ICS[i]), this information being used to improve the bit rate allocation strategy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcoding device comprising partial decoding means (PD) for receiving a primary coded signal (S1) and providing a dequantized signal (IQS) including DCT coefficients; quantization means (Q) for receiving the dequantized signal and providing a quantized signal (QS) using correction matrices (COR); and partial encoding means (PE) for receiving the quantized signal and providing a secondary coded signal (S2). Such a transcoding device allows the primary signal encoded at a first bit rate to be converted into the secondary signal encoded at a second bit rate lower than the first one while an optimum signal quality is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method for estimation of motion in a sequence of temporal images on the basis of a block matching algorithm, which method includes the steps of: acquiring a sequence of three successive temporal images, including an image to be processed (J.sub.t) between a preceding, so-called causal image (J.sub.t-1) and a later, so-called anti-causal image (J.sub.t+1), determining a reference block (RB.sub.t) in the image to be processed, and of a pair of blocks (CB.sub.t-1, CB.sub.t+1) which are located in the causal image and the anti-causal image, respectively, and best match the reference block (RB.sub.t) in conformity with an intensity similarity criterion, and determining a motion vector relating to the reference block on the basis of the location of the blocks of the pair with respect to the location of the reference block.