Abstract: There is provided an image encoding system (300, 400) including an encoder (300) for receiving input image data and generating corresponding encoded image output data. The encoder includes image processing features (310, 320, 330, 360) for processing said input image data to generate for each input image therein a plurality of corresponding image layers including at least one basic layer BLOP and at least one enhancement layer ELOP. Moreover, the encoder (300) further includes encoding features (350) for receiving said image layers and generating therefrom the encoded image output data. The encoding features further comprising block selecting features (340) for selecting one or more sub-regions of said at least one enhancement layer and modelling said one or more sub-regions for representation thereof in the image output data by way of descriptive model parameters.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus receives a base video stream and an enhancement video stream that contains information for optionally improving a quality of an output stream derived from the base video stream. An adder (126) forms an output stream by adding image information values derived for a location in an image from the base video stream and the enhancement video stream. A multiplier (124) coupled between the input and the adder adjusts a relative weight with which the information value in the base video stream and the enhancement video stream are added to each other. A weight selection unit (123) selects the relative weight as a function of position in the image and/or time in the video information, adaptive to local content of the video information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding an input video bitstream to produce an encoded output bitstream is disclosed. A base stream is enhanced based on enhancement control parameters. At least one picture content parameter is extracted from the enhanced base stream. At least one picture content parameter is extracted from the input video bitstream. The enhanced picture content parameters are compared with the input picture content parameters. An output from the comparison step is received and the enhancement control parameters are calculated so as to minimize the difference between the input picture content parameters and the enhanced picture content parameters. The calculated control parameters are incorporated into the encoded output bitstream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing spatial scalable compression of a video stream is disclosed. The video stream is downsampled to reduce the resolution of the video stream. The downsampled video stream is encoded to produce a base stream. The base stream is decoded and upconverted to produce a reconstructed video stream. The reconstructed video stream is subtracted from the video stream to produce a residual stream. It is then determined which segments or pixels in each frame have a predetermined chance of having a predetermined characteristic. A gain value for the content of each segment or pixel is calculated, wherein the gain for pixels which have the predetermined chance of having the predetermined characteristic is biased toward 1 and the gain for other pixels is biased toward 0. The residual stream is multiplied by the gain values so as to remove bits from the residual stream which do not correspond to the predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) for handling a layered digital video stream, comprising a base layer stream and an enhancement layer stream for providing HDTV, is disclosed. Either of the base layer stream or the enhancement layer stream is stored on a hard disc (101), and the other is stored on an optical disc by means of an optical disc drive (102). The streams are handled separately until they are utilized for providing HDTV. When the layered video stream is to be played back with HDTV quality, the base layer stream and the enhancement layer stream are synchronized by means of a synchronizer (106) for referring to the same frame. The synchronized streams are then decoded by means of a base decoder (105a) and an enhancement decoder (105b), which outputs decoded streams that are combined by an adder 112.

Abstract: A video encoder/decoder with spatial scalable compression schemes using spatial sharpness enhancement techniques is disclosed. The video compression scheme introduces a number of various video enhancement techniques on the base layer. A picture analyzer is used to determine the best or the best mix of various video enhancement techniques. The picture analyzer compares the selected mix of video enhancement techniques with the original full resolution input signal to determine for which of the pixels or groups of pixels a residual enhancement layer is required. Parameters defining the selected mix of video enhancement techniques are transmitted to the decoder layer so the same mix of video enhancement techniques can be used in the decoder layer.

Abstract: An image encoder with a encoder input; a memory device to said encoder input, for storing a image received at said input; a image predictor device for predicting a prediction image based on a first image stored in said memory device; a combiner device for determining residual data relating to a difference between an original image and the prediction image; a first evaluator for determining a first characteristic; an inhibiter connected to said combiner device and said first evaluator device, for transmitting said residual data further if said first characteristic checks against said first predetermined criterion; and a encoder output connected to said inhibiter device. The image encoder has a second evaluator device for determining a second characteristic, and said inhibiter device is arranged for transmitting said residual data further depending on said first characteristic and said second characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently performing spatial scalable compression of an input video stream is disclosed. A base encoder encodes a base encoder stream. Modifying means modifies content of the base encoder stream to create a plurality of base streams. An enhancement encoder encodes an enhancement encoder stream. Modifying means modifies content of the enhancement encoder stream to create a plurality of enhancement streams.