Abstract: Video data signals are encoded such that the encoded video data signal includes at least a primary and at least a secondary video data signal. The primary and secondary video data signals are jointly compressed. The primary video data signal is compressed in a self-contained manner, and the secondary video data signal is compressed using data from the primary video data signal. The jointly compressed video data signal is split into separate bitstreams, at least a primary bitstream including data for the primary video data signal and at least a secondary bitstream including data for the secondary video data signal. The primary and secondary bitstreams are multiplexed into a multiplexed signal, and the primary and secondary signals are provided with separate codes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating for at least one block of pixels of a picture of a sequence of interlaced pictures at least one motion predictor and at least one texture predictor from motion data, respectively texture data, associated with the pictures of a sequence of low resolution interlaced pictures.

Abstract: A communication device has a controller operatively connected to at least a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein the first transceiver receives signals on one or more channels within a first frequency band and the second transceiver transmits signals on one or more channels within a second frequency band, wherein the first and second frequency bands are adjacent one another so that each of the first and second frequency bands has an adjacent border and a nonadjacent border. Coexistence between the first and second transceivers is achieved by adjusting receive and/or transmit filters associated with the transceivers to create a guard band that is located more in the first frequency band if the second transceiver is using frequencies close to its adjacent border, and a guard band that is more in the second frequency band if the second transceiver is not using frequencies close to its adjacent border.

Abstract: Method and device for a wired communication link that includes a first transceiver that sends over a set of wires a downstream multiplexed transmission that includes a first direction of a bidirectional data channel and lossless high definition digital video. The first transceiver is able to receive, over at least a subset of the set of wires utilized for the downstream multiplexed transmission, an upstream transmission comprising a second direction of the bidirectional data channel.

Abstract: A method for entropic transcoding of a first sequence of binary data of words to transcode into a second compressed sequence of binary data uses a predetermined entropic code involving a variable-length of the encoded words to transcode each word of the first sequence of binary data into a transcoded word. Based on a predetermined number B of low-order bits, the method includes application to each word of the first sequence of binary data: subdivision of the word into first and second subwords, wherein the first subword includes the B low-order bits of the word, and the second subword includes the other high-order bits of the word, application of the predetermined entropic code to the second subword to obtain a second transcoded subword, and obtaining the transcoded word by concatenation of the first subword and of the second transcoded subword.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing transmission of data on a channel in a network. For example, the method determines a ratio of a number of channel uses of the channel to a number of source samples, divides a channel bandwidth into a plurality of subbands of equal bandwidth in accordance with the ratio, receives a source sample block, determines a channel input for each of the plurality of subbands from the source sample block in accordance with a hybrid coding scheme, and transmits, for each of the plurality of subbands, the channel input that is determined over the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing transmission on a channel in a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a plurality of source samples, divides the plurality of source samples into a plurality of subbands in accordance with a ratio of the plurality of source samples to a number of channel uses of the channel, wherein each subband comprises a first number of source samples, determines a channel input from the plurality of source samples in accordance with a hybrid coding scheme, and transmits the channel input over the network.

Abstract: A scalable encoding apparatus that determines a motion mode of an enhanced layer using motion information of a base layer in a scalable video coding having a structure of the base layer and the enhanced layer. The scalable encoding apparatus includes: a second image detector that detects a current image frame from images input to the enhanced layer; a second motion detector that assigns weight to motion modes of a macro block and macro blocks adjacent to the macro block of the current image frame based on motion mode information and motion vector information obtained from the current image frame of the BASE LAYER, determines motion modes for the current image frame of the enhanced layer by applying the weight and comparing a sum of calculated mode values and a plurality of thresholds, and detects the corresponding motions; and a second motion compensator that compensates the motions detected in the second motion detector to compress the current image frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a fully scalable compressed representation of video sequences, so that they may be transmitted over networks, such as the Internet, for example. Because the signal is scalable, users receiving the signal can obtain the signal at the appropriate resolution and quality that their system will handle or that they desire. A “motion compensated temporal wavelet transform” is implemented in order to enable compression of the video in a scalable fashion while still taking advantage of inter-frame redundancy in a manner which is sensitive to scene and camera motion. The motion compensated temporal wavelet transform is implemented by decomposing the video sequence into a set of temporal frequency bands and then applying a sequence of motion compensated lifting operations to alternately update an odd frame sub-sequence based upon an even sub-sequence and vice versa in a manner which is sensitive to motion.

Abstract: A video transmission method is provided, which includes receiving state information from at least one mobile terminal that intends to perform a video stream service through a wireless network, determining a size of an image by selecting a specified spatial layer bit stream on the basis of the state information of the mobile terminal from a plurality of spatial layer bit streams generated at different bit rates during encoding of the bit stream, selecting a specified time and an SNR layer bit stream by increasing or decreasing time of the image and a layer position of the SNR layer bit stream on the basis of network parameters included in the state information of the mobile terminal, and transmitting the bit stream generated by extracting the specified layer bit stream of the selected layer to the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the processing of images over bandwidth-limited transmission interfaces, such as processing of high resolution video images over standard analog video interfaces, using multi-stream and/or multi-resolution analog methodology. The disclosed systems and methods may also be implemented to provide video resolutions across standard analog video interfaces in a manner that supports digital capture and imaging techniques to obtain useful information from digitally zoomed and enhanced video.

Abstract: This disclosure describes video encoding and decoding techniques in which a first order prediction process and a second order prediction process are used in combination to generate predictive video blocks for video coding. First order prediction may be similar to conventional motion estimation and motion compensation that generates residual video blocks. The second order prediction may involve a process similar to conventional intra-prediction, but is performed on the residual video blocks. The techniques of this disclosure may pre-define the second order prediction to a specific mode, such as a mode similar to the intra-DC mode used in intra coding. In addition, the techniques of this disclosure may combine aspects of the first order and second order prediction into a single process so that the effects of second order prediction on the residuals are taken into account during the first order prediction process, which may improve compression.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for predicting high dynamic range image blocks, wherein the systems and methods comprise a first image block and a second image block, where a received first prediction data of the first image block and a received prediction difference data of the second image block may be combined to determine a second prediction data for the second image block.

Abstract: An image adjusting method is adapted to an image adjusting circuit. The image adjusting method includes following steps. An image signal is received and up-sampled to generate a first up-sampled image signal and a second up-sampled image signal. The first up-sampled image signal includes interpolated pixels and original pixels. Values of the interpolated pixels and the original pixels are detected, and a weight value is outputted according to the detection result. Whether the values of the interpolated pixels are adjusted or not is determined based on the detection result. According to the weight value, the second up-sampled image signal and the adjusted first up-sampled image signal are mixed to output a mixed image signal. An image adjusting circuit is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmission, by a server in a communication network, of a multimedia message, which includes a video sequence, to a remote terminal. The method includes detecting the video sequence in the message by the server, wherein the method includes the following additional steps: coding by the server of the video sequence in a scalable stream including a base layer and one or more refinement layers, when the video sequence is not already coded in such a stream, storage of at least one of the refinement layers in a storage server, and sending the base layer and of a link to recover the at least one duly stored refinement layer to the remote terminal.

Abstract: Aspects include systems and methods of improving processing in an encoder in a multimedia transmission system. Other aspects include method and systems of processing in a decoder in a multimedia transmission system. For example, one aspect includes a method and apparatus of reduced encoding size in an encoder by encoding in terms of an interpolated frame. Other aspects include decoders configured to decode video signals encoded with reference to an interpolated frame.

Abstract: A system for communicating video, the video including 4:4:4 color space frames, includes a 4:2:0 video encoder having a 4:4:4 to 4:2:0 color space frame converter and a 4:2:0 video decoder having a 4:2:0 to 4:4:4 color space frame converter, communicatively connected to the 4:2:0 video encoder. The 4:2:0 video encoder, without conversion by the 4:4:4 to 4:2:0 color space converter, communicates the video as a plurality of encoded 4:2:0 color space frames to the decoder. The 4:2:0 video decoder, without conversion by the 4:2:0 to 4:4:4 color space frame converter, saves the video as a plurality of 4:4:4 color space frames in memory. Each of the 4:4:4 color space frames in memory of the decoder device is identical to its corresponding 4:4:4 color space frame of the video at the encoder device.

Abstract: System and methodologies are provided herein for reconstructing a video signal from multiple video streams. Various aspects described herein can utilize a least square estimate (LSE) algorithm to jointly decode multiple video bitstreams that are generated from a common original video sequence at different bit rates. As described herein, the LSE algorithm can reconstruct an original video sequence by determining and computing a weighted sum of collocated video information reconstructed from different video bitstreams. The weights applied can be adaptively determined to minimize the mean square error (MSE) of the reconstructed video sequence as compared to the original.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a sequence of video packets for quantifying video quality includes a video picture monitor that accesses data in a header of a video packet included in the sequence of video packets. The header is separate from video content stored in the video packet. The video picture monitor also determines from the accessed data, a relationship between a portion of a picture included in the video packet and at least a portion of a picture included in another video packet. Both video packets are included in the sequence of video packets. This relationship indicates whether to use the video content stored in the first video packet to quantify video quality.

Abstract: To provide a video distribution device which can realize a smooth change of reproduction speed without increasing a data transfer rate from the time of a normal reproduction and decrease a decoding load even when the reproduction speed is changed. The video distribution device which distributes a video content composed of a basic signal and one or more extended signals that are hierarchically configured includes content read-out means for reading out the basic signal and the extended signal in the video content at mutually independent bit rates and reproduction speed change means for changing a content reproduction speed by specifying a read-out bit rate for each signal to the content read-out means.

Abstract: A scalable decoder device (50) for signals representing audio comprises a primary decoder (21) connected to an input (40). The primary decoder (21) is arranged to provide a primary decoded signal (23) based on received parameters (4). A primary postfilter (31) is connected to the primary decoder (23) to provide a primary postfiltered signal (32). A secondary enhancement decoder (45) is connected to the input (40) and arranged to provide a secondary decoded enhancement signal (44). The device further comprises a combiner arrangement (55), arranged for combining the primary postfiltered signal (32) and a signal (53) based on the secondary decoded enhancement signal (44) into an output signal (6) to be provided at an output (6). The combining is made with an adaptable strength relation between contributions from the two signals. A method for decoding coded signals representing audio operates in analogy with the scalable decoder device (50).

Abstract: A method of transmitting a data stream over a communication channel, the method comprising: providing symbol sets having different numbers of symbols; modulating data in the data stream that warrant different degrees of protection against noise onto symbols from symbol sets having different numbers of symbols, wherein which symbol set given data in the stream is modulated onto is independent of symbol sets onto which other data in the data stream is modulated onto; and transmitting the symbols.

Abstract: An invention for generating a coding schema for identifying a spatial location of an event within video image data is provided. In one embodiment, there is a spatial representation tool, including a compression component configured to receive trajectory data of an event within video image data, generate a lossless compressed contour-coded blob to encode the trajectory data of the event within video image data, and generate a lossy searchable code to enable searching of a relational database based on the trajectory data of the event within the video image data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an encoding device which can accurately specify a band having a large error among all the bands by using a small calculation amount. A first position identifier uses a first layer error conversion coefficient indicating an error of a decoding signal for an input signal so as to search for a band having a large error in a relatively wide bandwidth in all the bands of the input signal and generates first position information indicating the identified band. A second position identifier searches for a target frequency band having a large error in a relatively narrow bandwidth in the band identified by the first position identifier and generates second position information indicating the identified target frequency band. An encoder encodes a first layer decoding error conversion coefficient contained in the target frequency band.

Abstract: An image processing device for detecting a motion between two different screens, includes: a high resolution template frame buffer; a high resolution reference frame buffer; a low resolution template frame buffer; a low resolution reference frame buffer; a low resolution motion vector calculation section; a high resolution motion vector calculation section; and a high resolution layer calculation determination section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for managing and combining data contained in layers in a multilayer bitstream such that one or more transform coefficients in a first layer are used to modify one or more coefficients in a second layers that in turn is reconstructed using the modified one or more coefficients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of improving the compression efficiency of a motion vector is provided. The method includes obtaining a motion vector in a base layer frame having a first frame rate from an input frame, obtaining a motion vector in a first enhancement layer frame having a second frame rate from the input frame, the second frame rate being greater than the first frame rate, generating a predicted motion vector by referring to a motion vector for at least one frame among base layer frames present immediately before and after the same temporal position as the first enhancement layer frame if there is no base layer frame at the same temporal position as the first enhancement layer frame, and coding a difference between the motion vector in the first enhancement layer frame and the generated predicted motion vector, and the obtained motion vector in the base layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for encryption of a scalable video coding (SVC) bitstream, which is the next-generation coding technology. The encryption method encrypts Network Abstraction Layer (NAL) data identified according to multidimensional scalability for space, time, and quality with respect to a bitstream created after an SVC encoding, thereby providing a multidimensional scalability function for space, time, and quality even after the encryption, so that the scalability is also maintained even in a bitstream extraction process after the encryption. According to such a scalable encryption method, a specific portion of an encrypted bitstream is removed in a bitstream extraction process, and user access to the bitstream is limited based on a combination of keys for accessing a specific scalability. Therefore, it is possible to protect scalable video content and to access the video content based on scalabilities.

Abstract: Provided are a lift-based wavelet transform apparatus and method, a scalable video coding apparatus and method using the same, and a scalable video decoding apparatus and method. The lifting-based wavelet transform apparatus includes: a prediction unit which performs bi-directional motion compensation on odd-indexed frames based on even-indexed frames and generates high-frequency frames using differential frames from which most of energy is removed; an update determination unit which, in the even-indexed frame, determines whether to update each target block at which a reference block indicated by a motion vector is placed; and an update unit which updates a target block of the even-indexed frame which is determined to be updated by adding the differential frame to each target sub-block included in the target block and generates low-frequency frames.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for predicting image elements, comprising extracting a low dynamic range (LDR) image value from a received LDR image data; modifying the LDR image value based on prediction data of a received high dynamic range (HDR) image data; and predicting an HDR image element based on the modified LDR image value and an HDR residual image element of the received HDR image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for encoding video signal data for transmission in a network. The method includes the step of encoding the video signal data at a variable bit rate using at least one of a prioritized structure or a scalable coding structure to obtain a bitstream having a base layer and an enhancement layer. The encoding step encodes the video signal data such that a base layer bitrate is constrained to be less than or equal to a first value over a first time interval, and all of the bitstream, including the base layer and the enhancement layer, is constrained to a bitrate less than or equal to a second value over a second time interval.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of determining encoding type and predictive mode(s) selections for a macroblock of a video frame is provided. In some embodiments, a general method 1) selects the encoding type (16×16 or 4×4) that is initially considered for a macroblock using an encoding type selection algorithm (based on an attribute of the macroblock that is easy to compute), 2) if the 16×16 encoding type is selected in step 1, consider the four 16×16 prediction modes that may be used on the macroblock using conventional methods or an improved 16×16 predictive mode search algorithm based on distortion thresholds, and 3) if the 4×4 encoding type is selected in step 1, select the 4×4 prediction mode to be used for each of the sixteen 4×4 blocks of the macroblock using conventional methods or an improved 4×4 predictive mode search algorithm based on the positional relationships between predictive modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for encoding and decoding digital audio signals, e.g. a speech signal. An audio coder and a decoder are provided wherein a modeller adds a first distribution model obtained from model parameters of past segments of the digital audio signal and a fixed distribution model, each of the models being multiplied by a weighting coefficient, for obtaining a combined distribution model. The weighting coefficients are selected to minimize a code length of a current segment of the digital audio signal. As the combined distribution model is a sum of several distribution models, wherein at least some of the models is based on the model parameters, flexibility is introduced in the signal model used to encode the digital audio signal. Thus, an audio coder and decoder providing a low bit rate in average, low bit rate variations and low error propagation are provided.

Abstract: Encoding and decoding devices and methods are provided. All the components of LH, HL, HH sub-band coefficients of the same hierarchy and the same space coordinate are extracted as a set from a wavelet sub-band space. Furthermore, it is judged whether each component of each coefficient is zero and as 1-bit judgment result, the respective judgment results are combined to obtain multi-bit flag information. Upon encoding, firstly, the Huffman information is subjected to variable-length encoding by the Huffman encoding code. After this, only the coefficient values which are not zero are similarly subjected to the variable-length encoding by the Huffman code or the like and outputted.

Abstract: A sub-band processing system that reduces computational complexity and memory requirements includes a processor and a local or distributed memory. Logic stored in the memory partitions a frequency spectrum of bins into a smaller number of sub-bands. The logic enables a lossy compression by designating a magnitude and a designated or derived phase of each bin in the frequency spectrum as representative. The logic renders a lossless compression by decompressing the lossy compressed data and providing lost data based on original spectral relationships contained within the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for effectively predicting a video frame that use all of the advantages of an intra mode and an intra BL mode in multi-layer structure based-video coding. The method includes reconstructing the intra block of a lower layer using the previously reconstructed first neighboring blocks of the intra block; subtracting the first neighboring blocks from previously stored the second neighboring blocks of an upper layer corresponding to the first neighboring blocks; creating a differential predicted block based on a predetermined intra prediction mode by performing intra prediction using virtual differential neighboring blocks that are created as a result of the subtraction; adding the differential predicted block and the reconstructed intra block; and subtracting a predicted block, which is created as a result of the addition, from a block of the upper layer corresponding to the intra block.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-channel audio decoding method and apparatus therefor, the method involving decoding filter bank coefficients of a plurality of bands from a bitstream having a predetermined format; performing frequency transformation on the decoded filter bank coefficients of the plurality of bands, with respect to each of the plurality of bands; compensating for a phase of each of the plurality of bands according to a predetermined phase compensation value, and serially band-synthesizing the frequency-transformed coefficients of each of the plurality of phase-compensated bands on a frequency domain; and decoding a multi-channel audio signal from the band-synthesized frequency-transformed coefficients.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting an enhancement layer macroblock. A base layer frame is divided into intra-coded and inter-coded regions. If any portion of the enhancement layer macroblock is covered by both an intra-coded base layer macroblock and an inter-coded base layer macroblock, predictions utilizing the intra-coded and inter-coded macroblocks are established independently to generate at least two prediction values. The at least two prediction values are then combined to give a prediction from which the enhancement layer block is coded. Various embodiments serve to smooth the boundary effect between intra-coded regions and inter-coded regions inside the inter-layer prediction for extended spatial scalability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method which make it possible to transmit image data with high quality and low delay in more versatile situations. A control unit 111 obtains negotiation information including a transmission-allowed bit rate of a transmission line 103, which is defined in a standard, information regarding a receiving apparatus, or a measured value of the transmission-allowed bit rate, controls whether or not to encode image data and transmit the encoded image data, and performs settings in encoding, such as a resolution, a bit rate, and a delay time. Also, an encoding unit 113 controls a decomposition number of a chrominance component in accordance with the format of image data to be encoded. The present invention is applicable to, for example, a communication apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a moving picture encoding method based on hierarchical encoding. The method includes the step of encoding a time filtering lower hierarchical signal belonging to a lower hierarchy among signals of respective hierarchies which have been subjected to time-direction filtering and then to hierarchical division and an upper hierarchy time filtering signal obtained by performing time-direction filtering on a signal corresponding to the upper hierarchy of the aforementioned lower hierarchy signal. Thus, decoded signals of all the hierarchies can have image quality equivalent to the decoded image when encoding is performed with a single hierarchy.

Abstract: A video coding system that codes video objects as scalable video object layers. Data of each video object may be segregated into one or more layers. A base layer contains sufficient information to decode a basic representation of the video object. Enhancement layers contain supplementary data regarding the video object that, if decoded, enhance the basic representation obtained from the base layer. The present invention thus provides a coding scheme suitable for use with decoders of varying processing power. A simple decoder may decode only the base layer of video objects to obtain the basic representation. However, more powerful decoders may decode the base layer data of video objects and additional enhancement layer data to obtain improved decoded output. The coding scheme supports enhancement of both the spatial resolution and the temporal resolution of video objects.

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for scalable video coding and decoding. For example, a 3D sub-band decoder receives video encoded using spatial-domain motion-compensated temporal filtering at a first spatial resolution. The decoder decodes at least part of the video for output at a second spatial resolution lower than the first spatial resolution. The decoder uses any of several techniques to improve performance by devoting extra computational resources to the decoding, devoting extra buffer resources to storing reference picture information, and/or considering spatial high-pass sub-band information.

Abstract: A bandwidth extension module, and an associated method and computer-readable medium, suitable for use in artificially extending the bandwidth of a lowband speech signal. The bandwidth extension module comprises a band-pass filter configured to produce a band-pass signal from the lowband speech signal; at least one carrier frequency modulator, each carrier frequency modulator configured to pitch-synchronously modulate the band-pass signal about a respective carrier frequency, the at least one carrier frequency modulator collectively producing a highband speech signal component; a synthesis filter configured to determine a highband speech signal based on the highband speech signal component; and a summation module configured to combine the lowband speech signal with the highband speech signal to obtain a bandwidth-extended speech signal.

Abstract: In a time/space-division filtering, a moving image signal in a certain resolution-hierarchy, for which time hierarchizing is performed, is divided into a time low-band signal and a time high-band signal. A moving image signal, which has the moving image signal corresponding to the time high-band signal reconstructed by employing the time low-band signal and the time high-band signal, is generated. A reduced image signal having the moving image signal reduction-processed is generated. A high-band generating process by space hierarchizing is performed for the time high-band signal, thereby to generate a time high-band/space high-band signal. The time low-band signal, the reduced image signal, and the time high-band/space high-band signal are assumed to be a division result respectively.

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for scalable video coding and decoding. For example, a 3D sub-band video encoder includes an embedded base layer codec as well as temporal sub-band transforms and spatial sub-band transforms. The placement of the base layer codec among the sub-band transforms and the role of the base layer codec in scalable video coding vary depending on implementation. In general, the base layer codec provides efficient compression at low bit rates and produces a base layer compressed video bit stream compatible with existing decoders. At the same time, the 3D sub-band video encoder provides spatial and temporal scalability options at higher bit rates, refining the base layer video. A corresponding 3D sub-band video decoder includes an embedded base layer decoder.

Abstract: An image encoding apparatus for performing inter-frame encoding of moving image data is provided. The apparatus refers to a block within a frame other than a current frame to generate a first prediction image of a block to be encoded within the current frame, and performs prediction encoding using the first prediction image. The apparatus sets areas at set positions that differ from each other at least between mutually adjacent frames; and determines whether the block to be encoded within the current frame belongs to the area set with respect to the current frame. When the block to be encoded has been determined to belong to the area, the first prediction image is generated, with regard to the block to be encoded, upon referring to a frame that is decodable on its own and, in terms of time, is situated ahead of and closest to the frame to be encoded.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques useful in the encoding and/or decoding of video data of a video sequence. In general, this disclosure sets forth scanning techniques useful in the context of sub-band coding, which may improve the level of compression that can be achieved by entropy coding following sub-band coding. In one example, a method of encoding video data of a video sequence comprises sub-band encoding the video data to generate a plurality of sub-bands, scanning each of the sub-bands from two-dimensional blocks into one-dimensional vectors based on scan orders defined for each of the sub-bands, and entropy encoding each of the scanned sub-bands.

Abstract: A post filter and a decoder enabling improvement of the sound quality of a decoded signal even when the sound quality of the decoded signal is different from the bands are disclosed. A frequency converting section determines a decoded spectrum. A power spectrum computing section computes the power spectrum from the decoded spectrum. A correction band determining section determines the band in which the power spectrum is corrected according to layer information. A power spectrum correcting section corrects the power spectrum in the corrected band in such a way that the variation along the frequency axis is suppressed. An inverse converting section subjects the corrected power spectrum to inverse conversion to determine an autocorrelation function. An LPC analyzing section determines an LPC coefficient of the determined autocorrelation function.

Abstract: There is provided a moving picture encoding method based on hierarchical encoding. The method includes the step of encoding a time filtering lower hierarchical signal belonging to a lower hierarchy among signals of respective hierarchies which have been subjected to time-direction filtering and then to hierarchical division and an upper hierarchy time filtering signal obtained by performing time-direction filtering on a signal corresponding to the upper hierarchy of the aforementioned lower hierarchy signal. Thus, decoded signals of all the hierarchies can have image quality equivalent to the decoded image when encoding is performed with a single hierarchy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for image processing include performing visual sub-band decomposition of an image using human visual system characteristics to generate a plurality of sub-band decomposed images, independently processing the plurality of sub-band decomposed images with at least one application, and fusing the independently processed sub-band decomposed images to reconstruct an output image.