Abstract: A motion vector searching system and method estimates a motion vector during image compression by acquiring a present image frame and at least one previous image frame, generating low-resolution images of the present and previous frames in multiple stages, determining areas in one of the stages in which pixel searches are to be performed, locating at least two areas which overlap, and then merging the overlapping areas if a merge condition is satisfied. The search areas are determined by identifying candidate points in the low-resolution image which have low pixel absolute difference values, and the merge condition may correspond to a certain minimum distance between centers of the overlapping areas. A motion vector estimator is used to perform additional searching in the merged and non-merged areas to generate a motion vector associated with the present and previous image frames.

Abstract: A motion estimation unit (500) for estimating a current motion vector comprises a match error unit (506) for calculating match errors of respective candidate motion vectors and a selector (508) for selecting the current motion vector from the candidate motion vectors by means of comparing the match errors of the respective candidate motion vectors. Some of the candidate motion vectors are extracted from a set of previously estimated motion vectors. Other candidate motion vectors are calculated based on multiple motion vectors which are selected from the set of previously estimated motion vectors.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a binary arithmetic coding device that allows real-time processing with a higher image quality. At a timing at which a ternary data string for a target bit is outputted, an updated coding range width and an updated range width of less probability are outputted. For that reason, while a binary conversion unit (32) and an f value retention processor (33) convert the ternary data string into a binary data string to output a coded bit, a binary arithmetic re-normalization unit (31) is allowed to perform a processing of binary arithmetic coding for the next bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-linear prediction filtering are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises performing motion compensation to generate a motion compensated prediction using a block from a previously coded frame, performing non-linear filtering on the motion compensated prediction in the transform domain with a non-linear filter as part of a fractional interpolation process to generate a motion compensated non-linear prediction, subtracting the motion compensated non-linear prediction from a block in a current frame to produce a residual frame, and coding the residual frame.

Abstract: According to a picture coding method of the present invention, a coded picture identified by a picture number is stored, as a reference picture, into a storage unit; commands indicating correspondence between picture numbers and reference indices for designating reference pictures and coefficients used for generation of predictive images are generated; a reference picture being used when motion compensation is performed on a current block in a current picture to be coded is designated by a reference index; a predictive image is generated by performing linear prediction on a block being obtained by motion estimation within the designated reference picture, by use of a coefficient corresponding to the reference index; a coded image signal including a coded signal obtained by coding a prediction error being a difference between the current block in the current picture to be coded and the predictive image, the commands, the reference index and the coefficient is outputted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-linear prediction filtering are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises performing motion compensation to generate a motion compensated prediction using a block from a previously coded frame, performing non-linear filtering on the motion compensated prediction in the transform domain with a non-linear filter as part of a fractional interpolation process to generate a motion compensated non-linear prediction, subtracting the motion compensated non-linear prediction from a block in a current frame to produce a residual frame, and coding the residual frame.

Abstract: There is provided a method of Motion Estimation in digital video, comprising carrying out an initial search to determine an initial search best candidate motion vector for a source macroblock, carrying out a main search to determine a main search best candidate motion vector for a source macroblock, carrying out a prediction search, centred on the best candidate from the initial search, to determine a prediction search best candidate motion vector for a source macroblock, carrying out a first extended search, centred on the best result from the initial, main and prediction searches, to determine a first extended search best candidate motion vector for a source macroblock, carrying out a second extended search, centred on the best result from the initial, main, prediction and first extended searches, to determine a second extended search best candidate motion vector for a source macroblock, and providing the second extended search best candidate motion vector to a subsequent video encoding process.

Abstract: A motion vector search apparatus has two internal memories for storing one macroblock of current image data each and N internal memories for storing M macroblocks of reference image data each, where M and N are integers greater than one. Selectors feed data from one of the current image memories and N?1 of the reference image memories to a processor that carries out a block matching calculation, on the basis of which a detector finds a motion vector for the selected macroblock of current image data. During the search, data for one new current image macroblock and M new reference image macroblocks are read into the non-selected memories, so that as soon as the motion vector is found, the search for the next motion vector can begin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to de-interlacing method and apparatus using remote interpolation. An up window and a down window are firstly determined. The closest pair of pixels of the up window and the down window along a direction of 90°, ?45°, and 45° is determined, which is then used to interpolate a new pixel. Subsequently, the up window and the down window are moved or stayed according to which pair is determined as being closest.

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: A segment of a B picture is encoded using motion estimation based prediction according to a determination as to whether motion vectors corresponding to a number of already constructed reference pictures of the B picture are acceptable for use in a direct prediction mode without further refinement or whether refined motion vectors are needed. In response to a determination that refined motion vectors are needed, refined motion vectors are computed through a motion estimation process and are used to encode a temporal direct mode. The coded segment of the B picture does not include refined motion vectors in an encoded bit stream. Decoding the encoded bit stream involves identifying the mode selected for coding the segment of the B picture. Where the temporal direct mode using refined motion vectors was selected for encoding, local motion estimation refinement is used to generate local motion vectors, which are used to reconstruct the segment of the B picture.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a codec of image data is provided. The system includes a syntax converter for selectively converting first image data having a first syntax into second image data having a second syntax in response to a comparison of the first image data and the second image data, and a decoder for decoding a bit stream outputted from the syntax converter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing and using information about inter-layer prediction when providing a video signal to a plurality of layers by encoding the video signal. The method for encoding an image signal to bit streams of an enhanced layer and a base layer, includes the steps of coding an image block in a picture of the enhanced layer into residual data based on image data of a block of the base layer corresponding to the vide block, and providing indication information through the bit stream of the enhanced layer, the indication information representing whether the coding is achieved in inter-layer prediction constraint or inter-layer prediction unconstraint.

Abstract: A system and method for more efficiently determining motion vectors of uncovering areas adjacent the edge of frames when the frame image is moving in the direction of the frame boundary. Backwards motion estimation is used to determine a block of video data which is, in one implementation, the block of video data adjacent the frame edge having a reliable motion vector known from the first frame. Once the block is identified, the blocks of video data in the uncovering area between the identified block and the frame boundary can then be assigned the motion vector data of the identified block.

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: An information processing apparatus includes a unit that executes a de-blocking filter process for each of decoded pictures, a unit that executes a motion compensation prediction process that generates an inter-frame prediction signal, from one or more pictures that are subjected to the de-blocking filter process, a unit that executes an intra-frame prediction process that generates an intra-frame prediction signal, a unit that adds one of the inter-frame prediction signal and the intra-frame prediction signal to a prediction error signal corresponding to the to-be-decoded picture to decode the to-be-decoded picture, and a unit that executes, when a load on the information processing apparatus is greater than a predetermined reference value, a process that skips execution of the de-blocking filter process and generates the inter-frame prediction signal, which corresponds to the to-be-decoded picture, from the one or more decoded pictures that are not subjected to the de-blocking filter process.

Abstract: A method for determining a first and a second reference picture used for inter-prediction of a macroblock, comprising the steps of (A) finding a co-located picture and block, (B) determining a reference index, (C) mapping the reference index to a lowest valued reference index in a current reference list and (D) using the reference index to determine the second reference picture.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive a current block of an image, select an optimal prediction mode of a plurality of prediction modes for the current block, wherein the selected prediction mode corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of group-numbers and a selected one of a plurality of index-numbers, predict one of the plurality of group-numbers based on a first known group-number and a second known group-number, wherein the predicted group-number is predicted independent from any known index-numbers, clear a first flag when the predicted group-number matches the selected group-number, and set the first flag and encode the selected group-number into a coded data stream when the predicted group-number does not match the selected group-number, wherein the first flag is located in an overhead of the coded data stream.

Abstract: Encoding and decoding a video using adaptive prediction filtering by encoding prediction filter information in a video bitstream and decoding the video bitstream using the prediction filter information.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolated. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: A video codec having a modular structure for encoding/decoding a digitized sequence of video frames in a multi-core system is described. The video codec comprises a memory unit; a multithreading engine. and a plurality of control and task modules organized in a tree structure, each module corresponding to a coding operation. The modules communicate with each other by control messages and shared memory. The control modules control all coding logic and workflow, and lower level task modules perform tasks and provide calculations upon receiving messages from the control task modules. The multithreading engine maintains context of each task and assigns at least one core to each task for execution. The method of coding/decoding comprises denoising, core motion estimation, distributed motion estimation, weighted texture prediction and error resilient decoding.

Abstract: A data holding apparatus of the present invention is a data holding apparatus a data holding apparatus used for image processing in which an image is coded or decoded, on a macroblock basis, based on a field structure or a frame structure selected on a macroblock pair basis. This data holding apparatus includes: a current register which holds a parameter set of a current macroblock to be coded or decoded; and registers which respectively hold parameter sets of macroblocks having neighboring relationships with a current macroblock, and at least one of the registers selectively holds, in sequence, parameter sets of respective different macroblocks having the neighboring relationships, one parameter set at a time.

Abstract: A method and system for performing motion estimation for a frame associated with a video signal. The method includes receiving at least a reference frame, a first frame, and a second frame, and providing a first plurality of vectors. The first plurality of vectors intersects the first frame within a first block and intersects the reference frame within a first plurality of blocks respectively. Additionally, the method includes determining a second plurality of vectors based on at least information associated with the first plurality of vectors. The second plurality of vectors intersects the second frame within a second block and intersecting the reference frame at a plurality of locations. Moreover, the method includes processing information associated with the plurality of locations, and determining a plurality of search areas corresponding to the plurality of locations in the second frame.

Abstract: A seamless bitstream switching schema is presented. The schema takes advantage of both the high coding efficiency of non-scalable bitstreams and the flexibility of scalable bitstreams. Small bandwidth fluctuations are accommodated by the scalability of the bitstreams, while large bandwidth fluctuations are tolerated by switching among scalable bitstreams. This seamless bitstream switching schema significantly improves the efficiency of scalable video coding over a broad range of bit rates.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bi-directional prediction method for video coding/decoding. When bi-directional prediction coding at the coding end, firstly the given forward candidate motion vector of the current image block is obtained for every image block of the current B-frame; the backward candidate motion vector is obtained through calculation, and the candidate bi-directional prediction reference block is obtained through bi-directional prediction method; the match is computed within the given searching scope and/or the given matching threshold; finally the optimal matching block is selected to determine the final forward motion vector, and the backward motion vector and the block residual. The present invention achieves the object of bi-directional prediction by coding a single motion vector, furthermore, it will not enhance the complexity of searching for a matching block at the coding end, and may save amount of coding the motion vector and represent the motion of the objects in video more actually.

Abstract: An automatic producing method for a predicted value generation procedure that predicts a value of an encoding target pixel by using a previously-decoded pixel. A parent population is generated by randomly producing predicted value generation procedures each of which is indicated by a tree structure, and a plurality of predicted value generation procedures are selected as parents from the parent population. One or more predicted value generation procedures are generated as children based on a predetermined tree structure developing method which subjects the selected predicted value generation procedures to a development where an existing predicted value generation function can be an end node of a tree.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for efficient prediction-mode selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of encoding a sequence of pictures, a picture being divided into blocks of data, said encoding method comprising the steps of:—computing a residual error block from a difference between a current block contained in a current picture and a candidate area using of a prediction function,—computing an entropy of the residual error block,—computing an overall error between said current block and said candidate area,—estimating a power consumption of a video processing device adapted to implement said prediction function,—computing a rate-distortion value on the basis of the entropy, the overall error and the estimated power consumption of the video processing device,—applying the preceding steps to a set of candidate areas using a set of prediction functions in order to select a prediction function according to the rate-distortion value.

Abstract: A video encoding method and apparatus to select one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods implemented in a base station having a plurality of antennas and one or more user terminals. One embodiment of the method includes receiving feedback from at least one user in response to transmitting a first frame to said at least one user. The first frame is formed by pre-coding at least one symbol using at least one first code word selected from at least one first code book associated with the at least one user. The method also includes transmitting at least one second frame to the user(s). The second frame(s) are pre-coded using at least one second codeword selected from at least one second codebook. The second codebook(s) determined based on the feedback and the first codeword(s).

Abstract: A data compressor for compressing a data signal and a corresponding data decompressor are disclosed. The data compressor comprises: compression circuitry for compressing said data signal using a plurality of variable length compression codes; a digital code select signal generator for generating a digital code select signal from an indicator signal indicative of a preferred compression distribution, a frequency of said digital code select signal being higher than a frequency of said indicator signal and an average value of said digital code select signal corresponding to an average value of said indicator signal; said compression circuitry being responsive to said digital code select signal to select between one of said plurality of compression codes in dependence upon a current value of said digital code select signal and to compress said data signal using said selected compression code.

Abstract: A weighting factor mode determination unit determines whether to code an interlaced picture in a field mode or a frame mode, based on a value of a flag “AFF” indicating whether or not to switch between the field mode and the frame mode on a block-by-block basis and notifies switches and a multiplexing unit of the determined mode. The switches select either the field mode or the frame mode according to the notified mode. A field weighting factor coding unit or a frame weighting factor coding unit performs respectively the coding of respective weighting factors when the respective modes are selected.

Abstract: An apparatus generally having a first circuit and a second circuit is disclosed. The first circuit may be configured to (i) copy a plurality of first reference samples of a first reference image from an external memory, the first reference samples being proximate a first position within the first reference image and (ii) generate a first motion vector corresponding to a first current block of a current image by searching among the first reference samples. The second circuit may be configured to (i) copy a plurality of second reference samples of the first reference image from the external memory, the second reference samples being (a) proximate a second position within the first reference image and (b) non-adjacent the first reference samples and (ii) generate a second motion vector corresponding to the first current block by searching among the second reference samples.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to obtain the correct decoded image even in the case of not decoding a particular frame of the encoded data and improve the coding efficiency, the predicted image production unit 103 selects the image data from the image data of a plurality of frames in the reference image memory 107 which are encoded in the past, of the i-th (1?i?j) category, for the current frame which is classified as the j-th category by the image classifying unit 102, and produces the predicted image. The difference encoding unit 104 encodes a difference between the image data of the current frame and the predicted image. Also, the current category encoding unit 106 encodes the category number of the current frame, and the reference image specifying data encoding unit 105 encodes the reference image specifying data which specifies the image data selected from the reference image memory 107.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for characterization of block boundaries for filtering operations in spatial scalable video coding. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems designed for use with the Scalable Video Coding extension of H.264/MPEG-4 AVC.

Abstract: In one aspect, an encoder/decoder receives information for four field motion vectors for a macroblock in an interlaced frame-coded, forward-predicted picture and processes the macroblock using the four field motion vectors. In another aspect, an encoder/decoder determines a number of valid candidate motion vectors and calculates a field motion vector predictor. The encoder/decoder does not perform a median operation on the valid candidates if there are less than three of them. In another aspect, an encoder/decoder determines valid candidates, determines field polarities for the valid candidates, and calculates a motion vector predictor based on the field polarities. In another aspect, an encoder/decoder determines one or more valid candidates, determines a field polarity for each individual valid candidate, allocates each individual valid candidate to one of two sets (e.g.

Abstract: MPEG video uses motion compensated prediction for coding pictures. A GOP includes at least one intra-coded picture to start decoding with and a number of inter-coded pictures and normally also includes bi-directionally predicted pictures. However, the GOP structure is not constructed for playing GOPs in backward direction in a trickplay mode across GOP boarders. The invention facilitates, for different GOP structures, a smooth backward video mode thereby reducing the required number of frame buffers and achieving near real-time speed presentation. In some embodiments some I and/or P pictures are decoded more than once. The invention also allows backwards decoding of MPEG-4-AVC GOPs including B-stored pictures.

Abstract: A moving picture decoding apparatus which receives stream data in time series and decodes a moving picture included in the stream data, includes a deciding unit which decides a slice picture boundary of a picture of the moving picture, and a decoding unit which decodes the picture based on a result of the decision of the deciding unit, wherein the deciding unit decides that a slice picture and a just before slice picture are different from each other when an increment of frame_num of the slice picture is 1.

Abstract: A motion picture encoding method includes searching for a first motion vector between an object block of an input motion picture and a reference image for a frame-based prediction mode, searching for a second motion vector between the object block and the reference image for a field-based prediction mode, generating a first and second predictive residuals in accordance with the first and second motion vector, extracting a first and second feature quantities indicating a first and second similarity between lines of the first and second predictive residual, selecting the frame-based prediction mode in a case where the first similarity is larger than the second similarity based on the first and the second feature quantity, selecting the field-based prediction mode in a case where the second similarity is larger than the first similarity, and inter-frame-coding the input motion picture in accordance with the selected prediction mode.

Abstract: There is provided a video encoding apparatus allowing for enhanced video encoding speed according to the H.264 video coding standard. The video encoding apparatus allows the memories included in the video encoding apparatus to be shared by a plurality of elements through the rearrangement and the structural change of the memories considering an efficient hierarchical motion estimation algorithm. Therefore, the video encoding apparatus has the effects of reducing the amount of transmitted and received data between the frame memory and the video encoding apparatus and enhancing video encoding speed.

Abstract: A method randomly accesses multiview videos. Multiview videos are acquired of a scene with corresponding cameras arranged at poses, such that there is view overlap between any pair of cameras. V-frames are generated from the multiview videos. The V-frames are encoded using only spatial prediction. Then, the V-frames are inserted periodically in an encoded bit stream to provide random temporal access to the multiview videos. Additional view dependency information enables the decoding of a reduced number of frames prior to accessing randomly a target frame for a specified view and time, and decoding the target frame.

Abstract: A method for generating an interpolation frame between first and second reference frames includes dividing an interpolation frame into several interpolation areas; detecting a most correlated combination from several combinations between first reference areas and second reference areas for each interpolation area; obtaining a motion vector from the first and second reference areas; determining whether the first reference areas and the second reference areas are in a high-correlated area or a low-correlated area; giving the motion vector to the motion vector detected area, the motion vector detected area corresponding to the interpolation area which is determined to be the high-correlated area in the first and second reference areas; determining a motion vector to be given to the motion vector undetected area; and generating the interpolation frame based on the motion vector given to the motion vector detected area and the motion vector determined for the motion vector undetected area.

Abstract: A method for context-modeling coding information of a video signal for compressing or decompressing the coding information is provided. An initial value of a function for probability coding of coding information of a video signal of an enhanced layer is determined based on coding information of a video signal of a base layer.

Abstract: A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.

Abstract: A motion compensation apparatus reduces the number of pixels for reading out pixel data from the multi-frame memory, and realizes the reduction of transmission and motion compensation in sub-pixel precision pixel generation, for efficient motion compensation pixel generation. The motion compensation apparatus includes a frame memory transmission control unit which, with regard to a plurality of motion compensation blocks, transmits reference pixels required in motion compensation collectively or on a per motion compensation block basis, from a multi-frame memory which stores a reference picture used in inter-picture motion compensation prediction, to a local reference memory.

Abstract: A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.

Abstract: A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.

Abstract: A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included.