Abstract: A picture encoding method includes receiving an input video signal, encoding the video signal using a reference picture signal to generate a video code stream, encoding the reference picture signal to generate a reference picture code stream, and multiplexing the video code stream with the reference picture code stream to generate an output code stream.

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: This disclosure describes a flexible digital transmission system that improves upon the ATSC A/53 HDTV signal transmission standard. The system includes a digital television signal transmitter for generating a first Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standard 8-VSB bit stream and, for generating an encoded new bit stream capable of transmitting high priority information bits, wherein symbols of the new bit stream are capable of being transmitted according to a transmission mode selected from group comprising: a 2-VSB mode, a 4-VSB mode, and a hierarchical-VSB (H-VSB) transmission mode. Each respective 2-VSB, 4-VSB, and H-VSB mode is characterized as having symbols mapped according to possible symbol values from an alphabet comprising respectively, {?7, ?5, 5, 7}, {7, 3, ?3, ?7}, and {7, 5, 3, ?3, ?5, ?7}. The standard 8-VSB bit stream and new bit stream may be simultaneously transmitted over a terrestrial channel according to a broadcaster defined bit-rate ratio.

Abstract: In an MPEG data processing circuit, inputted MPEG system stream is divided into a data block to be processed (for example, video elementary data portion) and a data block to be not processed (for example, non-video elementary data portion). The data to be processed are stored one by one in a primary storing section (a barrel shifter) while the numbers of data stored in the primary storing section or the data to be not processed are stored one by one in a secondary storing section (a FIFO buffer), responsive to kinds of blocks, in a predetermined storing form to be managed. After necessary data processing is conducted on the data of the block to be processed, both the data block to be processed and the data block to be not processed are finally combined to each other to be outputted as an MPEG system stream.

Abstract: Analyzing an analysis time signal that has been generated from encoding and decoding and original time signal according to an encoding algorithm. The encoding block raster underlying the analysis time signal used by the encoding algorithm is determined. The analysis time signal is converted from its timely representation of analysis spectral coefficients to a spectral representation by using the established encoding block raster. At least two analysis spectral coefficients are grouped. The greatest common divisor of the analysis spectral coefficients are calculated, corresponding to the quantization step width used when quantizing the encoding algorithm or an integer multiple of it. In the case of an audio signal, the scale factor can easily be established for this group of spectral coefficients, i.e., for a scale factor band, from the quantization step width. All parameters used for the quantization of the original time signal are known; full iteration loops need not be performed.

Abstract: Decoding time stamps (DTSs) and presentation time stamps (PTSs) are used in fine granularity scalability (FGS) coding during MPEG-4 video coding. An input video is encoded in an FGS encoder into a base layer bitstream and an enhancement bitstream. The bitstreams are provided over a variable bandwidth channel to an FGS decoder. The DTSs and the PTSs are selected during encoding as to conserve memory during FGS decoding. The video object planes (VOP) in the bitstreams include base VOPs and FGS VOPs, and may also include fine granularity temporal scalability (FGST) VOPs. The FGS VOPs and the FGST VOPs may be organized in the same layer or in different layers. The base VOPs are combined with the FGS VOPs and the FGST VOPs to generate enhanced VOPs.

Abstract: An image transmission device and method, a transmitting device and method, a receiving device and method, and robot apparatus are capable effectively transmitting the image data of multiple channels by using the existing systems which are formed on the premise of transmitting and receiving of the image data through single transmission line. At a transmitting side, the image data of multiple channels to be input is multiplexed with switching the channels by frame, and prescribed image information is added to each of the multiplexed image data of each frame. At a receiving side, the image information added to each of the image data for each frame respectively transmitted from the transmitting device are analyzed, and dividing device for dividing for each frame and outputting the multiplexed image data transmitted from the transmitting device to the corresponding channels is provided based on the analysis result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding multi-channel video signals is disclosed. In order for multiple of input channels to share hardware resources, one input channel is selected and multi-channel input video signals are stored through memory block switching. Multiplexer (1), video decoder (3), and digital video multiplexer (9) participate in selecting one input channel and memory block switching section (17) switches input and restoring frames to and/or from memory (27). For stabilizing frame rate under the conditions of multiple input channels, input channel sequence is determined by synchronization signal separator (7) and priority detection and channel switching section (13). In accordance with the present invention, multi-channel video signals are encoded into MPEG by using the conventional single channel MPEG encoder (15).

Abstract: An image transmission device and method, a transmitting device and method, a receiving device and method, and robot apparatus are capable of effectively transmitting the image data of multiple channels by using the existing systems which are formed on the premise of transmitting and receiving of the image data through single transmission line. At a transmitting side, the image data of multiple channels to be input is multiplexed with switching the channels by frame, and prescribed image information is added to each of the multiplexed image data of each frame. At a receiving side, the image information added to each of the image data for each frame respectively transmitted from the transmitting means are analyzed, and dividing means for dividing for each frame and outputting the multiplexed image data transmitted from the transmitting means to the corresponding channels is provided based on the analysis result.

Abstract: A video coding technique having motion compensation for bi-directional predicted frames (B-frames) and predicted frames (P-frames). The video coding technique involves a single-loop prediction-based base layer which includes base layer B- and/or P-frames that are generated from “extended” or “enhanced” base layer reference frames during base layer coding.

Abstract: A method for performing an Inverse Discrete Wavelet Transform is disclosed. The method comprises inverse transforming, using filters (706–710) having specified filter widths, data from associated sub-bands in a first sub-band level, to form processed data in a corresponding sub-band in the second sub-band level. The method further inverse transforms, in a pipeline fashion, using second filters (712–716) having the same corresponding associated filter widths, the processed data in conjunction with corresponding data from associated sub-bands in the second sub-band level.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for controlling the processing load of a scalable video decoder that decodes an incoming scalable video bit stream and generates a baseband video signal. The apparatus comprises: 1) an analyzer circuit for measuring at least one characteristic of the incoming scalable video bit stream and generating at least one video parameter associated with the at least one characteristic; and 2) a processor load controller for receiving the at least one video parameter and, in response thereto, controlling a level of decoding of the incoming scalable video bit stream performed by the scalable video decoder.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a simple and efficient layered video coding technique using a backward adaptive rate-distortion optimized data partitioning (RD-DP) of DCT coefficients. The video coding system may include an rate-distortion optimized data partitioning encoder and decoder. The RD-DP encoder adapts the partition point block-by-block which greatly improves the coding efficiency of the base layer bit stream without explicit transmission thereby saving the bandwidth significantly. The RD-DP decoder can also find the partition location in backward-fashion from the decoded data.

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 is significantly improves the efficiency of scalable video coding over a broad range of bit rates.

Abstract: A scalability type selection method and structure for hybrid SNR-temporal scalability that employs a decision mechanism capable of selecting between SNR and temporal scalability based upon desired criteria is disclosed. This method and structure utilizes models of the desired criteria such as the extent of motion between two encoded frames, the temporal distance between two encoded frames, the gain in visual quality achieved by using SNR scalability over temporal scalability, and the bandwidth available to the scaleable layer in deciding which form of scalability to use. Furthermore, the method and structure allows for control over the extent to which a certain type of scalability is used. By the selection of parameters used in the models, a certain type of scalability can be emphasized while another type of scalability can be given less preference. This invention not only allows the type of scalability to be selected but also to the degree to which the scalability will be used.

Abstract: An improved image processing system involves decoding compressed image data including frequency domain coefficients defining blocks of pixel values representing an image at a first resolution to provide an image at a reduced second resolution for display from a selected sub-set of the frequency domain coefficients. The apparatus includes an enhanced motion-compensation-unit (MCU) operating with blocks of pixel values representing an image at an intermediate third resolution lower than the first resolution but higher than the reduced second resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to scalable video encoders, and, more precisely, to an encoder comprising a base layer and at least an enhancement layer circuit, said circuits being capable of generating enhancement layer video data associated with compressed base layer video data and suitable for transmission to a video decoder. In said encoder, the implemented encoding method, based on a hierarchical triangular mesh representation to which a matching pursuit error coding step is specifically adapted, comprises a base layer encoding step and enhancement layer encoding steps. The invention also relates to a corresponding decoding method.

Abstract: Decoders A and B decode MPEG-2 bitstreams A and B. A switch (S1) switches from decoded stream A to decoded stream B to achieve a splice. The resulting bitstream is re-encoded in an encoder 4. A new transitional GOP is defined beginning at the splice. The new GOP is defined by picture type decision rules which may have the effect of changing the GOP compared to the GOPs of streams A and B. The new GOP provides an initial prediction of the position in stream B where the occupancy value of stream C should coincide with that of B. A target for the new number of bits in the new GOP is calculated as the sum of the normal allocation of bits for the new GOP plus the difference between the occupancy value of stream C at the splice and a prediction of the occupancy of stream B at the predicted position. The occupancy value of stream C is controlled in accordance with the target so that it tends towards the occupancy value of stream B at the predicted position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to produce a plurality of different rate output bitstreams from a common input bit stream. Overhead data is extracted from the input bit stream. The input bit stream is partially decoded. Thereafter, the at least partially decoded bit stream is re-encoded at different rates, to produce multiple re-encoded bit streams having different rates. The overhead data is combined with each re-encoded bit stream, thereby providing multiple versions of said encoded bit stream at different rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing prediction drift at low bitrates in a fine granular scalable video coding scheme that utilizes motion compensation in an enhancement layer. The method and apparatus measures motion activity within at least a portion a video; determines whether the measured motion activity is below a predetermined threshold value; codes the portion of the video with the fine granular scalable video coding scheme that utilizes motion compensation in the enhancement layer if the measured motion activity is below the predetermined threshold value; and codes the portion of the video with a fine granular scalable video coding that does not utilize motion compensation in the enhancement layer if the measured motion activity is above the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: In compressions of digital images having a plurality of initial pixels, an image type and a quantization step-size set preassigned to the image type, are associated with a respective coordinate of each of the initial pixels. The digital image is decomposed to produce a plurality of subbands. Coefficients of the subbands define a plurality of resultant pixels, each having a respective one of the coordinates. The subband coefficients also define, for each subband coefficient, a group of resultant pixels to which the subband coefficient contributes. After the decomposition, each of the subband coefficients are shrunk by a respective adjustment that is a function of the respective quantization step-size sets associated with the coordinates of the resultant pixels to which the subband coefficient contributes.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal ID by distribute VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.

Abstract: Video decoder methods and apparatus are described. In accordance with the invention, hardware decoder circuitry, e.g., intra-coded image decoding circuitry and motion vector reconstruction circuitry, is used in combination with a general purpose processor, e.g., Pentium processor, to perform video decoding operations. The video decoder hardware circuitry of the present invention is responsible for performing non-memory intensive functions. The general purpose processor or a general purpose processor operating in conjunction with a graphics processor are used to perform memory intensive video decoding operations such as motion compensated predictions. The video decoding hardware circuitry of the present invention can be implemented as a separate physical device, e.g., chip, or can be implemented on the same physical chip as a general purpose processor with which it works.

Abstract: A television audiovisual apparatus using a personal computer comprises an audio/video I/O interface including a television tuner, disposed in the personal computer, and an information compression/decompression unit for compressing audio/video signals input through the audio/video I/O interface in accordance with the MPEG2 specifications to store the compressed audio/video signals in a large capacity storage disposed in the personal computer, and for decompressing compressed audio/video signals in accordance with the MPEG2 specifications.

Abstract: Multi-layered motion or still video compression includes, in an encoder or encoding function aspect of the invention, separating the video signal into low-frequency and high-frequency components, processing the low-frequency components of the video signal to generate synthetic high-frequency components, the low-frequency components or a data reduced version of the low-frequency components comprising a main or base layer, and generating the difference between the synthetic high-frequency components and the actual high-frequency components, the difference comprising an error or enhancement layer signal. A decoder or decoding function aspect of the invention processes the main layer to generate synthetic high-frequency components and combines the synthetic high-frequency components, main layer and enhancement layer to provide a decoded output signal similar to the video signal applied to the encoder.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus and method, a plurality of objects are separated from input moving image data. The separated first object is encoded by a first encoding method. The separated second object is encoded by a second encoding method. The encoding process for the second object is controlled in accordance with encoded data of the first object.

Abstract: A method and system for providing reduced network bandwidth for picture in picture (PIP) video transmissions. The method includes receiving a request signal from a client display to scale a video signal, a server scaling an auxiliary video signal from which pictures presented in an auxiliary display of a client display are derived and the server encoding signals from which pictures presented in a main display and a auxiliary display of said client display are derived. Further, the method includes combining the signals from which pictures presented in the main display and the auxiliary display are derived and the server transmitting to the client display combined signals from which pictures presented in the main display and the auxiliary display are derived. The client then displays the main image and the PIP image.

Abstract: The invention relates to encoding and decoding streamed data. An encoder reallocates an amount of bits from the time frame of a compressed scene having rich information content to the time frame of a compressed scene having low information content. Thus, bits between scenes of different compressibility/quality/content are reallocated such that the available constant bandwidth is fully utilized. Further, the encoder incorporates markers into the stream, each marker comprising instructions to the decoder like information about the size and duration of the scene following the marker.

Abstract: A method transports a video over a network that includes multiple paths. First, a video is encoded into a base layer, one or more low bit-rate enhancement layers, and one or more high bit-rate enhancement layers using fine-granularity scalability. The base layer and the low bit-rate layers are duplicated into a multiple base layers and multiple low bit-rate enhancement layers, respectively. The high bit-rate layers are partitioned into multiple partial low-bit rate layers, and then each layer is transmitted over a different path of the network to a receiver.

Abstract: An MPEG2 decoder portion decodes an input bit stream and outputs a digital decoded image while extracting coding information and supplying the same to a control portion. An MPEG2 encoder portion re-encodes the digital decoded image output from the MPEG2 decoder portion. Coding information supplied from the control portion is reflected on a coding parameter in re-encoding. Transcoding between the MPEG2 standard and the DV standard can also be executed by arranging a decoder or an encoder corresponding to the DV standard in place of either the MPEG2 decoder portion or the MPEG2 encoder portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a video encoder comprising a base layer encoder and an enhancement layer encoder. The base layer encoder receives an input stream of video frames and generates compressed base layer video data suitable for transmission to a streaming video receiver. The enhancement layer encoder receives the input stream of video frames and a decoded version of the compressed base layer video data and generates enhancement layer video data associated with the compressed base layer video data and suitable for transmission to the streaming video receiver. The video encoder also comprises a controller associated with the enhancement layer circuitry for receiving a quantization parameter associated with the base layer video data and determining therefrom at least one all-zero bit plane associated with at least one block of the enhancement layer video data. The controller is capable of causing the enhancement layer circuitry not to transmit the at least one all-zero bit plane to the streaming video receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a high definition television signal (e.g., a high definition MPEG2 data stream) and re-encoding the high definition signal to create a standard definition television signal. In particular, the apparatus involves re-encoding a copy of the high definition (HD) signal into a standard definition (SD) signal and combining both the original signal and the re-encoded standard definition signal into a multiplexed signal. The provision of both an SD signal and an HD signal in the multiplexed signal enables both SD television receivers and HD television receivers to receive content initially provided as an HD signal. The re-encoding may be performed, for example, at a cable television system headend. The HD television signal may contain one or more television services (channels). The apparatus enables backward compatibility between an HD data stream and SD receivers. Legacy SD equipment and new HD equipment can be supported using the same television signal feed.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for extracting motion information (110) from a video sequence (130, 600) containing interframe motion vectors (120) are disclosed. In particular, motion information (110) is automatically extracted (610) from an encoded traffic video stream (600) to detect speed, density and flow. The motion information (110) extracted is under fixed camera settings and in a well-defined environment. The motion vectors (120) are first separated (610) from the compressed streams (130) during decoding and filtered (620) to eliminate incorrect and noisy motion vectors based on the well-defined environmental knowledge. By applying a projective transform (630) to the filtered motion vectors, speed, density, and flow can be detected (640, 650, 660). In this manner, a traffic monitoring system is implemented.

Abstract: An alpha-map encoding apparatus includes a first down-sampling circuit (21) for down-sampling an alpha-map signal which represents the shape of an object and the position in the frame of the object at a down-sampling ratio based on size conversion ratio information, an up-sampling circuit (23) for up-sampling the alpha-map signal at an up-sampling ratio based on size conversion ratio information given to restore the down-sampled alpha-map signal to an original size, and outputting a local decoded alpha-map signal, a motion estimation/compensation circuit (25) for generating a motion estimation/compensation signal on the basis of the previous decoded video signal and a motion vector signal, a second down-sampling circuit (26) for down-sampling the motion estimation/compensation signal at the down-sampling ratio, a binary image encoder for encoding the alpha-map signal down-sampled by the first down-sampling circuit to a binary image in accordance with the motion estimation/compensation signal down-sampled by t

Abstract: A fine granularity scalability encoding/decoding apparatus includes a first quantizer for performing a DCT on a motion-compensated image and quantizing a resulting value, a second quantizer for re-quantizing the value obtained by the first quantizer, an inverse-quantizer for re-quantizing a value re-quantized by the second quantizer, and a number of subtracters. A first subtracter obtains a difference between a value of N times the re-quantized value and the inverse-quantized value. A second subtracter obtains a difference between the value quantized by the first quantizer and the value quantized by the inverse-quantizer. And, a third subtracter subtracts the output value of the first subtracter from the output value of the second subtracter. Coding efficiency is increased and a bit-rate reduction of an entire coding stream is achieved by making an enhancement layer signal and a base layer signal have the same code.

Abstract: The invention lies within the area of image compression coding, in particular of MPEG type, which uses recoding help data. The invention affords a solution for reusing the help data selectively. To this end, the invention adjoins an electronic signature representative of the constraints of the coder. Thus, it becomes possible to determine whether the help data are reusable or not for a subsequent coding using other constraints.

Abstract: An input module obtains a media signal to be communicated to a destination system, after which an identification module identifies a plurality of scenes within the media signal. A selection module automatically selects different codecs from a codec library to respectively compress at least two of the scenes. The codecs are automatically selected to produce a highest compression quality for the respective scenes according to a set of criteria without exceeding a target data rate. A compression module then compresses the scenes using the automatically selected codecs, after which an output module delivers the compressed scenes to the destination system with an indication of which codec was used to compress each scene.

Abstract: A data transmission device for generating a plurality of compressed/encoded data of different bit rates from a single video signal, whereby unevenness in the amount of generated data can be easily reduced. A synchronizing signal detection section detects a synchronizing signal from the input video signal and supplies the detected signal to a timing control section. Compressing/encoding sections compress/encode the same video signal input thereto to generate data streams of different bit rates. The timing control section controls the compressing/encoding sections in accordance with the synchronizing signal detected by the synchronizing signal detection section such that timings for starting compression/encoding processes in the compressing/encoding sections are offset in units of frame.

Abstract: A moving picture data compression device 1 is provided with a controller 20 for inputting a realtime/non-realtime switch signal to switchers 30 and 40 when a realtime/non-realtime switch interrupt is received from a personal computer 3 in order to control a compressor 60 to compress either realtime data recorded on a video tape 5 or non-realtime data recorded on a video file 7 according to a user's desire. When compressing non-realtime data, the controller 20 sends a synchronization signal to the compressor 60, after outputting one field worth of video signal to a buffer 50, in order to instruct the compressor 60 to read data. When the controller 20 receives a one-field read end interrupt, indicative of the end of the reading operation, from the compressor 60, the controller 20 outputs the next field data to the buffer 50.

Abstract: A scalable predictive coder in which the current frame of data is predicted at the enhancement-layer by processing and combining the reconstructed signal at: (i) the current base-layer (or lower layers) frame; and (ii) the previous enhancement-layer frame. The combining rule takes into account the compressed prediction error of the base-layer, and the parameters used for its compression.

Abstract: The information processing unit according to the present invention is formed with a processing unit's main frame (300) for processing various types of information and an input device (100), and the input device (100) comprises a display unit (20) and a rotor (30). When the rotor is rotated, the switching request information for switching information in a plurality of layers to be processed by the processing unit's main frame (300) is set. The switching request information for switching the layers is set in response to oscillation of the rotor in the vertical direction. When switching information, image data for information currently being displayed and the image data to be displayed next are compressed to those with smaller dimensions, and then combined in the lateral direction to generate one piece of switching image data. The tone processing is carried out so that tone change occurs at least in a portion of the switching image data.

Abstract: A method for decreasing end-to-end delay in a video conferencing context is disclosed. At video conferencing system startup, a processor is initialized to receive either a top field or a bottom field of video frame data. If the first line of a new field arriving after initialization does not match a field state that the processor is initialized to, the present invention senses the state mismatch and adjusts a display buffer by one display line, and the field is stored in the display buffer. The display buffer is adjusted in order to preserve a vertical spatial relationship between the top and bottom fields.

Abstract: A method of optimising the quality of a B picture by temporal scalability for an enhancement layer of a video bit stream, wherein the B picture B0.5 is predicted based on an SNR enhancement picture EI0 appearing in the highest enhancement layer of the bit stream. A prediction is achieved using foward prediction based on an enhanced picture already appearing in the same enhancement layer. As a result, information contained in the enhanced picture is not wasted.

Abstract: When a background interpolation-judging section 107 judges that parts areas of a lower layer and an upper layer move significantly, and a visual effect can be obtained by the background interpolation, a controller 103 controls a switch 104 based on the area information of the parts area of the lower layer to perform the background interpolation. A weighted average section 106 takes an average by weighting to the upper layer and the lower layer by using the interpolated background to generate an interpolated image. By using this interpolated image, the prediction-encoding/decoding of the upper layer is performed. On the contrary, when the background interpolation-judging section 107 judges that parts areas do not move so significantly, and a visual effect cannot be obtained by the background interpolation, a background is synthesized by using the output of the interpolated image-forming section 105 to generate an interpolated image.

Abstract: An audio encoder converts an input sound signal into a plurality of compressed frame data pieces in an sound signal compression coder, determines the importance of each bit in a classification unit of a transmission line coder based on the decoding quality in the presence of a transmission error, and classifies the bits into a plurality of classes. The audio encoder selects one of the three types of processing including convolution coding and addition of CRC check codes, convolution coding only, and no coding, in descending order of importance in the presence of a transmission error for each class. Then, the audio encoder adds preamble information and a synchronization signal in a multiplexer to generate a bit stream. It becomes possible to suppress degradation of a decoded sound signal without additional redundant bits.

Abstract: A motion picture coding and decoding apparatus synthesizes a lower layer frame at a certain time by using first component area information of a lower layer preceding in the time and second component area information of a lower layer succeeding in the time. For an area where the first and second component areas overlapped, or for an area which is neither the first nor the second component area on the lower layer frame, lower layer frames preceding and succeeding in time are subjected to weighted average for synthetisization. For the area corresponding to the first component area only, the lower layer frame succeeding in time is used, and for the area corresponding to the second component area only on the synthesized lower layer frame, the lower layer frame preceding in time is used, for synthesizing the lower layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to motion estimation and compensation. For example, a screen capture encoder performs motion estimation that is adapted to screen capture video in various respects. For example, the motion estimation uses a distortion measure based upon the count of equal/unequal pixels in two regions, sub-samples the distortion measure to speed up motion estimation, and/or uses a search pattern that prioritizes types of motion common in screen capture video. Or, a screen capture decoder performs motion compensation that is adapted to screen capture video in various respects. For example, the decoder performs the motion compensation for pixels with different values at corresponding locations in a current frame and a reference frame, but not for all pixels of the current frame. Alternatively, an encoder/decoder performs the motion estimation/compensation to compress/decompress other kinds of content.

Abstract: An image coding apparatus inputs pixel data of a part image of high resolution. An upper layer coding portion (101), a second shape data generating portion (102), and a second shape data coding portion (103) perform coding of shape data and pixel data in the upper layer. A down sampling portion (104) generates pixel data of low resolution. A lower layer coding portion (105), a first shape data generating portion (106), and a first shape data coding portion (107) code shape data and pixel data in the lower layer.

Abstract: A pipeline video decoder and decompression system handles a plurality of separately encoded bit streams arranged as a single serial bit stream of digital bits and having separately encoded pairs of control codes and corresponding data carried in the serial bit stream. The pipeline system employs a plurality of interconnected stages to decode and decompress the single bit stream, including a start code detector. When in a search mode, the start code detector searches for a specific start code corresponding to one of multiple compression standards. The start code detector responding to the single serial bit stream generates control tokens and data tokens. A respective one of the tokens includes a plurality of data words. Each data word has an extension bit which indicates a presence of additional words therein. The data words are thereby unlimited in number.

Abstract: A system for coding video data comprised of one or more frames codes a portion of the video data using a frame-prediction coding technique, and generates residual images based on the video data and the coded video data. The system then codes the residual images using a fine-granular scalability coding technique, and outputs the coded video data and at least one of the coded residual images to a receiver.