Abstract: Video encoding methods and video encoders that provide improved performance while reducing power consumption. In one aspect, a video encoding method comprises the steps of outputting a parameter for a slice of a current frame, wherein the slice comprises a plurality of macroblocks, and the parameter comprises an address of a first macroblock of the slice, an address of a search area on a previous frame, a search area corresponding to a current macroblock, and a number of macroblocks comprising the slice; processing the slice by consecutively encoding and decoding each macroblock of the slice in response to the parameter; and outputting an interrupt signal for the current frame, when encoding and decoding for each macroblock of the all slices is consecutively performed so that encoding for the current frame is completed.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for coding blocks of data using a generalized form of Golomb codes. In one example, a device may implement these techniques for encoding data that includes samples, each of which includes a set of values. The device includes a lossless coding unit. This lossless coding unit comprises a sample summation unit that computes a sum of the values of a first one of the samples and a counting unit that determines a sample index. The lossless coding unit further includes a variable length coding unit that codes the computed sum using a variable-length code to generate a coded sum and a uniform coding unit that codes the determined sample index using a uniform code to generate a coded sample index. The lossless coding unit also includes a format unit that combines the coded sum and the coded sample index to form a bitstream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of progressively encoding and transmitting visual data. First image information updates are acquired for a region of visual data. The region of visual data is defined by a plurality of blocks of pixel data, and individual blocks of the plurality are associated with individual change histories for their respective pixel data. Stored region information including a recent encoded state for each block in the plurality is retrieved. Available network bandwidth is determined, and then encoding parameters for each block in the region of visual data are determined from the retrieved region information and the available network bandwidth. The plurality of blocks is then encoded, the retrieved region information is updated in accordance with the determined encoding parameters; and the encoded blocks are transmitted across a computer network.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first DCT block of coefficients is received from a transcoding process. The DCT block is of a first size, such as an 8×8 size, and in a first coding standard, such as MPEG-2. A distribution of zero and non-zero coefficients is then determined from the first DCT block. For example, areas where non-zero coefficients are found may be determined. This may simplify a corresponding sum of absolute difference (SAD) calculation. The SAD is then calculated for a second DCT block of a second size, such as a 4×4 size block, in a second coding standard, such as AVC. The SAD is determined from the coefficients in the first DCT block. Accordingly, the SAD is determined without performing an inverse DCT on the 8×8 block and then computing the SAD for a 4×4 block. It is then determined if a bypass of a DCT operation for the 4×4 block can be performed based on the SAD computed. For example, the SAD is compared to a threshold to determine if a bypass can be performed.

Abstract: A process for compressing and decompressing non-keyframes in sequential sets of contemporaneous video frames making up multiple video streams where the video frames in a set depict substantially the same scene from different viewpoints. Each set of contemporaneous video frames has a plurality frames designated as keyframes with the remaining being non-keyframes. In one embodiment, the non-keyframes are compressed using a multi-directional spatial prediction technique. In another embodiment, the non-keyframes of each set of contemporaneous video frames are compressed using a combined chaining and spatial prediction compression technique. The spatial prediction compression technique employed can be a single direction technique where just one reference frame, and so one chain, is used to predict each non-keyframe, or it can be a multi-directional technique where two or more reference frames, and so chains, are used to predict each non-keyframe.

Abstract: A method performs inverse tone mapping of an image in a decoder. For each block of each color channel of the image the following steps are performed. A scaling factor is determined for a current block of the image by adding a predicted scaling factor for the current block to a difference between the predicted scaling factor and the scaling factor of an adjacent block. An offset value for the current block is determined by adding a predicted offset for the current block to a difference between the predicted offset value and the offset value of the adjacent block. The scaling factor and the offset value are applied to pixel intensity values of the current block to produce a mapped block in which a bit-depth of the mapped block is greater than the bit-depth of the current block.

Abstract: In a method of encoding a video frame to be transmitted to a plurality of clients over a plurality of network connections, a set of parameters is associated with each connection. The method comprises: for each connection, determining a frame size that can be transported over the connection considering the associated set of parameters; and compressing the video frame to a target frame size based on the minimum of the plurality of determined frame sizes. This method advantageously provides an easy and straightforward way for selecting the appropriate parameters that need to be taken into account for controlling the rate of the generated bitstream, particularly when multiple parameters are associated with each connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for decoding image data including I-picture, P-picture, and B-picture encoded data. A method includes receiving encoded image data and selectively performing a modified inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) process to generate output pixel array blocks at a lower resolution than the resolution of the received image data. The image data can be 8×8 pixel array blocks, which are used to produce lower resolution pixel array blocks such as, for example, 4×8 or 4×4 pixel array blocks. In certain instances, after the IDCT process is performed, the resulting pixel data is up-sampled before motion compensation is performed. Furthermore, in certain instances, the resulting pixel data is subjected to motion compensation and scaled to display size prior to display.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for transforming between a DCT coefficient and a DWT coefficient. The transforming apparatus includes a first fundamental matrix calculating unit, a second fundamental matrix calculating unit, and a DWT coefficient calculating unit. The first fundamental matrix calculating unit calculates a first fundamental matrix by multiplying an N×N forward DWT transform matrix and an N×N matrix that has diagonal components corresponding to a transpose matrix of an 8×8 DCT transform matrix and the remaining components corresponding to an 8×8 matrix with all elements being zero. The second fundamental matrix calculating unit calculates a second fundamental matrix by multiplying an M×M matrix, which has diagonal components corresponding to an 8×8 DCT transform matrix and the remaining components corresponding to an 8×8 matrix with all elements being zero, and a transpose matrix of an M×M forward DWT transform matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data transmission system that transmits data by using a relay. The relay selects a transmission terminal from among a plurality of terminals accessing a base station. A base station transmits base station data to the relay during a first time slot, and the transmission terminal transmits terminal data to the relay. The relay transmits terminal data to the base station during a second time slot, and transmits base station data to the transmission terminal.

Abstract: A method is described to greatly improve the efficiency of and reduce the complexity of image compression when using single-sensor color imagers for video acquisition. The method in addition allows for this new image compression type to be compatible with existing video processing tools, improving the workflow for film and television production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of watermarking a data set comprising the steps of: selecting, in the data set, at least one group of two data; and modifying at least one data of the group. The data is modified such that the difference between the modified data and the other data of the group possibly modified equals a predefined watermarking parameter multiplied by an integer number, called rejection class, associated with the group and equal to the integer nearest to the ratio between the difference between the at least one data and the other data of the group before the modification divided by the watermarking parameter.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to detect characteristics of images such as blurring and the like without expanding compressed and stored image data. And, the above-described detection is realized by detecting image characteristics on the basis of attached information of an image, such as relation between low frequency components and high frequency components of alternate current components and contents of a quantization table of image data compressed by a compression system for converting image data into spatial frequency components. In addition, for example, as a result of detection, an image discriminated to be in a blurred state is controlled so as not to be inserted into an album template or to be inserted into a small area inside the album template. Thereby, a user can omit work of picking and choosing images to insert into an album template while taking a look at a lot of images.

Abstract: Sampled data is packaged in checkerboard format for encoding and decoding. The sampled data may be quincunx sampled multi-image video data (e.g., 3D video or a multi-program stream), and the data may also be divided into sub-images of each image which are then multiplexed, or interleaved, in frames of a video stream to be encoded and then decoded using a standardized video encoder. A system for viewing may utilize a standard video decoder and a formatting device that de-interleaves the decoded sub-images of each frame reformats the images for a display device. A 3D video may be encoded using a most advantageous interleaving format such that a preferred quality and compression ratio is reached. In one embodiment, the invention includes a display device that accepts data in multiple formats.

Abstract: A hardware pixel processing pipeline and a video processing instruction set accelerate image processing and/or video decompression. The pixel processing pipeline uses hardware components to more efficiently perform color space conversion and horizontal upscaling. Additionally, the pixel processing pipeline also reduces the size of its output data to conserve bandwidth. A specialized video processing instruction set allows further acceleration of video processing or video decoding by allowing receipt of a single instruction to cause multiple addition operation or interpolation of multiple pairs of pixels in parallel.

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: Provided are encoding and decoding methods for a single-view video or a multi-view video and apparatuses thereof. The multi-view encoding method includes performing motion and disparity estimation based on a base image, a supplementary image, and a reference image, generating residual data using the reference image and the motion and disparity estimated data, down sampling the residual data, and transforming and quantizing the down sampled residual data using a discrete cosine transformation (DCT) method.

Abstract: A method for transcoding from an MPEG-2 format to a VC-1 format is disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the MPEG-2 format to generate a picture; (B) determining a mode indicator for the picture; and (C) coding the picture into an output video stream in the VC-1 format using one of (i) a VC-1 field mode coding and (ii) a VC-1 frame mode coding as determined from the mode indicator.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is a baseboard management controller that is a fully integrated system-on-a-chip microprocessor incorporating function blocks and interfaces that provide remote management solution. The integrated circuit uses a microprocessor, a media co-processor to accelerate video processing, and a set of system and peripheral functions that are useful in a variety of remote management applications. It further includes an integrated USB high-speed device and an OTG interface to support keyboard, mouse and mass storage emulation without additional external components, and two integrated MII LAN interfaces and one FSB interface, a memory controller to support a variety of static and dynamic memory components, an encryption controller to ensure secure remote management sessions and IPMI2.0-compliant BMC interfaces. The integrated circuit is based on structured ASIC technology, which enables easy customization of function blocks according to customer demands or new industry standards.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audio/video data synchronization apparatus for directly transmitting decoded audio/video data to an external device, without compressing the data, using UWB communication. The apparatus synchronizes video and audio data stored in a terminal without compressing the data and simultaneously transmits the data to an external device using UWB communication, so that users can enjoy high-quality images and sounds. In addition, the receiving end does not necessarily incorporate a separate function for decoding moving images, because it receives uncompressed video/audio data. This makes the apparatus simple and convenient.

Abstract: Down-sampling of an image may be performed in the DCT domain. A multiple layered network is used to select transform matrices for down-sampling a DCT image of size M×N to a DCT image of size I×J. A spatial domain down-sampling method is selected and applied to the DCT image to produce a down-sampled DCT reference image. A learning with forgetting algorithm is used to apply a decay to the elements of the transform matrix and select a transform matrices which solve an optimization problem. The optimization problem is a function of the visual quality of images obtained using the transform matrices and the computational complexity associated with using the transform matrices. The visual quality is a measure of the difference between the down-sampled DCT image obtained using the transform matrices and the visual quality of the DCT reference image obtained using a spatial domain down-sampling method.

Abstract: Reducing a frame size in a memory for a receiver includes compressing a first analog television picture frame, storing the compressed frame in the memory, decompressing the compressed frame from the memory, obtaining a second analog television picture frame. The first frame includes a first set of pixels that further include at least one of Red/Green/Blue (RGB) samples and, the second frame includes a second set of pixels. Each of the first set of pixels of first frame being decompressed are compared with the corresponding second set of pixels of second frame to obtain an alpha (?) factor. A Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and a motion per pixel of the first set of pixels and the second set of pixels are compared. Each of a pixel is displayed based on the ? factor.

Abstract: In a moving picture coding apparatus, a first determining section determines whether the parameter is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold and a first measuring section, for each divided blocks, measures time duration while the first determining section is determining that the parameter is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold. After that, a second determining section determines whether the time duration comes up to a predetermined condition. Then, a coding control section forcibly sets intra-coding for a block, if the second measuring section determined that the time duration has come up to the condition.

Abstract: Wireless transmission of high-definition video, whether essentially uncompressed or compressed, is prone to errors during reception due to the condition of the wireless link. To ensure video quality during changing link conditions it is desirable to ensure that those portions of the video that represent the more important components of the video signal, such as the lower special frequencies or most significant bits, are assured correct reception at the receiver. Bandwidth limitations of the wireless link affect the amount of data that can be sent over the link. Hence, using a high level error recovery for all of the information is not feasible. Accordingly, a method and apparatus for unequal error protection is disclosed that provides a higher level of error protection to the more important elements of the transmission while affording less error protection to the other elements of the transmission.

Abstract: Information is communicated from a host device to a receiving device via white space. A white space device is interfaced with the host device. The white space device has at least one port configured to communicatively interface with a host device to receive multimedia content from the host device. The white space device also optionally has a television band engine configured to encode a transport stream containing at least a portion of the multimedia content received from the host device. A transmitter is configured to transmit the transport stream via white space.

Abstract: A predictive video coder performs gradient prediction based on previous blocks of image data. For a new block of image data, the prediction determines a horizontal gradient and a vertical gradient from a block diagonally above the new block (vertically above a previous horizontally adjacent block). Based on these gradients, the encoder predicts image information based on image information of either the horizontally adjacent block or a block vertically adjacent to the new block. The encoder determines a residual that is transmitted in an output bitstream. The decoder performs the identical gradient prediction and predicts image information without need for overhead information. The decoder computes the actual information based on the predicted information and the residual from the bitstream.

Abstract: The method for block coding data, such as video data, via a compression operation includes applying to input-data blocks a discrete-cosine-transform (DCT) operation and a quantization operation to produce compressed-data blocks. The compressed-data blocks are subjected to a coding operation to obtain compressed output flows; and an inverse-quantization operation and an inverse-discrete-cosine-transform (IDCT) operation are applied on the compressed-data blocks to obtain reconstructed blocks. The method includes controlling generation of mismatch errors from the input-data blocks by detecting data blocks from the input-data blocks and compressed-data blocks that are liable to cause mismatch errors, and modifying the blocks that are liable to cause mismatch errors prior to the coding operation.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for implementing an 8-point discrete cosine transform (DCT). An apparatus comprising an 8-point discrete cosine transform (DCT) hardware unit may implement these techniques to transform media data from a spatial domain to a frequency domain. The 8-point DCT hardware unit includes an even portion comprising factors A, B that are related to a first scaled factor (?) in accordance with a first relationship. The 8-point DCT hardware unit also includes an odd portion comprising third, fourth, fifth and sixth internal factors (G, D, E, Z) that are related to a second scaled factor (?) in accordance with a second relationship. The first relationship relates the first scaled factor to the first and second internal factors. The second relationship relates the second scaled factor to the third internal factor and a fourth internal factor, as well as, the fifth internal factor and a sixth internal factor.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for implementing a 16-point discrete cosine transform (DCT) that is capable of applying multiple IDCT of different sizes. For example, an apparatus comprising a 16-point discrete cosine transform of type II (DCT-II) unit may implement the techniques of this disclosure. The 16-point DCT-II unit performs these DCTs-II of different sizes to transform data from a spatial to a frequency domain. The 16-point DCT-II unit includes an 8-point DCT-II unit that performs one of the DCTs-II of size 8 and a first 4-point DCT-II unit that performs one of the DCTs-II of size 4. The 8-point DCT-II unit includes the first 4-point DCT-II unit. The 16-point DCT-II unit also comprises an 8-point DCT-IV unit that includes a second 4-point DCT-II unit and a third 4-point DCT-II unit. Each of the second and third 4-point DCT-II units performs one of the DCTs-II of size 4.

Abstract: An RF signal source having a camera that provides a camera output, an encoder that encodes the camera output in a compressed digital format, and a modulator that digitally encodes and modulates the compressed camera output and that provides the digitally encoded, modulated, and compressed camera output as an RF output of the RF signal source. The camera, the encoder, and the modulator may be contained in an enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the encoder, the modulator, and at least part of the camera may be formed on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An image capturing and transmission device includes an image capturing module, an image processor, an image encoder, and a network transmission module. The image capturing module is used for capturing a scene of an area to be displayed and outputting image data. The image processor converts the image data according to a first and a second cutting areas and a first and a second shrink ratio values, and outputs a first and a second sub-images. The first cutting area includes the second cutting area, and the first shrink ratio value is greater than the second shrink ratio value. The image encoder encodes the first and the second sub-images according to first and second encoding information, and outputs a first and a second streaming images. The network transmission module is used for transmitting the first and the second streaming images.

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

Abstract: System and method for decoding digital video data. The decoding system employs hardware accelerators that assist a core processor in performing selected decoding tasks. The hardware accelerators are configurable to support a plurality of existing and future encoding/decoding formats. The accelerators are configurable to support substantially any existing or future encoding/decoding formats that fall into the general class of DCT-based, entropy decoded, block-motion-compensated compression algorithms. The hardware accelerators illustratively comprise a programmable entropy decoder, an inverse quantization module, a inverse discrete cosine transform module, a pixel filter, a motion compensation module and a de-blocking filter. The hardware accelerators function in a decoding pipeline wherein at any given stage in the pipeline, while a given function is being performed on a given macroblock, the next macroblock in the data stream is being worked on by the previous function in the pipeline.

Abstract: Digital multimedia includes intraframe information and interframe information. In addition to sending separate complete intraframes that are referenced by interframes, some interframes (“hybrid” frames) contain partial intraframe information, so that if a complete intraframe is lost, referencing interframes can obtain at least some intraframe information from the hybrid frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for decoding data (e.g., video data) using transforms. In one embodiment, the decoding process comprises scaling a block of coefficients using a scaling factor determined for each coefficient by computing an index for said each coefficient and indexing a look-up table (LUT) using the index. The index is based on a quantization parameter, a size of the block of coefficients, and a position of said each coefficient within the block. The method also comprises applying a transform to the block of scaled coefficients.

Abstract: A method of reducing processing of fast inverse transform of an input transform block by a video decoder includes determining whether a block type is one of zero, DC, left, and top. If not, the inverse transform is performed and a residual video block is provided as residual information. When the block type is zero, inverse transform is bypassed. When the block type is DC, reduced complexity inverse transform of a DC coefficient is performing and a single residual coefficient is provided as residual information. When the block type is left, reduced complexity inverse transform of a left column of the input transform block is performed and a single column of residual coefficients is provided as residual information. When the block type is top, reduced complexity inverse transform of a top row is performed and a single row of residual coefficients is provided as residual information.

Abstract: A digital television receiving system includes a first known data detector, a second known data detector, and a selector. The first known data detector detects a location of a first known data sequence in a broadcast signal by calculating a first correlation value between the broadcast signal and a first reference known data sequence. Similarly, the second known data detector detects a location of a second known data sequence in the broadcast signal by calculating a second correlation value between the broadcast signal and a second reference known data sequence. The selector selects the location information detected by one of the first and second known data detectors with a greater correlation value.

Abstract: An apparatus for encoding data includes a receiving section, a signal-deteriorating factor generation section, and a data-encoding section. The signal-deteriorating generating section generates a signal-deteriorating factor and includes a phase-shifting section to shift a phase of data received at the receiving section. The data-encoding section obtains encoded data by performing encoding processing on the data in which the signal-deteriorating factor is generated and includes an encoding section to perform encoding by use of sub-sampling on the data whose phase is shifted by the phase-shifting section.

Abstract: A DTV transmitting system includes a frame encoder, a randomizer, a block processor, a group formatter, a deinterleaver, and a packet formatter. The frame encoder builds an enhanced data frame and encodes the frame two times for first and second error correction, respectively. It further permutes a plurality of encoded data frames. The randomizer randomizes the permuted enhanced data, and the block processor codes the randomized data at a rate of 1/N1. The group formatter forms a group of enhanced data having one or more data regions and inserts the data coded at the rate of 1/N1 into at least one of the data regions. The deinterleaver deinterleaves the group of enhanced data, and the packet formatter formats the deinterleaved data into enhanced data packets.

Abstract: A bitstream includes a sequence of frames. Each frame is partitioned into encoded blocks. For each block, a set of paths is determined at a transform angle determined from a transform index in the bitstream. Transform coefficients are obtained from bitstream. The transform coefficients include one DC coefficient for each path. An inverse transform is applied to the transform coefficients to produce a decoded video.

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 method and apparatus for reducing motion blur in digital images. An imager captures a reference frame and a plurality of target frames. Feature blocks preferably containing strong two-dimensional features are identified in the reference frame. Corresponding features are identified in the target frames and motion vectors representing the movement of features are calculated. Based at least in part on the motion vectors, corresponding pixels in the reference and target frames are identified and combined to form an output image. Efficient methods for identifying corresponding features in apparatuses with small buffer memories by serially processing frame strips are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a motion estimation device and method adaptive to change in illumination. The motion estimation method includes the steps of: generating a current frame pattern block and a reference frame pattern block for a reference frame block; calculating the sum of absolute differences (SAD) for candidate pattern blocks and determining the candidate pattern block corresponding to the SAD satisfying a predetermined condition among the calculated SAD as a motion vector; encoding the current frame block, and adding flag information indicating the addition of a mean pixel value applied to the encoded current frame block and identification information on the encoding mode as header information corresponding to the encoded current frame block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a received digital signal that has been corrupted by a channel is disclosed. The method includes storing the received digital signal and receiving a partially corrected sequence of symbols that includes an output of a preliminary denoising system operating on the received digital signal. Information specifying a signal degradation function that measures the signal degradation that occurs if a symbol having the value I is replaced by a symbol having the value J is utilized to generate a processed digital signal by replacing each symbol having a value I in a context of that symbol in the received digital signal with a symbol having a value J if replacement reduces a measure of overall signal degradation in the processed digital signal relative to the received digital signal as measured by the degradation function and the partially corrected sequence of symbols.

Abstract: A method for transcoding from an H.264 format to a VC-1 format. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the H.264 format to generate a picture having a plurality of macroblock pairs that used an H.264 macroblock adaptive field/frame coding; (B) determining a mode indicator for each of the macroblock pairs; and (C) coding the macroblock pairs into an output video stream in the VC-1 format using one of (i) a VC-1 field motion compensation mode coding and (ii) a VC-1 frame motion compensation mode coding as determined from the mode indicator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding mode information of a block of an image. The method of decoding the mode information includes decoding information representing whether a current block is encoded in a first mode, and hierarchically decoding information representing an encoding mode of the current block from among a second mode and a third mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding an image are provided. The method includes: decoding information representing that a first block of the image has been encoded in a first mode; and reconstructing the first block by setting pixel values of the first block to be identical with pixel values of a second block of the image that is adjacent to the first block and has been decoded prior to the first block, wherein the first mode is a mode for encoding information representing that the first block is identical or similar to the second block and has been encoded in the first mode, instead of encoding the pixel values of the first block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding hierarchical mode information including mode information indicating whether a current block is encoded in an encoding mode identical to an encoding mode of a plurality of consecutive previous blocks.

Abstract: A method for transcoding from a VC-1 format to an MPEG-2 format is disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the VC-1 format to generate a picture; (B) determining a first mode indicator for the picture; and (C) coding the picture into an output video stream in the MPEG-2 format using one of (i) an MPEG-2 field mode coding and (ii) an MPEG-2 frame mode coding as determined from the first mode indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for varying the level of detail encoded in a video. In a preferred embodiment, some regions of a wide-angle video scene are encoded in an almost lossless manner, while other regions are encoded with less detail. Regions of interest can be determined in many ways, including a priori, automatically in real time, or by the selection of human operators.