Abstract: An encoding controlling unit 3 selects one transformation block size which provides an optimal degree of encoding efficiency from a set of transformation block sizes which are determined in accordance with an encoding mode 7, and includes the transformation block size selected thereby in optimal compression parameters 20a to notify the transformation block size to a transformation/quantization unit 19, and the transformation/quantization unit 19 divides an optimal prediction differential signal 13a into blocks having the transformation block size included in the optimal compression parameters 20a, and carries out a transformation and quantization process on each of the blocks to generate compressed data 21.

Abstract: 3D video coding/decoding supporting inter-component prediction is made operatable with respect to a broader range of settings with respect to accompanying individual views with depth and deactivation/enablement of inter-component prediction, by using one or more flags in the data stream to control the enablement/disablement of the availability of inter-component prediction for coding units of a current picture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image encoding and decoding technique, and more particularly, to an image encoder and decoder using unidirectional prediction. The image encoder includes a dividing unit to divide a macro block into a plurality of sub-blocks, a unidirectional application determining unit to determine whether an identical prediction mode is applied to each of the plurality of sub-blocks, and a prediction mode determining unit to determine a prediction mode with respect to each of the plurality of sub-blocks based on a determined result of the unidirectional application determining unit.

Abstract: An ROI coefficient and a non-ROI coefficient in first wavelet coefficient data corresponding to a first target image are determined on the basis of mask data which is developed for the first wavelet coefficient data. The ROI coefficient in the first wavelet coefficient data and a coefficient in second wavelet coefficient data corresponding to a second target image are synthesized. Synthesized coefficient data are thereby generated. Inverse wavelet transformation is performed on the synthesized coefficient data until a decomposition level becomes a predetermined end level. Synthetic image data are thereby generated.

Abstract: Examples of encoders and video encoding are described that include optimizers and techniques for optimizing syntax elements such as transform coefficients. In some examples, multiple color components of a video signal may be jointly optimized by employing a cost calculation using a combination of distortion and/or rate metrics for multiple color components. In some examples, a color transformation may occur and the optimization may take place in a different color domain than encoding. In some examples, distortion metrics used in the cost calculations performed by optimizers are based on structural similarity index.

Abstract: The image coding method is used to code images to generate a coded stream. The image coding method includes: writing, into a sequence parameter set in the coded stream to be generated, a first parameter representing a first bit-depth that is a bit-depth of a reconstructed sample in the images; and writing, into the sequence parameter set, a second parameter which is different from the first parameter and represents a second bit-depth that is a bit-depth of an Intra Pulse Code Modulation (IPCM) sample in the images.

Abstract: A video coding apparatus is a video coding apparatus which codes a coding target video based on a coding standard, and includes: a dividing unit which divides an image included in the coding target video into a plurality of control blocks; and a prediction image generating unit which divides each of the control blocks into a plurality of prediction blocks, and generates, for each of the prediction blocks, a prediction image using one of inter prediction and intra prediction, wherein the coding standard allows each of the control blocks to be divided into the prediction blocks such that the prediction blocks have different sizes, and the prediction image generating unit divides each of the control blocks into the prediction blocks such that the prediction blocks all have an identical size, rather than dividing each of the control blocks into the prediction blocks such that the prediction blocks have different sizes.

Abstract: A method for dividing a prediction block, an encoding device, and a decoding device, is disclosed. The method includes: acquiring a manner of division into the prediction block, where the manner of division into the prediction block is a horizontal division manner, a vertical division manner, or a square division manner, determining a horizontal division size and a vertical division size according to the manner of division into the prediction block, and dividing the prediction block into at least one prediction subblock according to the horizontal division size and the vertical division size.

Abstract: N (N?2) time stretch units receive N channels of second image data which are obtained by dividing each line of first image data by N and are composed of a first number of bits. Each N time stretch unit arranges pixels of the N channels in the order of the pixels of the corresponding line of the first image data within a period which is obtained by stretching a one-line period of the second image data. The N time stretch units generate third image data including N lines of the first image data. N encoders encode each coding target pixel of the third image data outputted from the N time stretch units using a difference between the target pixel and a peripheral pixel to generate encoded data composed of a second number of bits which is smaller than the first number of bits.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the master audio playback device of a set that includes at least two audio playback devices, wherein one audio playback device of the set is a set master audio playback device that controls the play of audio data by at least one other slave audio playback device of the set. A first slave audio playback device receives its selection as a new recipient of audio data and, in response, the first slave audio playback device is designated as a new set master audio playback device and the set master audio playback device is designated as a new slave audio playback device. The new set master audio playback device controls the play of audio by the new slave audio playback device.

Abstract: The following description is directed to decompression using cascaded history buffers. In one example, an apparatus can include a decompression pipeline configured to decompress compressed data comprising code words that reference a history of decompressed data generated from the compressed data. The apparatus can include a first-level history buffer configured to store a more recent history of the decompressed data received from the decompression pipeline. The apparatus can include a second-level history buffer configured to store a less recent history of the decompressed data received from the first-level history buffer.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image processing unit configured to process an image, a display unit configured to provide a live-view display in which images processed by the image processing unit are sequentially displayed, and a control unit configured to make, when determining that the image pickup apparatus is panning, the image processing unit produce a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images arranged in a time series, and the display unit display the synthesized image produced by the image processing unit as a frame image in the live-view display. At least one processor or circuit is configured to perform a function of at least one of the units.

Abstract: The image decoding method includes: determining a context for use in a current block to be processed, from among a plurality of contexts; and performing arithmetic decoding on a bit sequence corresponding to the current block, using the determined context, wherein in the determining: the context is determined under a condition that control parameters of neighboring blocks of the current block are used, when the signal type is a first type, the neighboring blocks being a left block and an upper block of the current block; and the context is determined under a condition that the control parameter of the upper block is not used, when the signal type is a second type, and the second type is “inter_pred_flag”.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus which includes a setting unit assigning a control block, which is a control unit of a filter process that is locally performed with respect to an image, to an initial position of the image determined based on a predetermined reference point; a movement unit moving the control block, which has been assigned to the initial position of the image by the setting unit, up to a position in which the result of the filter process is improved; and a filter processing unit performing the filter process for the respective control blocks which has been moved by the movement unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image encoding and decoding technique, and more particularly, to an image encoder and decoder using unidirectional prediction. The image encoder includes a dividing unit to divide a macro block into a plurality of sub-blocks, a unidirectional application determining unit to determine whether an identical prediction mode is applied to each of the plurality of sub-blocks, and a prediction mode determining unit to determine a prediction mode with respect to each of the plurality of sub-blocks based on a determined result of the unidirectional application determining unit.

Abstract: An image coding apparatus includes a block dividing unit configured to divide an input image into a plurality of blocks, a prediction unit configured to perform prediction based on coded pixels to generate prediction errors, a transformation unit configured to perform orthogonal transform to the prediction errors to generate transform coefficients, a quantization matrix generation unit configured to generate quantization matrices that are used to quantize the transform coefficients, a quantization matrix coding unit configured to calculate difference values by scanning the quantization matrices and to code the difference values, a quantization unit configured to generate quantization coefficients by quantizing the generated transform coefficients using the quantization matrices, and a coefficient coding unit configured to code the quantization coefficients, wherein the quantization matrix coding unit is configured to scan coefficients of the quantization matrices in a unidirectional manner to calculate the di

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for adjusting the focus of a camera. The apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image acquirer; a neuromorphic hardware including a plurality of neurons; and a controller configured to generate input vectors by vectorizing image data, input each of the generated input vectors to the neuromorphic hardware, select neurons, receive an edge pattern type value between the input vector and one corresponding edge pattern from each of the selected neurons, calculate a focus parameter value of the image frame on the basis of the received edge pattern type values, compare the focus parameter value of a current image frame and a focus parameter value of a previous image frame, determine a moving direction of the focus lens according to a comparison result, and move the focus lens on the basis of the determined moving direction.

Abstract: A converter includes: a terminal that receives code-modulated power into which first alternating-current power has been code-modulated with a modulation code; and a circuit that converts the code-modulated power with a conversion code to generate second alternating-current power. The conversion code is based on the modulation code. A frequency of the second alternating-current power is higher than a frequency of the first alternating-current power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intra coding a block having pixels assigned to groups. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding a block in a picture using intra prediction by dividing pixels within the block into at least a first group and a second group and encoding the pixels in the first group prior to encoding the pixels in the second group. A prediction for at least one of the pixels within the second group is obtained by evaluating the pixels within the first group and the second group.

Abstract: Methods of encoding and decoding for video data are described for encoding or decoding multi-level significance maps. Distinct context sets may be used for encoding the significant-coefficient flags in different regions of the transform unit. In a fixed case, the regions are defined by coefficient group borders. In one example, the upper-left coefficient group is a first region and the other coefficient groups are a second region. In a dynamic case, the regions are defined by coefficient group borders, but the encoder and decoder dynamically determine in which region each coefficient group belongs. Coefficient groups may be assigned to one region or another based on, for example, whether their respective significant-coefficient-group flags were inferred or not.

Abstract: A method of encoding an input image captured using a wide-angle lens is provided. The method includes, for at least some of a set of image regions, increasing or decreasing the size of those image regions relative to other ones of the set of image regions according to an encoder mapping between image region size in the input image and image region size in an encoded image. And a method of decoding the encoded image includes rendering a given image according to a decoder mapping between selected regions of the encoded image and selected regions of a rendered image. The decoder mapping is complimentary to the encoder mapping.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for receiving content including images of surfaces of an environment visible from a default viewing position and images of surfaces not visible from the default viewing position, e.g., occluded surfaces, are described. Occluded and non-occluded image portions are received in content streams that can be in a variety of stream formats. In one stream format non-occluded image content is packed into a frame with occluded image content with the occluded image content normally occupying a small portion of the frame. In other embodiments occluded image portions are received in an auxiliary data stream which is multiplexed with a data stream providing frames of non-occluded image content. UV maps which are used to map received image content to segments of an environmental model are also supplied with the UV maps corresponding to the format of the frames which are used to provide the images that serve as textures.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an image manager that provides for image compression by rearranging an order of blocks from one or more images and then sorting and writing those blocks into one or more different images. This technique enables using a high-level of image compression to reduce a relatively large amount of pixels to a common subset of values than would ordinarily be possible with the original image(s). This can include extracting a plurality of blocks from a graphical digital image file. Each block from the graphical digital image file can be a group of pixels. The image manager analyzes each block to produce a corresponding variation value for each of the blocks, indicating a level of variation of pixel data within a respective block. The image manager sorts blocks according to the variation values, and can apply a level of image compression to each respective block, based on the variation value and/or average color of each respective block, to compress each respective block.

Abstract: Techniques are described for initializing a Rice parameter used to define codes for coefficient level coding. According to the techniques, the initial value of the Rice parameter is determined for a coefficient group (CG) in a transform block of video data based on statistics of coefficient levels that are gathered for previously coded coefficients of the video data. The statistics may be statistics of absolute values of coefficient levels or remaining absolute values of coefficient levels of previously coded coefficients. A value of the statistics may be initialized to zero at a beginning of a video slice and updated based on coefficient levels coded in each CG of the slice. The statistics may be updated once per CG. In some cases, statistics may be gathered separately for each of a plurality of different categories of CGs that are defined based on characteristics of transform blocks that include the CGs.

Abstract: In high-dynamic range (HDR) coding, content mapping translates an HDR signal to a signal of lower dynamic range. Coding and prediction in layered coding of HDR signals is improved if content mapping utilizes signal color ranges beyond those defined by a traditional electro-optical transfer function (EOTF) or its inverse (IEOTF or OETF). Extended EOTF and IEOTF functions are derived based on their mirror points. Examples of extended EOTFs are given for ITU BT. 1886 and SMPTE ST 2084.

Abstract: The following description is directed to decompression using cascaded history buffers. In one example, an apparatus can include a decompression pipeline configured to decompress compressed data comprising code words that reference a history of decompressed data generated from the compressed data. The apparatus can include a first-level history buffer configured to store a more recent history of the decompressed data received from the decompression pipeline. The apparatus can include a second-level history buffer configured to store a less recent history of the decompressed data received from the first-level history buffer.

Abstract: A predicted signal generation unit provided in a video predictive encoding device estimates a zero-th motion vector for derivation of a zero-th predicted signal, selects a zero-th motion vector predictor similar to the zero-th motion vector, and generates zero-th side information containing a zero-th motion vector predictor index to identify the motion vector predictor and a motion vector difference determined from the zero-th motion vector and the zero-th motion vector predictor. The video predictive encoding device selects a motion vector for generation of a first predicted signal having a high correlation with a target region, generates first side information containing a first motion vector predictor index to identify the motion vector as a first motion vector predictor, sets the first motion vector predictor to a first motion vector, and combines the zero-th and first predicted signals to generate a predicted signal of the target region.

Abstract: To make a payment, a smartphone presents artwork for a payment card (e.g., a Visa card) that has been selected by a user from a virtual wallet of such cards. Encoded in the displayed artwork is payment information that has been encrypted with a context-dependent session key. A cooperating system (e.g., a retailer's point of sale system) uses a camera to capture an image of the artwork, and independently creates the session key from its own context sensor(s), enabling decryption of the payment information. Such technology provides a superior transaction security model at a fraction of the cost of competing chip card payment systems (which require, e.g., expensive physical cards, and single-purpose reader hardware). A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The image coding method is used to code images to generate a coded stream. The image coding method includes: writing, into a sequence parameter set in the coded stream to be generated, a first parameter representing a first bit-depth that is a bit-depth of a reconstructed sample in the images; and writing, into the sequence parameter set, a second parameter which is different from the first parameter and represents a second bit-depth that is a bit-depth of an Intra Pulse Code Modulation (IPCM) sample in the images.

Abstract: A first concentration range, which is a concentration range of a region of interest, and an output concentration range are determined in an input image. A compression table for compressing a dynamic range of the input image is generated on the basis of the first concentration range and the output concentration range. The first concentration range is changed at a predetermined ratio with respect to the changed output concentration range to determine a second concentration range. A new compression table is generated on the basis of the changed output concentration range and the second concentration range. The dynamic range of the input image is compressed using the new compression table.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire pieces of LF image data in which a corresponding focus position being an in-focus position in a depth direction is changeable after image capturing, and pieces of added data each of which is associated with a position in the depth direction, a group identification unit configured to identify a group to which at least one of the pieces of added data belongs, an image generation unit configured to generate, from pieces of image data associated with one or more pieces of added data belonging to an identified group, each of a plurality of refocused images with a corresponding focus position set to a position associated with one or more pieces of added data belonging to the group, and a display control unit configured to display the plurality of refocused images on a screen.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing the imaging resolution of three dimensional imaging using light field microscopy. A first approach enhances the imaging resolution by modeling the scattering of light that occurs in an imaging target, and using the model to account for the effects of light scattering when de-convolving the light field information to retrieve the 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric information of the imaging target. A second approach enhances the imaging resolution by using a second imaging modality such as two-photon, multi-photon, or confocal excitation microscopy to determine the locations of individual neurons, and using the known neuron locations to enhance the extraction of time series signals from the light field microscopy data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding a video, the method being applied with a method of using video padding and removing the padded area after decoding in order to effectively encode the video in a video compression technology for a high-definition security camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for processing an image and an apparatus thereof, applicable to an electronic device including an image acquisition unit corresponding to an image acquisition area, wherein the method includes: generating a first image and a second image according to an object to be acquired in the image acquisition area at a first instance of time, wherein both the first image and the second image are images corresponding to the object to be acquired, and the amount of data of the first image is larger than the amount of data of the second image; and storing the first image and the second image and setting the second image as an associated image of the first image, to thereby improve the convenience and efficiency of processing the generated image in the electronic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal processing techniques for content signals such as audio, images and video signals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to processing content signals to facilitate recognition of ambient content signals using digital watermarks and/or digital fingerprints.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-adjusting displays are provided. A self-adjusting display may receive a display characteristics shift profile, where the display characteristics shift profile can be generated based on calibration event data collected from a plurality of displays. The display characteristics shift profile can be utilized as an estimate or prediction of a shift in display characteristics the self-adjusting display may experience over time. The self-adjusting display may calculate adjustment factors or curves to compensate for the estimated/predicted shift in display characteristics to lessen or altogether eliminate the need for performing actual calibration on the self-adjusting display.

Abstract: A method of noise filter parameter adaptation, the method comprising receiving a current video frame comprising a plurality of pixels. A table lookup is performed, using current statistical values associated with the current video frame. Noise filter parameters are adapted, based on current lighting conditions as determined from the performed table lookup. The current lighting conditions correspond to the current statistical values. The current video frame is noise filtered as defined by the adapted noise filter parameters.

Abstract: A second screen system comprises a first screen that renders a first content comprising watermarks of a first type and watermarks of a second type. The watermarks of the first type are captured by a second screen that reacts to these watermarks. The second screen displays information to a user and receives user input. The second screen also watermarks a second content with watermarks of the second type and renders the second content. A third device captures watermarks of the second type in both the first content and the second content. Since the watermarks embedded by the second screen can depend on the user's actions, the third device can indirectly react to the user's actions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of performing image reconstruction with sequential cycle-spinning includes a computer system acquiring an input signal comprising k-space data using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and initializing an estimate of a sparse signal associated with the input signal. The computer system selects one or more orthogonal wavelet transforms corresponding to a wavelet family and performs an iterative reconstruction process to update the estimate of the sparse signal over a plurality of iterations. During each iteration, one or more orthogonal wavelet transforms are applied to the estimate of the sparse signal to yield one or more orthogonal domain signals, the estimate of the sparse signal is updated by applying a non-convex shrinkage function to the one or more orthogonal domain signals, and a shift to the orthogonal wavelet transforms. Following the iterative reconstruction process, the computer system generates an image based on the estimate of the sparse signal.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for encoding/decoding a moving picture based on adaptive scanning. The moving picture apparatus and method can increase a compression rate based on adaptive scanning by performing intra prediction onto blocks of a predetermined size, and scanning coefficients acquired from Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) of a residue signal and quantization differently according to the intra prediction mode. The moving picture encoding apparatus includes: a mode selector for selecting and outputting a prediction mode; a predictor for predicting pixel values of pixels to be encoded of an input video based on the prediction mode to thereby output a residue signal block; a transform/quantization unit for performing DCT onto the residue signal block and quantizing the transformed residue signal block; and an encoder for adaptively scanning and encoding the quantized residue signal block based on the prediction mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to store images synthesized from light field image data and metadata describing the images in electronic files and render images using the stored image and the metadata in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes a processor and memory containing an encoding application and light field image data, where the light field image data comprises a plurality of low resolution images of a scene captured from different viewpoints. In addition, the encoding application configures the processor to synthesize a higher resolution image of the scene from a reference viewpoint using the low resolution images, where synthesizing the higher resolution image involves creating a depth map that specifies depths from the reference viewpoint for pixels in the higher resolution image; encode the higher resolution image; and create a light field image file including the encoded image and metadata including the depth map.

Abstract: The image coding method includes: determining a context in a current block in the image, from among a plurality of contexts; and performing arithmetic coding on the control parameter for the current block to generate a bitstream corresponding to the current block, wherein in the determining: the context is determined under a condition that control parameters of neighboring blocks of the current block are used, when the signal type is a first type, the neighboring blocks being a left block and an upper block of the current block; and the context is determined under a condition that the control parameter of the upper block is not used, when the signal type is a second type, and the second type is (i) “merge_flag”, (ii) “ref_idx_l0” or “ref_idx_l1”, (iii) “inter_pred_flag”, (iv) “mvd_l0” or “mvd_l1”, (v) “no_residual_data_flag”, (vi) “intra_chroma_pred_mode”, (vii) “cbf_luma”, and (viii) “cbf_cb” or “cbf_cr”.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a tile size adaptively based on a size of a coding unit. An image processing apparatus may detect a size of a largest coding unit (LCU) used in encoding of a video from a header of a bitstream, may determine a tile size adaptively based on the detected size of the LCU, and may decode the bitstream in units of the LCU based on the determined tile size.

Abstract: A sensor and processing system dynamically partitions or allocates functionality between various remote sensor nodes and a processing subsystem based on energy management management considerations. Redundant functionality is located at the processing subsystem and each of the various remote sensor nodes, and each sensor node coordinates with the processing subsystem to determine the location (e.g., at the processing subsystem or at the sensor node) at which a particular functionality is executed.

Abstract: A method for real-time multi-frame super resolution (SR) of video content is provided. The method includes receiving a bitstream including an encoded video, motion metadata for a plurality of blocks of a frame of video content, and parameters. The motion metadata is estimated from the original video before downsampling and encoding. The motion metadata is averaged over consecutive blocks. The method includes upscaling the motion metadata for the plurality of blocks. The method also includes upscaling the decoded video using the upscaled motion metadata. The method also includes deblurring and denoising the upscaled video.

Abstract: Deblocking filtering is provided in which an 8×8 filtering block covering eight sample vertical and horizontal boundary segments is divided into filtering sub-blocks that can be independently processed. To process the vertical boundary segment, the filtering block is divided into top and bottom 8×4 filtering sub-blocks, each covering a respective top and bottom half of the vertical boundary segment. To process the horizontal boundary segment, the filtering block is divided into left and right 4×8 filtering sub-blocks, each covering a respective left and right half of the horizontal boundary segment. The computation of the deviation d for a boundary segment in a filtering sub-block is performed using only samples from rows or columns in the filtering sub-block. Consequently, the filter on/off decisions and the weak/strong filtering decisions of the deblocking filtering are performed using samples contained within individual filtering blocks, thus allowing full parallel processing of the filtering blocks.

Abstract: A video encoder signals whether WPP is used to encode a picture of a sequence of video picture. If WPP is used to encode the picture, the video encoder generates a coded slice NAL unit that includes a plurality of sub-streams, each of which includes a consecutive series of bits that represents one encoded row of coding tree blocks (CTBs) in a slice of the picture. A video decoder receives a bitstream that includes the coded slice NAL unit. Furthermore, the video decoder may determine, based on a syntax element in the bitstream, that the slice is encoded using WPP and may decode the slice using WPP.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an image encoding and decoding method and apparatus. A division mode used for a current image block is acquired, division information of the current image block is acquired according to the division mode, and encoding processing is performed on a division mode identifier and the division information that correspond to the division mode, so that a decoder obtains, according to the division mode identifier and the division information, a division template used by an encoder, so as to perform decoding. The encoder and the decoder do not need to store a large quantity of division templates, thereby lightening a burden on an encoding and decoding system.

Abstract: The order of the respective elements constituting image data is changed according to an order specified by a designated operation mode. The resultant data are transferred to a memory in a predetermined transfer unit. The respective elements constituting the data transferred to the memory are then processed after changing to the order before changing the order according to the above order.

Abstract: An advanced video coding and decoding chip and a method with an optimized processing sequence for the sub-blocks, each including 4×4 pixels, of a macroblock in a discrete cosine transform (DCT) and an inverse DCT are disclosed, wherein the compression hardware and the reconstruction hardware execute the compression and the reconstruction of at least part of a field in parallel.