Abstract: In the method of coding according to the invention whether or not a predetermined encoder capacity parameter has been reached is tested prior to the actual coding of an image sequence. A reduction of the coding format can take place when the capacity parameter has been reached. The coding is then performed in this reduced coding format. This method can be combined with any coding process, since it does not need to intervene in the actual coding process that is used.

Abstract: An MPEG decoding system selectively decodes MPEG enhanced streams, based on a select identification of an enhancement region of a series of image frames. MPEG blocks within the enhancement region are decoded with the enhancement-layer, while blocks outside the enhancement region are decoded at the base-layer. Additionally, the user is provided the option of displaying the series of images in a window that is selectively sized to contain only the enhancement region, or the enhancement region surrounded by a base-layer region, or a custom sized window that may include all or some of the enhancement and base-layer regions.

Abstract: A method for coding in frequency, module and phase a digital representation, in the space field, of a ring-shaped element, including the steps of: applying to any point of the element a polar conversion at constant angle, whereby the element is unfolded in rectangular form; transferring, to the frequency field, any point of the converted rectangular shape by means of a Fourier transform; filtering the discrete data resulting from the transfer by means of at least one real, bidimensional, band-pass filter, oriented along the phase axis; applying a Hilbert transform to the filtering results; applying an inverse Fourier transform to the results of the Hilbert transform; and extracting phase and module information in the space field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression and restoration of images, videos, surfaces, curves and, generally, pixel-based data sets, including: feature-based quantization using a set of N isocontours; compressing each of these N contours using a level set-based compression of curves or surfaces—and/or combining the quantization with a conventional method for compression of surfaces; and decompressing the compressed data using a nonoscillatory reconstruction. The method is naturally multiscale, but does not use wavelets or other multiscale-basis functions. The method performs compression and decompression (1) without excessive computational complexity, even in the presence of topological changes such as merging or breaking of isocontours as the scale changes, (2) with excellent image fidelity, (3) without unacceptable artifacts such as ringing, blurring, or blocking, (4) with simple and natural grid based ways of calculating geometric features such as normals, principal curvatures.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for encoding and decoding key data are provided.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a fast motion estimation using N-queen pixel decimation, whereby after a reference block and a block to be processed are selected in a video sequence, an N×N queens pattern is used for pixel decimation to perform block match, thereby obtaining a good enough block difference value. The present invention combines pixel decimation with fast motion estimation for search points reduction to achieve the object of simplifying computational complexity of motion estimation. Therefore, the present invention can sieve out sufficiently representative pixels and will not increase extra computational complexity.

Abstract: The present invention includes a key frame extraction system and method for extracting key frames from a video based on motion analysis of frames within the video. Key frames are highlight frames that are effective in summarizing a video sequence. This allows a user to quickly find a desired spot in a video is long and contains differing subject matter. The key frame extraction system and method uses a triangle model of the motion energy in each frame and extracts key frames based on this model. More specifically, motion analysis is performed on the video frames in order to identify motion acceleration and motion deceleration points within the frames. A triangle model of motion then is constructed based on results of the motion analysis. The apex of the triangle represents a turning point between motion acceleration and motion deceleration. Frames corresponding to this apex are selected as key frames.

Abstract: A system is disclosed providing accurate compression, storage, transmission and reconstruction of both simulated and empirical data representing terrain and other physical or hypothetical signals or surfaces, in one or multiple dimensions. In one embodiment, a gradient of an original surface is generated, and the data representing that gradient is compressed, then stored and/or transmitted. Reconstruction of the gradient yields an accurate representation of the original gradient. An alternative embodiment includes taking a second gradient of the original surface before compression, in which case reconstruction yields the second gradient, from which the first gradient can also be recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving a video picture includes a decoder section for decoding a coded bit stream of video picture data representing an arbitrary shape object and including shape information and texture information, a retrieval condition input section for inputting a retrieval condition for retrieval of a desired picture, a retrieval section for retrieving a picture meeting the retrieval condition by using shape information of the object decoded by the decoder section, and a display section for outputting the retrieved result obtained by the retrieval section.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for thinning halftone dots in a halftone dot bit map. A bit map filter may be used to thin the dots. For example, a target glyph may passed over the bit map. If any subsets of bits within the bit map match the target glyph, the subsets of bits can be replaced with bits defined by a thinned glyph. In this manner, the ink of a halftone print can be reduced in a manner that enhances the visual appearance of the print.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coding segmented pictures, or partitions, divided into homogeneous regions. Said method, called intra-mode coding process, comprises, for each successive partition, the steps of translating the picture of the labels associated to the regions into a description in terms of a contour element chain in which the elements are defined by means of their movements through successive basic cells, tracking inside each successive cell each contour from its initial contour point, previously extracted, to its end by storing chain symbols corresponding both to input, internal and output contour elements of said cell and to priorities between possible multiple outputs elements, and repeating these steps up to the end of each successive contour segment of the concerned partition.

Abstract: The zoom speed of a zoom function is detected by a zoom lever detection circuit. A sensed image is displayed on a monitor, and a desired partial region in that sensed image is designated using a region designation lever. A compression circuit compresses the designated region and a non-designated region using different characteristics. A region detector controls the designated region on the basis of the detected zoom speed. In another arrangement, enlargement/reduction zoom operation by a zoom function is executed by a zoom lever. A sensed image is displayed on a monitor, and a desired partial region in that sensed image is designated using a region designation lever. A compression circuit compresses the designated region and a non-designated region using different characteristics. A region detector controls the designated region on the basis of the zoom operation.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus receives a stream of image data compressed according to a token based compression algorithm. The token dictionary is decompressed and processed according to desired standards such as optimizing for a particular image output device. After revision, the revised tokens are stored in a revised dictionary which is accessed upon decompression of image content. When the image content is decompressed the locations in the compressed or coded input data stream refer to locations in the revised dictionary which are extracted and output either to hard copy or for further processing.

Abstract: A method for compressing a sequence of digital images includes: comparing a reference image of the sequence of digital images to a subsequent image of the sequence of digital images. In response to the reference and subsequent images being the same within a predetermined threshold, 1) a count of a number of images discarded is incremented, 2) the subsequent image is discarded, and 3) the comparing step is repeated with a next subsequent image. In response to the reference and subsequent images not being within the predetermined threshold, 1) the count is initialized and 2) the comparing step is repeated using the subsequent image as the reference image. Rather than comparing whole images corresponding portions of the images can be compared and compressed independently.

Abstract: A system and method of searching for composite images in a database system is performed on a code word basis. To enable the search, the database stores facial codes which define a respective plurality of composite images. Each facial code includes element codes which define different facial features and which when combined cause a face having corresponding characteristics to be generated for display. To enable display of the composite images, digital image files corresponding to each facial feature is stored in memory along with a table which relates the files to corresponding element codes. When a facial code is retrieved from the database, the element codes in the facial code are linked to the digital files using the table and the resulting composite image is displayed. By storing facial codes in the database instead of the images themselves, the system and method advantageously reduce the amount of storage required for image searching compared with other systems which have been proposed.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coding a sequence of pictures using a segment operation of each of the pictures followed by a coding operation of each of the obtained successive partitions, and to a corresponding system. The system includes a projection circuit (11), for estimating on the basis of the mesh defined for a previous picture a projected mesh made of polygons and corresponding to the current picture, a mesh coding circuit (12,13,14,15) for coding motion and texture associated to the projected mesh, and a texture error detection and coding circuit (16,17).

Abstract: A method is provided for encoding K>1 sequentially presented video pictures. Each of the K pictures is divided into an m>1 row×n>1 column array of non-overlapping coding units of equal sizes. Each coding unit occupies a respective coding unit position in the picture from which it was divided. An arbitrary, pseudo random pattern of coding units is selected for refreshing during each of the K pictures. Each pattern selected during any given one of the K pictures includes a sequence of one or more coding units of the array. In addition, the pixels of each coding unit selected for refreshing during a kth picture occupy different pixel positions than each coding unit selected for refreshing during a preceding one of the 1st to (k?1)th pictures of the K pictures. Furthermore, each pixel position of a moving picture image formed from the K pictures is selected for refreshing once over the sequence of K pictures.

Abstract: A hidden watermark and methods of detecting and embedding such watermark is provided. The watermark is resistant to efforts to avoid the message thereof.

Abstract: A process for encoding an update of a polygon mesh having at least one target vertex includes defining a local index of a vertex that neighbors the target vertex, storing a global index of the target vertex, storing a number of new faces resulting from the update, storing an identity of a face of the mesh using the local index, and storing a movement status of a corner of a polygon adjacent to the target vertex.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting a foreground object and a background sprite, wherein a provisional sprite is generated, the foreground and the background is separated on the basis of the provisional sprite, and the background sprite is generated. Another method is provided for extracting a segmentation mask by using a difference image, including a first step of regarding each of first macro-blocks as the foreground when an value of the first macro-block is larger than a first predetermined value and a second step of regarding each of second macro-blocks as the foreground when an value of the second macro-block is larger than a second predetermined value, the second macro-block being close to a macro-block which is determined as the foreground in the first step.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus is provided with a resolution converting section, an encoding section, and a transmitting section. The resolution converting section enlarges or reduces a binary picture which represents the shape of an object. The encoding section encodes a binary picture reduced by the resolution converting section. The reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section is encoded, and the transmitting section transmits this encoded reduction ratio along with encoded data on the binary picture. The amount of encoded data produced from the encoding section is controlled by changing the enlargement/reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section.

Abstract: The present invention is related to video encoding. In an embodiment, a sequence of frames is received. For each frame in at least a portion of the sequence of frames, a corresponding mean of absolute differences value weighted by a temporal parameter between frames bracketing said each frame is calculated. At least partly based on the corresponding mean of absolute differences value weighted by a temporal parameter, a first frame in the sequence of frames is skipped.

Abstract: Different video codecs can be integrated or duplicated functions of each codec can be shared. According to an apparatus and method for supporting plural codecs of the present invention, a decoding process can be performed by analyzing information of a transmitted bit stream, deciding kind of codec being used by means of a header analysis unit, connecting through a switching unit to a corresponding decoder of a decoding unit including plural decoders or to a corresponding operation block among a plurality of operation blocks including at least one function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the motion between two digital images and to the use of this method for coding images. The aim of the method is to eliminate the disturbances caused by the mesh being overturned during the motion estimation process. According to the invention, the method consists of carrying out a first motion estimation in order to identify the faulty mesh, i.e. the mesh that is overturning or is overlapping after the displacement vectors have been applied; then carrying out a second motion estimation, excluding at least said faulty mesh, in order to minimize prediction error on the remaining mesh of the model.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus is provided with a resolution converting section, an encoding section, and a transmitting section. The resolution converting section enlarges or reduces a binary picture which represents the shape of an object. The encoding section encodes a binary picture reduced by the resolution converting section. The reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section is encoded, and the transmitting section transmits this encoded reduction ratio along with encoded data on the binary picture. The amount of encoded data produced from the encoding section is controlled by changing the enlargement/reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section.

Abstract: A method of image encoding using subband decomposition followed by modified zerotree coding with a symbols for zero and significant zerotrees and isolated zeroes and isolated significant coefficients.

Abstract: Terminal and method for transporting a still picture uses a moving picture terminal after extraction of a frame unit of still pictures, for example, from a moving picture. The extracted still picture frames can be encoded in a fixed quantizing value and stored before transmission, or the stored frame unit still pictures can be encoded in a fixed quantizing value using an overflow control technique or circuit. Further, the extracted still picture frame unit can be repeatedly sent using a varied quantizing value before transmission. Thus, the terminal and method for transporting a still picture permits transmission/reception of the still picture at a higher resolution than a moving picture regardless of time and place to enhance use of the moving picture terminal.

Abstract: A method for summarizing a video first detects audio peaks in a sub-sampled audio signal of the video. Then, motion activity in the video is extracted and filtered. The filtered motion activity is quantized to a continuous stream of digital pulses, one pulse for each frame. If the motion activity is greater than a predetermined threshold the pulse is one, otherwise the pulse is zero. Each quantized pulse is tested with respect to the timing of rising and falling edges. If the pulse meets the condition of the test, then the pulse is selected as a candidate pulse related to an interesting event in the video, otherwise the pulse is discarded. The candidate pulses are correlated, time-wise to the audio peaks, and patterns between the pulses and peaks are examined. The correlation patterns segment the video into uninteresting and interesting portions, which can then be summarized.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus for executing padding processing at a high speed. For this purpose, the image processing apparatus of this invention is an image processing apparatus for processing image data on the basis of shape information, which includes a left propagation processing section (121) for propagating, of a plurality of pixel data which construct one-dimensional image data, pixel data specified by shape information to the left, a right propagation processing section (123) for propagating, of the plurality of pixel data which construct the one-dimensional image data, the pixel data specified by the shape information to the right, and a calculator group (131) for calculating the average between an output from the left propagation processing section (121) and an output from the right propagation processing section (123) to generate output pixel data.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus is provided with a resolution converting section, an encoding section, and a transmitting section. The resolution converting section enlarges or reduces a binary picture which represents the shape of an object. The encoding section encodes a binary picture reduced by the resolution converting section. The reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section is encoded, and the transmitting section transmits this encoded reduction ratio along with encoded data on the binary picture. The amount of encoded data produced from the encoding section is controlled by changing the enlargement/reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section.

Abstract: The present invention is related to video encoding. In an embodiment, a bit budget is calculated for a first scene. In addition, bit budgets for corresponding frames, including at least a first frame, within the first scene are determined. Optionally, bit budgets corresponding to macroblocks within the first frame are also determined.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for mixed resolution, multi-channel color image processing including compression, transmission and decompression. The color information is defined at a lower resolution since colors generally do not change at a high frequency and higher compression ratios may be obtained with the lower resolution. The edge information contains the commands switch between the foreground and background colors. The edge information occurs at high resolution and high frequency rates relative to the color information. The lower resolution color planes can be pixel replicated to the resolution of the edge information after compression and decompression for proper edge selection to occur. The resulting reconstructed image of foreground and background colors retains high detail.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting an image using a combination of image segmentation techniques. More particularly, the invention is directed to an improved image segmentation technique for use in an image processing system that performs at least two distinct image segmentation processes on an image and combines the results to obtain a combined multi-layer representation of the image that can be suitably processed. In a specific example, a block based segmentation technique is performed on an image to generate a MRC (mixed raster content) representation—having foreground, background and selector layers. A pixel based segmentation technique is also performed on the image to generate rendering hints. The MRC representation and the rendering hints are then combined to obtain a four (4) layer representation of the image. The four layer representation is subsequently processed as required by the image processing system, e.g. compressed and stored.

Abstract: An image signal is input from an image input unit and is divided into different spatial frequency bands by applying a discrete wavelet transform thereto using a discrete wavelet transformation unit. On the basis of values of spatial frequency components, a region-of-interest extracts a region of interest by obtaining a distribution of motion vectors in the input image. A quantization unit applies quantization processing to the extracted region of interest and different quantization processing to other regions, and an encoder encodes the quantized image signal. Alternatively, motion of an image contained in the input image may be detected and the region of interest may be obtained based upon motion of this image.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus is provided with a resolution converting section, an encoding section, and a transmitting section. The resolution converting section enlarges or reduces a binary picture which represents the shape of an object. The encoding section encodes a binary picture reduced by the resolution converting section. The reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section is encoded, and the transmitting section transmits this encoded reduction ratio along with encoded data on the binary picture. The amount of encoded data produced from the encoding section is controlled by changing the enlargement/reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section.

Abstract: A method for expediting a search of a digital image database comprises, for each digital image, constructing a set of at least two abstracted images varying in level of detail and searching the abstracted images. Selected ones of the abstracted images are down-loaded to a user thereby reducing download time through a finite bandwidth communicative medium relative to the time needed to download complete digital images.

Abstract: MPEG-4 encoded data is input, and a shape code decoder decodes shape data contained in the encoded image data to obtain ROI information contained in that image. The frequency transforms of the decoded image data are computed to generate transform coefficients. A bit shift unit bit-shifts transform coefficients, corresponding to the ROI, of the generated transform coefficients, to upper bit planes, stuffs “0”s in blank fields outside the ROI, which are generated by the bit shift process, and stuffs audio data from an audio buffer in blank fields within the ROI, which are generated by the bit shift process.

Abstract: To compress an image, each pixel is considered. The color of each pixel, represented as an index into a color palette, is compared with the color of the pixel's upper and left neighbors and encoded to an entry in the color palette. A probability distribution is updated based on the colors of the pixel and its left and upper neighbors. Once all pixels are encoded, the color palette is optimized using the probability distribution, and the indices into the color palette for the pixels are compressed. In the preferred embodiment, the compression is achieved using a single pass over the pixels in the image, and the probability distribution is updated dynamically as each pixel is compressed.

Abstract: An image recognition/reproduction method includes an extraction step of extracting local feature elements of an image, and a selection step of selecting a pair composed of a prescribed local feature element and position information indicative thereof, this pair being such that the distance between a pair composed of a prescribed local feature element and position information indicative thereof and a pair composed of a local feature element extracted at the extraction step and position information indicative thereof is less than a prescribed distance.

Abstract: A method, system, and machine-readable medium for classifying an image element as one of a plurality of categories, including assigning the image element based on a ratio between an unoccluded perimeter of the image element and an occluded perimeter of the image element and coding the image element according to a coding scheme associated with the category to which the image element is classified. Exemplary applications include image compression, where categories include image foreground and background layers.

Abstract: An image processor for forming an easy-to-see image by broadening the significant band of image data received from a logarithmic (LOG) image sensor to enhance the contrast of the image. The LOG image sensor generates an output in response to the light, with the output voltage being a logarithm of the intensity of the light received. The image processor extracts only those pixel data in the significant band out the image data received from the LOG image sensor in accordance with the distribution of the voltage of the signals. In order to form an easy-to-see image, the processor expands the voltage band, assuming that the output voltage has a linear dependence on the intensity of light received by the LOG image sensor. The resultant image has an wider band in voltage, which enhances the contrast, and hence the visibility, of the image.

Abstract: A method for producing a compressed bit-stream from a digital image includes the steps of a) processing the digital image to produce a main subject belief map containing a continuum of belief values relating to the importance of subject and background regions in the image, b) performing a spatio-frequency transformation on the digital image to produce an array of transform coefficients, c) deriving a distortion-weighting factor for each transform coefficient from the belief map, and d) producing a compressed bit stream using an image compression system that is responsive to the distortion-weighting factors. The specific image compression system may be selected from a variety of image compression systems, including JPEG compression, JPEG2000 compression or vector quantization.

Abstract: An image encoding device equipped with a transformation component which transforms given image data into transformation coefficients by subjecting this image data to a frequency decomposition, a dividing component which divides the transformation coefficients produced by the transformation component into a selected region on the image and a non-selected region other than the selected region, and an encoding component which encodes the transformation coefficients by preferentially allocating a greater quantity of information to the selected region than to the non-selected region, and the dividing component performs an equation evaluation of numerical equation data that stipulates the boundary of the selected region, and determines whether the transformation coefficients belong to the selected region on the basis of the results of this equation evaluation, to perform the division into a selected region and non-selected region during image encoding with less processing.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus is provided with a resolution converting section, an encoding section, and a transmitting section. The resolution converting section enlarges or reduces a binary picture which represents the shape of an object. The encoding section encodes a binary picture reduced by the resolution converting section. The reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section is encoded, and the transmitting section transmits this encoded reduction ratio along with encoded data on the binary picture. The amount of encoded data produced from the encoding section is controlled by changing the enlargement/reduction ratio used by the resolution converting section.

Abstract: A picture-encoding apparatus provided by the present invention includes a wavelet transformation unit for carrying out wavelet transformation on an input picture to generate wavelet-transformation coefficients, a bit-plane encoding-pass-generating unit for spreading the wavelet-transformation coefficients over bit-planes, an arithmetic encoding unit for carrying out an arithmetic encoding process in an encoding pass, a rate control unit for controlling an encoded-data quantity of the generated arithmetic code so as to achieve a target encoded-data quantity, a header-generating unit for generating a header, a packet-generating unit for generating a packet by addition of the header to the arithmetic code experiencing control of the encoded-data quantity executed by the rate control unit, and an encoded-code-stream-truncating means for truncating an encoded-code stream completing processing through all the encoding passes by discarding a rear portion of the stream so as to make an encoded-data quantity of the st

Abstract: An apparatus for coding a binary image representing an object shape includes an inferior symbol detecting unit which decides which one of binary zero and binary one is an inferior symbol that is of smaller occurrence within a given area of the binary image, a divided portion generating unit which divides a rectangular block of the given area into divided portions, a map information generating unit which generates map information for each one of the divided portions, the map information indicating whether a corresponding one of the divided portions has the inferior symbol included therein, and a coding unit which encodes only the divided portions that have the inferior symbol included therein, wherein an identification of the inferior symbol, the map information, and the encoded divided portions are output from the apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of encoding includes generating for each transform point a double difference coefficient (comprising the difference between a modeled difference coefficient and a raw difference coefficient) and encoding as an adaptive difference coefficient for each transform point either the double difference coefficient or the raw difference coefficient. Whether the double difference coefficient or the raw difference coefficient is selected to be the adaptive difference coefficient depends on which one provides more efficient coding. A method of decoding includes receiving the adaptive difference coefficients from the encoder, applying the same modeling and transform as the encoder to generate the modeled difference coefficients, generating corrective difference coefficients (from the adaptive difference coefficients and the modeled coefficients), and inverse transformation using the corrective difference coefficients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of supplementing a digital picture with a shorter delay time and less calculations. The padding method is applied to a picture having a great motion, and results in producing a prediction signal with small errors. The present invention also provides an apparatus using the same method. To be more specific about the method, in a digital picture data including picture information indicating an object, a picture is resolved into a plurality of regions adjoining with each other, and each of the insignificant sample value of a region containing the boundary of the object shape is supplemented (padded) by the values obtained from transforming of the significant pixels near to the insignificant pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coding a plurality of multimedia data according to which original multimedia data are acquired and converted into one or several bitstreams in which the different levels of information are then captured by means of analysis and segmentation. A description step allows to generate from said obtained levels of information description data that are then coded. More precisely, this description step comprises a defining sub-step, provided for storing a set of descriptors related to said plurality of multimedia data, and a description sub-step, provided for selecting the description data to be coded in accordance with every level of information as obtained in the structuring step. The set of descriptors includes, according to the invention, at least a shape descriptor and a shape deformation descriptor.