Separate shape and texture coding of transparency data for video coding applications
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of encoding a general arbitrary image feature in a video image frame, the image feature including pixels that each have a pixel value and a non-binary transparency value, the method comprising the steps:
- applying a threshold filter to the non-binary transparency values to form a binary representation of shape of the image feature;
shape coding the binary shape of the image feature; and
texture coding the non-binary transparency values of the image feature separately from the binary shape.
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Abstract
A hierarchical object encoding technique or process capable of representing general binary arbitrary shapes that include, for example, embedded or disconnected components. The method decomposes successive layers of general binary arbitrary shapes into simple arbitrary shapes. Each mask formed in this manner is a simple arbitrary shape having only a continuous outer boundary. Accordingly, each outer boundary is encoded, preferably by a contour encoding method, to provide accurate encoding of general binary shapes.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of encoding a general arbitrary image feature in a video image frame, the image feature including pixels that each have a pixel value and a non-binary transparency value, the method comprising the steps:
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applying a threshold filter to the non-binary transparency values to form a binary representation of shape of the image feature; shape coding the binary shape of the image feature; and texture coding the non-binary transparency values of the image feature separately from the binary shape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of encoding multi-bit image transparency data for a general arbitrary image feature in a video image frame, the image feature including feature pixels that each have a pixel value including a multi-bit image transparency value, the method comprising the steps:
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identifying a transparency boundary of the arbitrary image feature within the multi-bit transparency values; forming a mask in relation to the identified transparency boundary of the image feature; shape coding the mask of the image feature; and texture coding the multi-bit transparency values of the image feature separately from the shape coding of the mask of the image feature. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a data structure representing multi-bit image transparency data for a general arbitrary image feature in an image segment of a video image frame, the image feature being bounded by a feature boundary and including feature pixels that each have a pixel value including a multi-bit image transparency value, the data structure comprising:
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an encoded binary contour representation of an image transparency boundary of the image feature; and encoded representations of the multi-bit image transparency values within the image transparency boundary of the image feature.
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16. A method of decoding multi-bit image transparency data for a general arbitrary image feature in a video image frame, the image feature including feature pixels that each have a pixel value including a multi-bit image transparency value, the method comprising the steps:
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decoding an encoded mask representing the shape of the image feature; decoding texture coded multi-bit transparency values of the image feature separately from the decoding of the binary mask of the image feature; and applying the binary mask to the decoded multi-bit transparency values of the image feature to remove unwanted pixel values at pixel locations outside the shape of the image feature. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification