Video coding and video decoding apparatus

• US 6,975,768 B2
• Filed: 10/03/2002
• Issued: 12/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Noboru Yamaguchi, Takaaki Kuratate, Takashi IDA, Toshiaki Watanabe
• Original Assignee: Noboru Yamaguchi, Takaaki Kuratate, Takashi IDA, Toshiaki Watanabe
• Inventors: Watanabe, Toshiaki, Ida, Takashi, Yamaguchi, Noboru, Kuratate, Takaaki
• Primary Examiner(s): Do, Anh Hong
• Application Number:
  US10/262,952
• Publication Number:
  US 20030038982A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,167 Days
• Field of Search: 382/299, 382/232, 382/233, 382/243, 348/390.1, 348/445, 348/584, 348/588, 348/469, 386/101, 375/240.08, 375/240.25, 375/240.26
• US Class Current: 382/233
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 3/40 Scaling of whole images or parts thereof, e.g. expanding or contracting
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 3/4023 based on decimating pixels or lines of pixels; based on inserting pixels or lines of pixels
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/20 using video object coding
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/29 involving scalability at the object level, e.g. video object layer [VOL]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/59 involving spatial sub-sampling or interpolation, e.g. alteration of picture size or resolution

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.

Claims

1. A decoding apparatus which decodes pictures, comprising:

a demultiplexer which demultiplexes a coded signal into an alpha-map signal for discriminating a picture between an object region and a background region, and into a coded picture signal, the alpha-map signal including a reduction ratio setting information signal for reducing an amount of generated codes of the alpha-map signal;

a decoder which decodes the alpha-map signal that has been demultiplexed by the demultiplexer, to separate the alpha-map signal into a decoded alpha-map signal and reduction ratio setting information;

a resolution converter which enlarges the decoded alpha-map signal in accordance with the reduction ratio setting information; and

a picture decoder which decodes the coded picture signal in accordance with the enlarged alpha-map signal and outputs a reconstructed picture signal.

2. A decoding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the demultiplexer demultiplexes the coded signal into the alpha-map signal which is a binary signal and the coded picture signal.

3. A decoding apparatus for decoding pictures, comprising:

demultiplexing means for demultiplexing a coded signal into an alpha-map signal for discriminating a picture between an object region and a background region, and into a coded picture signal, the alpha-map signal including a reduction ratio setting information signal for reducing an amount of generated codes of the alpha map signal,

decoding means for decoding the alpha-map signal which has been demultiplexed by the demultiplexing means, to separate the alpha-map signal into a decoded alpha-map and reduction ratio setting information;

resolution conversion means for enlarging the decoded alpha-map signal in accordance with the reduction ratio setting information; and

picture decoding means for decoding the coded picture signal in accordance with the enlarged alpha-map signal and outputting a reconstructed picture signal.

4. A decoding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the demultiplexing means demultiplexes the coded signal into the alpha-map signal which is a binary signal and the coded picture signal.

5. A decoding method for decoding pictures, comprising:

demultiplexing a coded signal into an alpha-map signal for discriminating a picture between an object region and a background region, and into a coded picture signal, the alpha-map signal including a reduction ratio setting information signal for reducing an amount of generated codes of the alpha-map signal;

decoding the alpha-map signal which has been demultiplexed by the demultiplexing means, to separate the alpha-map signal into a decoded alpha-map and reduction ratio setting information;

enlarging the decoded alpha-map signal in accordance with the reduction ratio setting information; and

decoding the coded picture signal in accordance with the enlarged alpha-map signal and outputting a reconstructed picture signal.

6. A decoding method according to claim 5, wherein demultiplexing the coded signal includes demultiplexing the coded signal into the alpha-map signal which is a binary signal and the coded picture signal.