Estimation and distribution of motion information in image communication networks

Abstract

There is no doubt that in the near future, a large number of image processing techniques will be based on motion compensation, thus making the cascading of several ‘motion compensated’ devices in the same image chain very common. A reference scheme for the optimum use of motion compensation in future image communication networks is presented. Motion estimation is performed only once, at a very early stage of the process chain, then motion information is encoded, transmitted in a separate data channel and distributed to the cascaded motion compensated processes. The distribution scenario must take into consideration the various transformations performed on the image signal since its origination, so that the motion information distributed is always consistent with the pictures to process. The problems of the representation of motion relatively to a given source image signal and of its adjustment to new frame rate environments are especially addressed.