Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for source coding a plurality of images, comprising the steps of: dividing each of the plurality of images into an image area having a predetermined size; determining a set of image statistics for each image area; sorting each image area as a function of the set of image statistics for the image area; if the set of image statistics for the image area is at least as great as a first predetermined threshold value, marking the image area for intraframe-coding; if the set of image statistics for the image area is less than the first predetermined threshold value, marking the image area for interframe-coding; classifying each image area as representing one of a foreground and a background as a function of a movement estimation determination; and coding the image areas, wherein the image area to be intraframe-coded has priority over the image area to be interframe-coded, and the image area classified as representing the foreground has priority over the image area classified as representing the background.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for source coding a plurality of images, comprising the steps of: dividing each of the plurality of images into an image area having a predetermined size; determining a set of image statistics for each image area; sorting each image area as a function of the set of image statistics for the image area; if the set of image statistics for the image area is at least as great as a first predetermined threshold value, marking the image area for intraframe-coding; if the set of image statistics for the image area is less than the first predetermined threshold value, marking the image area for interframe-coding; classifying each image area as representing one of a foreground and a background as a function of a movement estimation determination; and coding the image areas, wherein the image area to be intraframe-coded has priority over the image area to be interframe-coded, and the image area classified as representing the foreground has priority over the image area classified as representing the background.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein when the image area represents the background and the movement estimation determination classifies the image area as representing the foreground, the image area is immediately classified as representing the foreground.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein when the image area represents the foreground and the movement estimation determination classified the image area as representing the background, the image area is processed as representing the foreground for a predetermined duration of time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of: allocating a first predetermined value to the image area that is classified as representing the foreground; filing the first predetermined value in a memory; and when the image area is classified as representing the background, increasing the first predetermined value stored in the memory by a second predetermined value at a predetermined time interval to form a stored amount, wherein the image area is treated as background only when the stored amount exceeds a second predetermined threshold value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 4, wherein the second predetermined value is determined as a function of a mean movement vector of the image area, the mean movement vector being determined as a function of the movement estimation determination.