Systems and methods for coding even fields of interlaced video sequences

Claim 3

An encoding and decoding system, comprising: (a) a system in accordance with claim 1, for coding fields of interlaced video to provide output signals; and (b) a system, for decoding said output signals, comprising: input means for coupling said output signals; storage means, coupled to said input means, for storing fields of pixel data, including a future odd field and past odd and even fields; address generator means, responsive to said location signals, for providing address signals to said storage means for retrieving one or more blocks of pixel data from said stored future odd and past odd and even fields; block coupling means, responsive to blocks of data retrieved from said storage means, for providing a single best mode data block regardless of the number of blocks of pixel data simultaneously retrieved, and including means for averaging simultaneously retrieved blocks of pixel data; block adder means, coupled to said input means and block coupling means, for combining said pixel error signals with said single best mode data block to provide a block of current even field pixel data; and combiner means, responsive to blocks of said current even field data and to said odd fields of pixel data, for providing video signals including alternating odd and even fields of data.

Claim 4

A coding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said output means also provides said best mode signals for transmission for use by a decoder.

Claim 5

A coding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said comparator means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field in deriving said best mode signal.

Claim 6

A system m accordance with claim 1, wherein said comparator means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field and averaging blocks of such data from past and future odd fields in denying said best mode signal.

Claim 7

A cooing system in accordance with claim 1, 4 or 5 wherein said comparator means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data by adding two blocks of data on a pixel by pixel basis and reducing each resulting pixel value by a factor of two.

Claim 8

A coding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said comparator means comprises: first error generator means for deriving pixel error signals based on comparison of a block of current even field data with an average data block obtained by averaging a block of past even field data and a block of future odd field data.

Claim 9

A coding system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said comparator means additionally comprises: second error generator means for deriving pixel error signals based on comparison of a block of current even field data with a block of past even field data.

Claim 10

A coding system in accordance with either of claims 7 or 8, wherein said comparator means additionally comprises: third error generator means for denying pixel error signals based on comparison of a block of current even field data with an average data block obtained by averaging a block of past odd field data and a block of future odd field data.

Claim 11

A coding system in accordance with either of claims 7 or 8, wherein said comparator means additionally comprises: fourth error generator means for deriving pixel error signals based on a comparison of a block of current field data with a block of future odd field data; and means for comparing the overall error represented by each of said pixel error signals to derive a best mode signal indicative of the pixel error signal representing the least overall error.

Claim 14

A coding system in accordance with claim 11, wherein said comparator means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field in deriving said best mode signal.

Claim 17

A decoding system in accordance with claim 13, additionally comprising interpolation means, responsive to said odd fields of pixel data, for deriving and coupling to said storage means enhanced fields of data corresponding to said odd fields of data and having estimated pixel data inserted at omitted line positions.

Claim 18

A receiver, for decoding and displaying fields of video, comprising: a decoder in accordance with claim 13; and display means for displaying said video signals.

Claim 19

A decoding system in accordance with claim 13, wherein signals coupled by said input means also include best mode signals indicative of a block of data representing the least overall error and wherein said best mode signals are coupled to said address generator means for use in deriving address signals and to said block coupling means for controlling operation of said averaging means.

Claim 20

A decoding system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said input means couples location signals comprising motion vector signals.

Claim 21

A decoding system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field for deriving a best mode data block.

Claim 22

A decoding system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field, and means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past odd field and a future odd field, for deriving a best mode data block.

Claim 23

A decoding system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data when two blocks of such data are simultaneously retrieved, and for coupling to an output without modification singly retrieved blocks of such data.

Claim 24

A decoding system in accordance with claim 13, 18, 19 or 20 wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data by adding two blocks of data on a pixel by pixel basis and reducing each resulting pixel value by a factor of two.

Claim 27

A decoding method comprising: (a) receiving signals provided in accordance with claim 22, including pixel error signals representative of pixel value errors in a best mode block relative to a current even field of data; (b) storing fields of pixel data which, relative to said current even field, include a future odd field and past odd and even fields; (c) deriving, with use of said location signals, address signals used in retrieving from storage one or more blocks of pixel data from said stored future odd and past odd and even fields; (d) providing an averaging function, responsive to blocks of pixel data retrieved in step (c), to provide a single best mode data block regardless of the number of blocks of pixel data simultaneously retrieved from storage; (e) combining said best mode data block with said pixel error signals to derive a block of current even field pixel data; and (f) assembling even fields of data for combination with said odd fields of data to provide video signals including alternating odd and even fields.

Claim 28

A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the fields of pixel data provided in step (a) include a current even field, a future odd field and past odd and even fields of data and step (d) includes a comparison mode in which said block of pixel data from said current even field is compared with a block of data representing an average of corresponding blocks of data from said future odd and past even fields of data.

Claim 29

A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the fields of pixel data provided in step (a) include a current even field, a future odd field and past odd and even fields of data and step (d) includes a comparison mode in which said block of pixel data from said current even field is compared with a block of data representing an average of corresponding blocks of data from said future odd and past even fields of data and an additional comparison mode in which said current even field block is compared with a block of data representing an average of corresponding blocks of data from said past and future odd fields of data.

Claim 30

A method in accordance with claim 22, 24 or 25 additionally comprising the step of receiving an interlaced video signal and separating said signal into odd and even fields of interlaced pixel data.

Claim 31

A method in accordance with claim 22, 24 or 25 additionally comprising the steps of storing and retrieving fields of pixel data and motion vector signals.

Claim 32

A method in accordance with claim 22, 24 or 25 additionally comprising the steps of compression coding odd fields of pixel data and combining best mode signals, motion vector signals, pixel error signals and said coded odd fields into a combined signal for transmission for use by a decoder.

Claim 37

A decoding method in accordance with claim 30, additionally comprising the step of decoding said odd fields of pixel data in a manner compatible with data compression coding provided prior to data transmission.

Claim 38

A decoding method in accordance with claim 30, wherein said signals received in step (a) also include best mode signals indicative of a block of data representing the least overall error, and wherein said best mode signals are made available for use in deriving address signals in step (e) and for controlling said averaging function in step (d).

Claim 39

A decoding method in accordance with claim 32, wherein step (d) includes averaging on a pixel by pixel basis corresponding blocks of data from said future odd and past odd blocks of data, when said two blocks of data are simultaneously retrieved in step (c).

Claim 40

A decoding method in accordance with claim 30, wherein step (d) includes averaging on a pixel by pixel basis corresponding blocks of data from said future odd and past even blocks of data, when said two blocks of data are simultaneously retrieved in step (c).

Claim 41

A decoding method in accordance with claim 30, 34 or 33 wherein said step (d) includes averaging blocks of data, when two blocks are simultaneously retrieved in step (c), by adding said two blocks on a pixel by pixel basis and reducing each resulting pixel value by a factor of two.

Claim 46

A coding system in accordance with claim 36 or 37, wherein said comparator means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field in denying said best mode signal.

Claim 47

A coding system in accordance with claim 36 or 37, additionally including interpolation means, coupled to said separation means, for deriving and coupling to said block matching means odd and even field data corresponding to odd and even fields of data having estimated pixel data at omitted line positions. .[.40. A system, for decoding coded fields of video, comprising: input means for coupling location signals providing location data for best matched blocks, pixel error signals representative of pixel value errors in a best mode block relative to a current even field of pixel data, and odd field pixel data signals; storage means, coupled to said input means, for storing fields of pixel data, including a future odd field and a past even field; address generator means, responsive to said location signals, for providing address signals to said storage means for retrieving one or more blocks of pixel data from said stored future odd and past even fields; block coupling means, responsive to blocks of data retrieved from said storage means, for providing a single best mode data block regardless of the number of blocks of pixel data simultaneously retrieved, and including means for averaging simultaneously retrieved blocks of pixel data; block adder means, coupled to said input means and block coupling means, for combining said pixel error signals with said single best mode data block to provide a block of current even field pixel data; and combiner means, responsive to blocks of said current even field data and to said odd fields of pixel data, for providing video signals including alternating odd and even fields of data..]. .[.41. A decoding system in accordance with claim 40, wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data from a past even field and a future odd field for deriving a best mode data block..]. .[.42. A decoding system in accordance with claim 40, wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging blocks of pixel data when two blocks of such data are simultaneously retrieved, and for coupling to an output without modification singly retrieved blocks of such data..]. .[.43. A method, for decoding coded fields of video, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving location signals providing location data for best matched blocks of data, pixel error signals representative of pixel value errors in a best mode block relative to a current even field of data, and odd field pixel data signals; (b) storing fields of pixel data which, relative to said current even field, include a future odd field and past even fields; (c) deriving, with use of said location signals, address signals used in retrieving from storage one or more blocks of pixel data from said stored future odd and past even fields; (d) providing an averaging function, responsive to blocks of pixel data retrieved in step (c), to provide a single best mode data block regardless of the number of blocks of pixel data simultaneously retrieved from storage; (e) combining said best mode data block with said pixel error signals to derive a block of current even field pixel data; and (f) assembling even fields of data for combination with said odd fields of data to provide video signals including alternating odd and even

Claim 48

fields..]. .[.44. A decoding method in accordance with claim 43, wherein said signals received in step (a) also include best mode signals indicative of a block of data representing the least overall error, and wherein said best mode signals are made available for use in deriving address signals in step (c) and for controlling said averaging function in step (d)..]. .[.45. A decoding method in accordance with claim 43, wherein step (d) includes averaging on a pixel by pixel basis corresponding blocks of data from said future odd and past even blocks of data, when said two

Claim 49

blocks of data are simultaneously retrieved in step (c)..]. .Iadd.46. A method, for decoding coded fields of video data, wherein frames of video data consist of first and second fields of video data, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving location signals providing location data for best matched blocks of data, pixel error signals representative of pixel value errors in a best mode block relative to a first field of a current frame of data, and second field data signals; (b) selecting, with use of said location signals, one or more blocks of pixel data from a second field of said current frame and a first field of a past frame of data; (c) providing an averaging function, responsive to blocks of pixel data selected in step (b), to provide a single best mode data block regardless of the number of blocks of pixel data selected; (d) combining said single best mode data block with said pixel error signals to derive a block of first field of a current frame pixel data; and (e) assembling first fields of data for combination with said second fields of data to provide video signals including frames of first and second fields. .Iaddend. .Iadd.47. A decoding method in accordance with claim 46, further including the additional step of storing fields of pixel data which, relative to said first field of said current frame, include a second field of said current frame and a first field of a past frame of data, wherein said storing step is performed prior to step (b). .Iaddend.

Claim 50

.Iadd.48. A decoding method in accordance with claim 47, wherein said blocks of pixel data selected from said second field of said current frame and said first field of said past frame of data are retrieved from storage. .Iaddend. .Iadd.49. A decoding method in accordance with claim 48, wherein step (b) includes using said location signals to derive address signals which are used in said retrieval. .Iaddend. .Iadd.50. A decoding method in accordance with claim 46, wherein step (b) includes using said location signals to derive address signals which are used in said selection. .Iaddend. .Iadd.51. A decoding method in accordance with claim 50, wherein said signals received in step (a) also include best mode signals indicative of a block of data representing the least overall error, and wherein said best mode signals are made available for use in deriving said address signals in step (b) and for controlling said averaging function in step (c). .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. A decoding method in accordance with claim 46, wherein said first fields of video data are even fields and said second fields of video data are odd fields. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. A decoding method in accordance with claim 46, wherein step (c) includes averaging on a pixel by pixel basis corresponding blocks of data,

Claim 51

when two blocks of data are simultaneously selected. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. A system, for decoding coded fields of video data, wherein frames of video data consist of first and second fields of video data, comprising: (a) input means for coupling location signals providing location data for best matched blocks of data, pixel error signals representative of pixel value errors in a best mode block relative to a first field of a current frame of data, and second field data signals; (b) selection means, responsive to said location signals, for selecting one or more blocks of pixel data from a second field of said current frame and a first field of a past frame of data; (c) block coupling means, responsive to blocks of data selected in step (b), for providing a single best mode data block regardless of the number of blocks of pixel data selected, and including means for averaging simultaneously selected blocks of pixel data; (d) block adder means, coupled to said input means and block coupling means, for combining said single best mode data block with said pixel error signals to derive a block of first field of a current frame pixel data; and (e) combiner means, responsive to said first fields of data and to said second fields of data, for providing video signals including frames of first and second fields. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55. A decoding system in accordance with claim 54, further including storage means, coupled to said input means, for storing fields of pixel data which, relative to said first field of said current frame, include a second field of said current frame and a first field of a past frame of data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. A decoding system in accordance with claim 55, wherein said blocks of pixel data selected from said second field of said current frame and said first fields of said past frame of data are retrieved from said storage means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. A decoding system in accordance with claim 56, wherein said selection means include address generator means, responsive to said storage means, for providing address signals for said retrieval to said storage means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58. A decoding system in accordance with claim 57, wherein said signals received by said input means also include best mode signals indicative of a block of data representing the least overall error, and wherein said best mode signals are made available for use in deriving said address signals by said address generator means and for controlling said averaging means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. A decoding system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said first fields of video data are even fields and said second fields of video data are odd fields. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. A decoding system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said block coupling means includes means for averaging on a pixel by pixel basis corresponding blocks of data, when two blocks of data are

Claim 52

simultaneously selected by said selection means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. A method, for coding multi-mode predictive interpolative coded fields of video, wherein frames of video data consist of first and second fields of video data, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first and a second field of a current frame of interlaced pixel data, and fields of past frames of such data; (b) comparing a block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame with corresponding blocks of data from said second field of said current frame and fields from past frames to derive motion vector signals indicative of best matched blocks of data; (c) developing pixel error signals representing pixel by pixel errors based on utilization of said best matched blocks in different modes for comparison with said block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame and developing best mode signals indicative of which of said modes represents the least overall error; and (d) providing said best mode signals, motion vector signals, pixel error signals, and said second field of said current frame of data for transmission for use by a decoder. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62. A system, for coding multi-mode predictive interpolative coded fields of video, wherein frames of video data consist of first and second fields of video data, comprising: (a) input means for coupling a first and a second field of a current frame of interlaced pixel data, and fields of past frames of such data; (b) storage means, coupled to said input means, for storing data and for providing data; (c) block matching means, coupled to said storage means, for comparing a block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame with corresponding blocks of data from said second field of said current frame and fields from past frames to develop motion vector signals indicative of best matched blocks of data, and for coupling said motion vector signals to said storage means; (d) comparator means, coupled to said storage means, for utilizing blocks of pixel data retrieved from said storage means in response to said motion vector signals for performing a plurality of mode comparisons of a block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame with different ones of said best matched blocks alone or on an averaged basis for deriving a best mode block having the least error and deriving pixel error signals representing pixel by pixel errors in said best mode block; and (e) output means, coupled to said comparator means, for providing said best mode signals, motion vector signals, pixel error signals, and said second field of said current frame of data for transmission for use by a decoder. .Iaddend.

Claim 53

simultaneously selected by said selection means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. A method, for coding multi-mode predictive interpolative coded fields of video, wherein frames of video data consist of first and second fields of video data, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first and a second field of a current frame of interlaced pixel data, and fields of past frames of such data; (b) comparing a block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame with corresponding blocks of data from said second field of said current frame and fields from past frames to derive motion vector signals indicative of best matched blocks of data; (c) developing pixel error signals representing pixel by pixel errors based on utilization of said best matched blocks in different modes for comparison with said block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame and developing best mode signals indicative of which of said modes represents the least overall error; and (d) providing said best mode signals, motion vector signals, pixel error signals, and said second field of said current frame of data for transmission for use by a decoder. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62. A system, for coding multi-mode predictive interpolative coded fields of video, wherein frames of video data consist of first and second fields of video data, comprising: (a) input means for coupling a first and a second field of a current frame of interlaced pixel data, and fields of past frames of such data; (b) storage means, coupled to said input means, for storing data and for providing data; (c) block matching means, coupled to said storage means, for comparing a block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame with corresponding blocks of data from said second field of said current frame and fields from past frames to develop motion vector signals indicative of best matched blocks of data, and for coupling said motion vector signals to said storage means; (d) comparator means, coupled to said storage means, for utilizing blocks of pixel data retrieved from said storage means in response to said motion vector signals for performing a plurality of mode comparisons of a block of pixel data from said first field of said current frame with different ones of said best matched blocks alone or on an averaged basis for deriving a best mode block having the least error and deriving pixel error signals representing pixel by pixel errors in said best mode block; and (e) output means, coupled to said comparator means, for providing said best mode signals, motion vector signals, pixel error signals, and said second field of said current frame of data for transmission for use by a decoder. .Iaddend.