MPEG-4 tools and applications: an overview

In this paper we present an overview of the software tools currently available for the creation and display of MPEG-4 content. We first describe tools for encoding raw video into MPEG-4 compliant bitstreams. We then describe how this content may be used to create a complete MPEG-4 scene containing both graphical and interactive elements in addition to the more usual video and audio elements. Clearly, MPEG-4 content cannot be viewed without appropriate decoders and players and these are addressed in the third section of this paper. Finally, we demonstrate how these tools may be combined together to create MPEG-4 applications by presenting the details of two sample applications we have developed

Region-based segmentation of images using syntactic visual features

This paper presents a robust and efficient method for segmentation of images into large regions that reflect the real world objects present in the scene. We propose an extension to the well known Recursive Shortest Spanning Tree (RSST) algorithm based on a new color model and so-called syntactic features [1]. We introduce practical solutions, integrated within the RSST framework, to structure analysis based on the shape and spatial configuration of image regions. We demonstrate that syntactic features provide a reliable basis for region merging criteria which prevent formation of regions spanning more than one semantic object, thereby significantly improving the perceptual quality of the output segmentation. Experiments indicate that the proposed features are generic in nature and allow satisfactory segmentation of real world images from various sources without adjustment to algorithm parameters

Dialogue scene detection in movies using low and mid-level visual features

This paper describes an approach for detecting dialogue scenes in movies. The approach uses automatically extracted low- and mid-level visual features that characterise the visual content of individual shots, and which are then combined using a state transition machine that models the shot-level temporal characteristics of the scene under investigation. The choice of visual features used is motivated by a consideration of formal film syntax. The system is designed so that the analysis may be applied in order to detect different types of scenes, although in this paper we focus on dialogue sequences as these are the most prevalent scenes in the movies considered to date

Using dempster-shafer theory to fuse multiple information sources in region-based segmentation

This paper presents a new method for segmentation of images into large regions that reflect the real world objects present in a scene. It explores the feasibility of utilizing spatial configuration of regions and their geometric properties (the so-called Syntactic Visual Features [1]) for improving the correspondence of segmentation results produced by the well-known Recursive Shortest Spanning Tree (RSST) algorithm [2] to semantic objects present in the scene. The main contribution of this paper is a novel framework for integration of evidence from multiple sources with the region merging process based on the Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory [3] that allows integration of sources providing evidence with different accuracy and reliability. Extensive experiments indicate that the proposed solution limits formation of regions spanning more than one semantic object

Complexity adaptation in H.264/AVC video coder for static cameras

H.264/AVC uses variable block size motion estimation (VBSME) to improve coding gain. However, its complexity is significant and fixed regardless of the required quality or of the scene characteristics. In this paper, we propose an adaptive complexity algorithm based on using the Walsh Hadamard Transform (WHT). VBS automatic partition and skip mode detection algorithms also are proposed. Experimental results show that 70% - 5% of the computation of H.264/AVC is required to achieve the same PSNR

An intuitive user interface for visual sports coaching

This paper describes a dynamic multi-video user interface for sports coaching. It is intended that sports coaches could use this split screen to minimise and maximise multiple video streams of an athlete on one side of the split screen, while playing an additional video source on the other side of the split screen, such as a clip from a professional athlete. This split screen approach allows users to contrast movements in the athletes videos, with that of a professional. Users can also avail of the ability to use video overlays, text input and can also use screen capture technology to record the application display, so that an athlete can review a coaching session at later date

Evaluating a dancer's performance using Kinect-based skeleton tracking

In this work, we describe a novel system that automatically evaluates dance performances against a gold-standard performance and provides visual feedback to the performer in a 3D virtual environment. The system acquires the motion of a performer via Kinect-based human skeleton tracking, making the approach viable for a large range of users, including home enthusiasts. Unlike traditional gaming scenarios, when the motion of a user must by kept in synch with a pre-recorded avatar that is displayed on screen, the technique described in this paper targets online interactive scenarios where dance choreographies can be set, altered, practiced and refined by users. In this work, we have addressed some areas of this application scenario. In particular, a set of appropriate signal processing and soft computing methodologies is proposed for temporally aligning dance movements from two different users and quantitatively evaluating one performance against another

Fast intra prediction in the transform domain

In this paper, we present a fast intra prediction method based on separating the transformed coefficients. The prediction block can be obtained from the transformed and quantized neighboring block generating minimum distortion for each DC and AC coefficients independently. Two prediction methods are proposed, one is full block search prediction (FBSP) and the other is edge based distance prediction (EBDP), that find the best matched transformed coefficients on additional neighboring blocks. Experimental results show that the use of transform coefficients greatly enhances the efficiency of intra prediction whilst keeping complexity low compared to H.264/AVC

Low computational complexity variable block size (VBS) partitioning for motion estimation using the Walsh Hadamard transform (WHT)

Variable Block Size (VBS) based motion estimation has been adapted in state of the art video coding, such as H.264/AVC, VC-1. However, a low complexity H.264/AVC encoder cannot take advantage of VBS due to its power consumption requirements. In this paper, we present a VBS partition algorithm based on a binary motion edge map without either initial motion estimation or Rate-Distortion (R-D) optimization for selecting modes. The proposed algorithm uses the Walsh Hadamard Transform (WHT) to create a binary edge map, which provides a computational complexity cost effectiveness compared to other light segmentation methods typically used to detect the required region

Movie indexing via event detection

The past number of years has seen a large increase in the number of movies, and therefore movie databases, created. As movies are typically quite long, locating relevant clips in these databases is quite difficult unless a well defined index is in place. As movies are creatively made, creating automatic indexing algorithms is a challenging task. However, there are a number of underlying film grammar principles that are universally followed. By detecting and examining the use of these principles, it is possible to extract information about the occurrences of specific events in a movie. This work attempts to completely index a movie by detecting all of the relevant events. The event detection process involves examining the underlying structure of a movie and utilising audiovisual analysis techniques, supported by machine learning algorithms, to extract information based on this structure. This results in a summarised and indexed movie