Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting f-codes for a digital picture header

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting f-codes for a digital picture header of a coded picture. A video encoder having at least one motion estimation stages is provided for encoding the current picture. Motion vectors are determined for one motion estimation stage of the encoder. The motion vectors are analyzed to determine a maximum motion vector range for the picture. A corresponding minimum f-code is determined for the maximum range. The minimum f-code is then inserted into the digital picture header. In this manner, the f-codes carried in the digital picture header can be reduced to the minimum required value, thus reducing the number of bits needed to encode the f-codes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.