Method and apparatus for block classification and adaptive bit allocation
AssigneesSarnoff Corporation, LG Electronics Inc.
InventorsRavi Krishnamurthy, Sriram Sethuraman
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for classifying regions of an image, based on the relative “importance” of the various areas and to adaptively use the importance information to allocate processing resources, e.g., bit allocation in an encoding environment.
Claims23
A method for classifying a block within a current image of an uncompressed input image sequence, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) mapping a chrominance component of a block in the current image of the uncompressed input image sequence in a chrominance plane;
- (b) defining a decision region by four straight lines in said chrominance plane;
- and
- (c) classifying said block as a skin-tone block if said chrominance component falls within said decision region.
A method for allocating coding bits to a block within an image of an uncompressed input image sequence, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining an importance information for the block within the image, by receiving importance information from a block classifier that maps a chrominance component of said block in the image of the uncompressed input image sequence in a chrominance plane to detect a skin-tone block;
- and
- (b) allocating coding bits to said block in accordance with said importance information.
An apparatus for allocating coding bits to a block within an image of an uncompressed input image sequence said apparatus comprising:
- a block classifier for generating an importance map for indicating an importance information of at least one block within the image, where said importance information is generated by mapping a chrominance component of said at least one block in the image of the uncompressed input image sequence in a chrominance plane to detect a skin-tone block;
- and
- a controller, coupled to said block classifier, for allocating coding bits to said block in accordance with said importance information.
A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps comprising of:
- (a) mapping a chrominance component of a block in the current image of an uncompressed input image sequence in a chrominance plane;
- (b) defining a decision region by four straight lines in said chrominance plane;
- and
- (c) classifying said block as a skin-tone block if said chrominance component falls within said decision region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.