A Video Encoding System With Conditional Picture-Element Replenishment

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental method for encoding television signals which takes advantage of the frame-to-frame correlation to reduce transmission bit rate. The technique encodes only those elements that change between successive frames instead of encoding every element of every frame. We have demonstrated the method in real-time using the head-and-shoulder view of a person in animated conversation as the picture source, such as is likely to be encountered in a visual communication system. An average transmission rate of one bit per picture element gives quality comparable with standard eight-bit PCM transmission.