Facsimile and static presentation processing – Facsimile – Recording apparatus
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-21
2001-07-24
Couso, Von J. (Department: 2623)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Facsimile
Recording apparatus
C382S233000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266158
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image encoding device and image decoding device for the purpose of relaying and storing images.
2. Description of the Related Art
When expressing a three-dimensional object on a computer, the conventional method has been to simulate it by inputting information on the shape and surface material of the object into the computer, calculating how it looks. However, in order to express complex shapes and detailed texture, it has been necessary to input large amounts of data, and the scale of the calculations necessary for simulation is enormous.
There is a method known as image-based rendering for expressing three-dimensional objects with a smaller amount of calculation. This involves advance shooting, storing and relaying of images from a large number of viewpoints, which are then displayed in answer to requests (QuickTime VR: Chen S. E. ‘QuickTime VR: an image-based approach to virtual environment navigation’, SIGGRAPH 1990: 29-38, 1990).
With image-based rendering, images from a large number of viewpoints are shot in advance, so that the amount of data which needs to be stored and relayed is enormous, sometimes exceeding 10,000 images or about 2.4 gigabytes. The problem is, therefore, how to store and relay this data effectively.
In view of this problem which has hitherto existed, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image encoding device whereby a small number of representative images is selected from among the large number of images which are to be stored, relayed, and encoded effectively by using each representative image to express a plurality of images, and by appending their dependent relationships. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and a device whereby images are encoded and decoded effectively by virtue of decoding by stages and predicting the next request.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The first aspect of the present invention is an image encoding device characterised in that it has a device for reference/predictive grouping into which are input a plurality of images which are to be encoded and the relevant camera position data, and whereby the plurality of images which are to be encoded is grouped into reference images and predictive images which are predictively encoded from the reference images; a device for reference image encoding which encodes the reference images; a device for predictive image encoding which uses reconstructed reference images to encode predictive images; and a device for compiling a reference relationship table which compiles a reference relationship table detailing reference relationships, encoded data positions and camera positions, and outputs the reference relationship table and the encoded data.
The second aspect of the present invention is an image decoding device characterised in that it has a device for selecting encoded data into which are input requests for images which are to be reproduced, encoded data whereby the images have been encoded, and a reference relationship table detailing reference/predictive relationships, encoded data positions and camera positions, and whereby encoded data which is necessary for the decoding of the requested images is selected from the reference relationship table; a device for decoding reference images whereby encoded data is decoded and reconstructed reference images are output; and a device for decoding predictive images whereby encoded data is decoded and reconstructed predictive images are output.
The third aspect of the present invention is an image decoding device characterised in that it has a device for monitoring image requests into which are input a data position table detailing camera position, reference image encoded data position and predictive image encoded data position, together with (in the case of predictive image encoded data) encoded data characterised in that it comprises modified information vis-à-vis the reference image, and residual information vis-à-vis an image which has been modified using this modified information; a device for monitoring image requests whereby requests for images which are to be reproduced are monitored successively; a device for selecting encoded data whereby encoded data for decoding is selected from the image requests, image decoding status, data position table and encoded data; a device for decoding reconstructed reference images whereby reconstructed reference images are decoded from encoded data; a device for decoding modified reference images whereby modified reference images are decoded from modified information on reconstructed reference images and encoded data; and a device for decoding reconstructed predictive images whereby reconstructed predictive images are decoded from residual information on modified images and encoded data, output being executed selectively from the a device for decoding reconstructed reference images on the one hand, and the a device for decoding modified reference images and a device for decoding reconstructed predictive images on the other.
The fourth aspect of the present invention is an image decoding device characterised in that it has a device for selecting encoded data into which are input requests for images which are to be reproduced, a data position table detailing camera position, reference image encoded data position and predictive image encoded data position, and encoded data whereby the images have been encoded, and whereby encoded data for decoding is selected; a device for decoding reference images whereby reference images are decoded from encoded data; a device for storing reconstructed reference image groups whereby a plurality of reconstructed reference images is stored; a device for decoding predictive images whereby predictive images are decoded from encoded data; a device for storing reconstructed predictive image groups whereby a plurality of reconstructed predictive images is stored; and a device for checking image storage whereby the camera position of images which are to be stored is calculated in accordance with requests for images which are to be reproduced, and the number of images which are stored in the a device for storing reconstructed reference image groups and a device for storing reconstructed predictive image groups is maintained at a constant level or below, reproduced images being output from the images which are being stored, having completed the decoding process.
The fifth aspect of the present invention is an image decoding device characterised in that it has a device for monitoring image requests into which are input a data position table detailing camera position, reference image encoded data position and predictive image encoded data position, and whereby requests for images which are to be reproduced are monitored successively and image requests output; a device for selecting encoded data whereby encoded data for fresh decoding is selected from the current image request, previous image request, and information on images which have already been decoded and stored; a device for selecting predictive encoded data whereby encoded data on images close to the current image request in terms of camera position is selected; a device for decoding reference images whereby encoded data is decoded into reference images; a device for decoding predictive images whereby encoded data is decoded into predictive images; a device for storing reconstructed reference image groups whereby a plurality of reconstructed reference images is stored; and a device for storing reconstructed predictive image groups whereby a plurality of reconstructed predictive images is stored, image requests being monitored and reproduced while encoded data for images which are close to the current image request is selected and decoded.
The sixth aspect of the present invention is an image encoding device characterised in that it has a device for reference/predictive grouping into which are input a plurality of images which are to be encoded and the relevant camera position data, and wher
Etoh Minoru
Hata Koichi
Couso Von J.
Matsushita Electric - Industrial Co., Ltd.
Wenderoth , Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.
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