Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Norihiko Matsuura

Shinya Shimizu

Hideaki Kimata

Shohei Sugawara

When the entire image is divided into regions, each of which is subjected to predictive encoding while predicting an image signal by using an independent method assigned to the region, the object number and a representative pixel value for each object are predicted utilizing spatial continuity for the presence of the object, and also using decoded pixel values of a previously-processed neighbor region adjacent to a processing region. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of code required for encoding the object number in the processing region or the pixel value as a representative of each object in the processing region, where these encoded items are required in highly accurate image signal prediction which can handle any object shape by utilizing the pixel value as a representative of each object in the processing target region and information for identifying the object assigned to each pixel in the processing region. Therefore, efficient image encoding can be implemented. Since the employed decoded pixel values of pixels in a previously-decoded neighbor region are common information between the encoding and decoding sides, appropriate prediction can be performed even in the case where one of multiple image signal prediction modes is selected for each region, like in H.264.

Image encoding method and apparatus, image decoding method and apparatus, and programs therefor

An image encoding method in which when transmitting or storing an image, a frame of the image is divided into predetermined-sized processing regions, and for each processing region, a pixel value of each pixel is predicted for the encoding. The method includes a step that determines one pixel value, which is assigned to and represents each object in the processing region, to be an object pixel value that is associated with an object identifier for identifying the relevant object; a step that generates, based on each object pixel value and the pixel value of each pixel in the processing region, an object map that indicates which object has been obtained at each pixel in the processing region, by using the object identifier; a step that generates a predicted image for the processing region by assigning the object pixel value to each pixel in accordance with the object map; a step that encodes the object map; a step that encodes each object pixel value; and a step that performs predictive encoding of an image signal for the processing region by using the predicted image.

An image-encoding device uses a region having similar image signals in a block in each encoding target block as an object, and performs set-up by associating a pixel value representing the object with an object identifier as an object pixel value. An object map generation unit generates an object map indicating that each pixel in the block belongs to which object, using object identifiers. By use of the object map generation unit, a predicted image that is used by a predicted image generation unit to predict an encoding target block is generated. An object map encoding-unit compares an object map used when encoding a reference region that has been encoded and encodes an object map.

Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding device, image decoding device, image encoding program, and image decoding program

The purpose is to provide a system and a method for 3-D shared virtual environment communication system to enable a plurality of users to share a common virtual environment so that real-time facial expressions of other users can be displayed on user's own terminal and voices heard. The system thus facilitate communications among the users in such cases as virtual conferencing environment. The method of operating the communication system is executed by computer application programs that contains a user information control section broadcasts information input from the facial expression input section , voice input section and motion information input section , to other user terminals through the network under the control of the network control section . The avatar information managing section , script control section , virtual environment control section and virtual environment generation section displays other users' avatar on user's own terminal.

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Yokosuka, Japan

Norihiko Matsuura