The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 20, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 09, 1996
John J Proctor, Nevada City, CA (US);
Craig H Richardson, Marietta, GA (US);
Chris J Hodges, Atlanta, GA (US);
Kwan K Truong, Norcross, GA (US);
David L Smith, Atlanta, GA (US);
U.S. Robotics Access Corp., Skokie, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.