The MPEG-4 video standard verification model

The MPEG-4 standardization phase has the mandate to develop algorithms for audio-visual coding allowing for interactivity, high compression, and/or universal accessibility and portability of audio and video content. In addition to the conventional "frame"-based functionalities of the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 standards, the MPEG-4 video coding algorithm will also support access and manipulation of "objects" within video scenes. The January 1996 MPEG Video Group meeting witnessed the definition of the first version of the MPEG-4 video verification model-a milestone in the development of the MPEG-4 standard. The primary intent of the video verification model is to provide a fully defined core video coding algorithm platform for the development of the standard. As such, the structure of the MPEG-4 video verification model already gives some indication about the tools and algorithms that will be provided by the final MPEG-4 standard. The paper describes the scope of the MPEG-4 video standard and outlines the structure of the MPEG-4 video verification model under development.