Real time low bit-rate video coding algorithm using multi-stage hierarchical vector quantization

We propose a low bit-rate coding algorithm for wireless communication based on multi-stage hierarchical vector quantization, motion compensation and differential pulse code modulation. Our method adapts bit allocation to spatial and temporal correlation. Conventional schemes based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT) need a large amount of computation on both encoding and decoding. On the other hand, our proposed method consists of addition, subtraction and shift operation. It does not use multiplication. It can decode in real time on a conventional serial processor. Encoding by vector quantization (VQ), however, consumes a large amount of computation. We developed a new LSI to accelerate VQ. Our scheme can send 10 frames of QCIF video sequences through a 29.2 kbps line. The quality of reconstructed image is over 30 dB.