System and method for focused-based image segmentation for video signals

摘要

Motion video is represented by digital signals. The digital signals can be compressed by coding to reduce bitrate and thus save time and expense in transmitting and reproducing the video. The present invention is a system and method for reducing the amount of information required to satisfactorily reproduce video signals by distinguishing more pertinent portions of the video from less pertinent portions. In particular, edges are detected based on amplitude variations in the luminance characteristic of the picture elements. Sharp edges are deemed to be "focused". The portion of the video frame between the focused edges is deemed to be focused, as well. A template is created corresponding to the focused portion. A signal corresponding to the outline of the template is combined with the original frame signal to create a segmented frame signal. When motion detection information is available, a motion-based template may be created and intersected with the focus template. A signal corresponding to the outline of the intersected template may be transmitted with the frame signal as the segmented frame signal.