Method for transmission of variable-format images via low data rate transmission systems

摘要

The invention discloses a method for coding a video image on a pixel block basis in a transmission system including at least one transmitter and one receiver, where the video image is in one of several possible display formats. The method comprises: (a) defining a first image display format that encompasses each of the several image display formats; (b) dividing the first image format into pixel blocks; (c) assigning labels to the first image format blocks so that they can be individually addressed; (d) selecting a second image display format for the video image that is encompassed by the first image display format; and (e) coding the video image with reference to the individual addresses of the first image format block. A method of decoding transmissions coded by the disclosed coding method is also presented. The invention is applicable to videophones and television transmission systems.