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Abstract

A method and apparatus for image compression which demonstrably achieves better than 1000-line resolution image compression at high frame rates with high quality. Image material is preferably captured at an initial or primary framing rate of 72 fps. An MPEG-2 data stream is then generated, comprising: (1) a base layer, preferably encoded using only MPEG-2 P frames, comprising a low resolution (e.g., 1024.times.512 pixels), low frame rate (24 or 36 Hz) bitstream; (2) an optional base resolution temporal enhancement layer, encoded using only MPEG-2 B frames, comprising a low resolution (e.g., 1024.times.512 pixels), high frame rate (72 Hz) bitstream; (3) an optional base temporal high resolution enhancement layer, preferably encoded using only MPEG-2 P frames, comprising a high resolution (e.g., 2k.times.1k pixels), low frame rate (24 or 36 Hz) bitstream; (4) an optional high resolution temporal enhancement layer, encoded using only MPEG-2 B frames, comprising a high resolution (e.g., 2k.times.1k pixels), high frame rate (72 Hz) bitstream. The invention can allocate all available bits to the lower resolution base layer when 'stressful' image material is encountered. The invention provides replacement of numerous resolutions and frame rates with a single layered resolution and frame rate; eliminates interlace in order to achieve better than 1000-lines of resolution for 2 megapixel images at high frame rates (72 Hz) within a 6 MHz television channel; and is compatible with 72 Hz computer displays.

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First Claim