IMAGE AND VIDEO COMPRESSION - 2021/2

Module Overview

Expected prior learning:  None specifically advised.




Module purpose:  This module introduces basic notions of rate-distortion theory applied to the compression of digitised still images and moving sequences,  provides high-level descriptions of mainstream algorithms for coding and error resilience and offers an overview of the main features, components and algorithmic tools involved in current international standards for image and video compression and error resilience in multimedia applications.





 

Module provider

Computer Science and Electronic Eng

Module Leader

RANA Muhammad (Elec Elec En)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 100

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes the following.

Component Coding Algorithms, 

Lecturers: FERNANDO WAC Dr and BOBER MZ Prof

30 Lecture hours with Problem Classes

[1] Introduction - Key terminology and fundamental concepts of digital video coding. Historical evolution of coding standards.

[2] Digital video – Coding operation in the image chain. Coding of color signal. Digital video formats. The effects of scanning and colour coding in television systems, digital video sampling formats. Recommendation ITU-R BT. 601.

[3-4] Principles of digital signal compression – Self-information, entropy, rate/distortion, sources with and without memory, coding theorems, practical assessment of objective and subjective quality, Recommendation ITU-R BT. 500.

[5-8] Basic coding techniques for still images and video sequences – Predictive coding, transform coding, scalar and vector quantisation, subband/wavelet coding, interframe coding, motion estimation and motion-compensated prediction.

[9-10] Image coding Standards – The JPEG specification; baseline, progressive, hierarchical and lossless coding.

[11-15] Video coding Standards – The MPEG-1/2 family of specifications; profiles and levels, coding of progressive and interlaced video, motion compensation modes, the main profile/main level coding algorithm, H.264 AVC/SVC, HEVC, scalability.

[16-1] Other video coding techniques – MPEG-4, distributed coding

[17-19] Emerging and Future Video Coding Technologies: Video coding for 3D, Multi-view video, HDR Video Coding, UHDTV

[20] Problem Class.

[21] Introduction to Video Communication

[22-23] Aspects of error resilience in video coders – Different effects of bit errors on video data – Loss of synchronisation.

[24-25] Error concealment strategies - Zero-redundancy techniques. Motion vector recovery algorithms. INTRADC coefficients interpolation. Limitations of error concealment techniques.

[26] Packet video transmissions –Effects of packetisation schemes of compressed video on error performance.

[27-28] Robustness of video coders – Effects of video information loss. Error sensitivity of various video parameters. Robustness improvement using prioritised information loss. Robustness improvement using local feedback loop. Quality of Experience (QoE).

[29-30] Error resilience schemes in video coders –  INTRA Refresh. AIR. Backward channel signalling. Data partitioning. EREC – Two-way Decoding and RVLC.





 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable: students failing a unit of assessment resit the assessment in its original format.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the learning outcomes. The written examination will assess the knowledge and assimilation of terminology, concepts and theories of image and video compression, as well as the ability to analyse state-of-the-art image and video codecs and how to use them for present communications systems. The design assignment will assess the ability to design video communications systems, including the related technical skills acquired in the laboratory work.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of the following.

·         2-hour, closed-book written examination

·         Image and Video Codec design. A multi-part assignment involving the design of a image and video system, as assessed by a final technical report (10-20 pages), that has to be submitted by Tuesday of Week 10.

 

Note that any deadline given here is indicative. For confirmation of exact date and time, please check the Departmental assessment calendar issued to you.

 

Formative assessment and feedback

 

For the module, students will receive formative assessment/feedback in the following ways.

·         During lectures, by question and answer sessions

·         Being a part of the interactive lectures

·         During lectures, by problem solving

·         During tutorials/tutorial classes

·         During supervised laboratory sessions

·         During supervised computer laboratory sessions

·         Via the marking of written reports

·         Via assessed coursework

 





 

Module aims

• to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the compression of image and video signals
• to provide in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art coding techniques, internationally standardised compression algorithms, error resilience techniques and related systems and technology.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes by teaching the module syllabus in lectures, and supporting the assimilation and understanding of the taught material by the supervised lab classes. The practical design and technical skills related to the subject are acquired through coursework involving an assignment on image and video compression system design, and then the performance characterisation of the designed system through laboratory experiments.

Learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures: 10 weeks, 3 hours per week.


• Design Labs: Image and Video Codec design. This design assignment is based on laboratory sessions that take place for five weeks, from Week 5 to Week 9. These provide the technical skills and expertise required for performance characterisation of state-of-the-art image and video systems. Students then have to produce a technical report that is submitted in Week 10 (see below).

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: EEEM011

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.