Segmentation-based video coding system allowing the manipulation of objects

This paper presents a generic video coding algorithm allowing the content-based manipulation of objects. This manipulation is possible thanks to the definition of a spatiotemporal segmentation of the sequences. The coding strategy relies on a joint optimization in the rate-distortion sense of the partition definition and of the coding techniques to be used within each region. This optimization creates the link between the analysis and synthesis parts of the coder. The analysis defines the time evolution of the partition, as well as the elimination or the appearance of regions that are homogeneous either spatially or in motion. The coding of the texture as well as of the partition relies on region-based motion compensation techniques, The algorithm offers a good compromise between the ability to track and manipulate objects and the coding efficiency.