Vector-quantization-based video codec for software-only playback on personal computers

This paper discusses a video compression and decompression method based on vector quantization (VQ) for use on general purpose computer systems without specialized hardware. After describing basic VQ coding, we survey common VQ variations and discuss their impediments in light of the target application. We discuss how the proposed video codec was designed to reduce computational complexity in every principal task of the video codec process. We propose a classified VQ scheme that satisfies the data rate, image quality, decoding speed, and encoding speed objectives for software-only video playback. The functional components of the proposed VQ method are covered in detail. The method employs a pseudo-YUV color space and criteria to detect temporal redundancy and low spatial frequency regions. A treestructured-codebook generation algorithm is proposed to reduce encoding execution time while preserving image quality. Two separate vector codebooks, each generated with the treestructured search, are employed for detail and low spatial frequency blocks. Codebook updating and sharing are proposed to further improve encoder speed and compression.