A Noise Robust Method For 2D Shape Estimation Of Moving Objects In Video Sequences Considering A Moving Camera

An algorithm for automatic, noise robust 2D shape estimation of moving objects in video sequences considering a moving camera is presented. Such algorithms are required for object-based coding techniques like the upcoming ISO/MPEG-4 standard. In a first step, a possibly apparent camera motion is estimated and compensated. By the second step, a possibly apparent scene cut is detected, and if necessary the segmentation algorithm is reset. In the third step, a mask of changed image areas is estimated by a local thresholding relaxation technique. Then by the fourth step, areas of uncovered background are removed from this mask, taking into account an estimated displacement vector field. The resulting object mask is finally improved by applying a luminance edge adaptation and an object mask memory. Experimental results are given which show the improvement of the estimated object masks compared to the current Analysis Model of the COST 211ter Simulation Subgroup