This paper describes a general approach to interframe video coding using a method of local feature-based motion compensation. Used in conjunction with a DPCM/DCT interframe coding technique, such as the CCITT H.261 algorithm, this technique is computationally viable at real-time rates, employing a simple process of evaluating the nature and content of features and their subsequent displacement.
As a secondary means of interframe coding, it has proved possible to introduce mode-value blocking and quantization to speed the motion estimation process and results indicate that as part of a hybrid encoding algorithm, this approach is quite acceptable as no long-term errors are propagated.
In addition to a description of feature analysis as a combinational coding method, it is shown that the process of feature extraction and evaluation provides, in it's own right, scope to form the basis of a complete, efficient codec of low complexity.