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MPEG‐4: An object‐based multimedia coding standard supporting mobile applications

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Abstract

The ISO MPEG committee, after successful completion of the MPEG‐1 and the MPEG‐2 standards is currently working on MPEG‐4, the third MPEG standard. Originally, MPEG‐4 was conceived to be a standard for coding of limited complexity audio‐visual scenes at very low bit‐rates; however, in July 1994, its scope was expanded to include coding of scenes as a collection of individual audio‐visual objects and enabling a range of advanced functionalities not supported by other standards. One of the key functionalities supported by MPEG‐4 is robustness in error prone environments. In general, the MPEG‐4 standard provides solutions for coding of natural or synthetic video and audio, as well as a system for multiplex/demultiplex and description of scenes in a truly flexible manner. With focus on the mobile multimedia functionality, we present an overview of the current status as well as the details of the MPEG‐4 coding standard. We also discuss profiles, a mechanism used for partitioning MPEG‐4 into realizable subsets. Finally, plans for testing and verification of current MPEG‐4 (Version 1) standard, ongoing work for MPEG‐4 Version 2, as well as directions for MPEG‐7, the next MPEG standard, are briefly discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AT&T Laboratories, NSL 3‐237, 100 Shultz Drive –, Middletown, Red Bank, NJ, 07701, USA

    Atul Puri

  2. Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA

    Alexandros Eleftheriadis

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  1. Atul Puri
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  2. Alexandros Eleftheriadis
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Puri, A., Eleftheriadis, A. MPEG‐4: An object‐based multimedia coding standard supporting mobile applications. Mobile Networks and Applications 3, 5–32 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019160312366

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