Objective
The objective of the SCALAR project is to investigate, develop and implement a family of second generation video coding algorithms with a focus on videotelephony, which could support a large number of user applications. The emphasis will be on the development of a scaleable solution which will allow a flexible and user transparent exploitation of the available bandwidth. The software will be organised in a "toolbox" which will be the basis of an integrated development environment for videocommunication applications. The demonstrators will be designed by selecting and tuning algorithms from the toolbox in order to get maximum performance according to requirements of the application. Algorithms that are developed within the project will be submitted for standardisation within e.g. the ITU and MPEG4 frameworks.
In parallel with the algorithm development, research on a flexible hardware architecture shall be conducted and a real-time video communication unit will be designed and built. The generic form of this platform should provide interfaces for various communication channels and peripheral devices as well as a processing capacity for real-time execution of the video coding algorithms. Specific implementations of the architecture are developed for the applications where properties such as low cost and low power consumption are of great importance.
The project intends to deliver a versatile toolbox of scaleable compression algorithms useful for industrialisation of a wide range of equipment for transmission of video signals at low bit-rates on the ISDN and PSTN networks and with a perceived visual quality equal or better than H.263. This will include a low-cost hardware platform for real-time execution of the algorithms and applications and technology verified in field tests.
An H.263+ compatible VTC (Video Telephony Codec) has already been developed which adds scaleability to allow connectivity in heterogeneous PSTN/ISDN networks. A versatile TAC (Tele-annotation Coding) tool has also been developed to add pointing features to be used in environment such as the Distance Learning application.
The SCALAR project has made several contributions to both MPEG4 and ITU-T15. Major contributions concern scaleability, verification model and core experiments. A real time encoding of H.263 achieving 13,5 frames/s has been done to demonstrate the abilities of the TI C80 platform. The decoding has been done using a Pentium processor.
Expected Impact
Video communication technology allowing the use of the common analogue PSTN network. This would extend the potential use of video communication from less than a million ISDN extensions to roughly 200 million extensions. By passing the critical mass in potential reachable market, new applications with positive and possible profound economic and social impact will result.
Main contributions to the programme objectives:
Main deliverables
Developed and trialled a family of second generation video coding algorithms with a focus on videophony
Contribution to the programme
Contributed to making video communication more widely available over PSTN and mobile networks
Technical Approach
SCALAR will exploit second generation video coding techniques. Coding algorithms developed will be characterised in terms of applicability. A key feature of the approach is the development of a videocoding toolbox to permit coder performance optimisation. The structure of the toolbox will be made as consistent with MPEG4 syntax as possible. A tightly coupled hardware development to achieve real time operation will facilitate technology demonstration, field tests and eventual industrialisation. The toolbox approach will minimise the risks of the project.
Summary of Trial
Field trials of low bit-rate video communication are performed for two different applications: a forest surveillance and fire detection system in Portugal and distant learning in sparsely populated areas of northern Sweden. In the first application a global surveillance of the forest will be performed using a network of surveillance towers with a controllable camera. A set of narrow-band radio channels will be used for communication. In the second test, standard PSTN telephone lines will be used for video communication of lectures from the Umea University. Services like videotelephony, scribble-phone, document and still image transfer will be combined for achieving maximum learning performance.
Key Issues
Find high performance, adaptable and scaleable video compression algorithms
Design low-cost hardware for real-time execution of the algorithms
Demonstrate novel video communication technologies
Verify applications through field tests
Support the standardisation of relevant technologies
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications telecommunications networks mobile network
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
12625 Stockholm
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.