High-quality coding of the even fields based on the odd fields of interlaced video sequences

A high-quality and high-compression technique is presented for coding the even fields of digital interlaced video, assuming that the odd fields have already been coded. It may be useful in the second phase of a currently proposed scheme (MPEG) for video coding when aiming at a total bit rate of about 5 Mb/s, as well as for interlaced digital HDTV coding, including possible terrestrial and satellite all-digital transmission applications. The fields are coded with a digitally assisted hybrid multimode predictive/interpolative technique, using both predictive (hence recursive) and interpolative modes of operation. A compatible HDTV coding scheme based on the proposed technique is also outlined