Dr. Jennifer Burg

Department of Computer Science

Research Project for Undergraduates

Experiments in Digital Video Compression and Data Rate

Digital video – with a frame rate of 30 frames per second and high resolution image frames along with audio – generates millions of bytes of data per second. Without compression, it would not be feasible to store or transmit this data. This project will investigate the mathematics and algorithms underlying video compression methods, including vector quantization, motion estimation, variable bit rate, and MPEG. The researcher will compress video using a variety of current methods, observe and analyze transmission of video that is compressed by various methods, with adjustment of parameters like variable bit rate; analyze underlying algorithms by simulating them with MATLAB and C++ programs; and draw conclusions about the appropriateness of different algorithms and parameter settings for different types of video. For more information, see http://www.cs.wfu.edu/%7Eburg/nsf-due-0340969/textbased/Chapter7CS.pdf.