• Journal of Broadcast Engineering
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.611-623
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• 2007

The H.264|AVC standard incorporates an intra prediction tool into inter frame coding. However, this leads to excessive amount of increase in encoding time, thus resulting in the difficulty in real-time implementation of software encoders. In this paper, we first propose an early decision on intra prediction coding and a fast intra prediction method using the characteristics of block contents and the context of neighboring block modes for the intra prediction in the inter frame coding of H.264/AVC. Basically, the proposed methods determine a skip condition on whether the $4{\times}4$ intra prediction is to be used in the inter frame coding by considering the content characteristics of each block to be encoded and the context of its neighboring blocks. The performance of our proposed methods is compared with the Joint Model reference software version 11.0 of H.264|AVC. The experimental results show that our proposed methods allow for 41.63% reduction in the total encoding time with negligible amounts of PSNR drops and bitrate increases, compared to the original Joint Model reference software version 11.0.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Broadcast Engineers Conference
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• 2007.02a
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• pp.13-17
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• 2007

스케일러블 비디오 코딩(SVC, Scalable Video Coding)은 MPEG(Moving Picture Expert Group)과 VCEG (Video Coding Expert Group)의 JVT(Joint VIdeo Team)에 의해 현재 표준화 되고 있는 새로운 압축 표준 기술이며 시간, 공간 및 화질의 스케일러빌리티를 지원하기 위해 계층 구조를 가지고 있다. 공간적 스케일러빌리티를 위해 기본 계층으로부터 텍스처, 움직임 그리고 잔차신호 정보를 예측하여 사용한다. 그러나 고효율의 압축효과를 얻기 위해 기존의 방식에서는 기본계층에서 얻은 세가지 정보이외에 현재 향상 계층에서 자체적으로 얻은 부호화 정보를 비교하여 최소의 RD(Rate Distortion) 비용을 가지는 정보를 이용하여 부호화 하도록 되어 있다. 하지만 이러한 방식은 향상 계층에서 인터 모드 결정 시 $16\times16,\;16\times8,\;8\times16,\;8\times8,\;4\times4,\;4\times8,\;4\times4$ 블록 모드에 대한 움직임 벡터 예측 및 보상 과정을 거쳐야 하기 때문에 향상 계층에서의 부호화 복잡도는 기본 계층에 비해 상당히 증가하게 된다. 본 논문에서는 기본계층에서 예측한 움직임 벡터 정보를 이용하여 항상 계층에서 모드 결정을 고속화하는 방법에 대해 소개한다. 제안된 방법은 기본 계층에서 예측한 블록모드 중에서 큰 블록인 $16\times16$ 블록에서 움직임 벡터가 (0, 0) 일 경우에 대하여 향상 계층에서는 $16\times16$매크로 블록에 대해서만 움직임 예측 및 보상을 수행함으로써 향상 계층에서 움직임 모드 결정을 조기에 완료하게 된다. 이것은 하위 공간 계층에서 예측한 움직임 벡터 정보가 아주 작을 때는 큰 블록 크기로 모드로 결정되는 일반적인 원리를 이용한 것이고 이 제안 방법을 이용하였을 경우 향상계층에의 모드 결정과정을 고속화함으로써 전체 스케일러빌 비디오 부호하기의 연산량 및 복잡도를 최대 70%까지 감소 시켰다. 그러나 연산량 감소에 따른 비트율의 증가와 화질 열화는 각각 최대 1.32%와 최대 0.11dB로 무시할 수 있을 정도로 작음을 확인 하였다.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.1513-1526
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• 2009

The SVC (Scalable Video Coding) scheme can be effectively used for reducing the redundancy and for improving the coding efficiency but, it requires very high computational complexities. In order to accelerate the successful standardization and commercialization of the Advanced Terrestrial-DMB service, it is necessary to overcome this problem. For this aim, in this paper, we propose an efficient aggregated encoder control algorithm, which shows better performances than the conventional control scheme. Computer simulation result shows that the proposed scheme performs about up to 0.3dB better than those of the conventional scheme. Additionally, based on this control scheme, we propose a fast mode decision method by constraining the redundant coding modes based on the statistical properties of the quantization parameter in the spatial scalable encoder. Through computer simulations, it is shown that the proposed control schemes reduce the heavy computational burden up to 12% compared to the conventional scheme, while keeping the objective visual qualify very high.

• Journal of Broadcast Engineering
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.765-780
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• 2012

In this paper, we propose a fast mode decision method that determines the coding unit depth for enhancement layers to improve an encoding speed of a scalable video encoder based on HEVC. To decide the coding unit depth of the enhancement layer, firstly, the coding unit depth of the corresponded coding unit in the basement layer is employed. At this stage, the final CU depth is decided by calculating the rate-distortion costs of one lower depth to one upper depth of the referenced depth. The proposed method can reduce a computational load since it does not calculate the rate-distortion costs for all the depths of a target CU. We found that the proposed algorithm decreases encoding complexity of 26% with approximately 1.4% bit increment, compared with the simulcast encoder of the HM 4.0.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.348-357
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• 2007

One of the major issues in recent researches on wireless sensor networks is to reduce energy consumption of sensor nodes operating with limited battery power, in order to lengthen their lifespan. Among the researches, we are interested in the schemes in which a sensor node periodically turns on and off its radio and requires information on the time when its neighbors will wake up (or turn on). Clock synchronization is essential for wakeup scheduling in such schemes. This paper proposes three methods based on the asynchronous averaging algorithm for clock synchronization in sensor nodes which periodically wake up: (1) a fast clock synchronization method during an initial network construction period, (2) a periodic clock synchronization method for saving energy consumption, and (3) a decision method for switching the operation mode of sensor nodes between the two clock synchronization methods. Through simulation, we analyze maximum clock difference and the number of messages required for clock synchronization.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Broadcast Engineers Conference
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• 2011.11a
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• pp.172-175
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• 2011

높은 효율을 가진 비디오 압축 코덱인 H.264/AVC는 예전보다 압축 성능을 향상 시키기 위한 방법 중 하나로 율-왜곡 최적화 기법이라는 것을 사용한다. 이 기법은 압축된 결과를 가지고 손실과 압축률 두 가지를 모두 고려하여 어떤 경우가 더 최적의 압축인가 하는 것을 판별하는데, 여기서 모든 경우에 대해 압축을 수행해야 함으로 이전 보다 몇 배나 높은 복잡도를 가질 수 밖에 없다. 이러한 문제를 해결하고자 하는 노력으로 본 논문에서는 SAHTD(Sum of Absolute Hadamard Transform Difference)라는 기준을 사용하여 이를 이용해 율-왜곡 최적화 기법을 사용하지 않거나, 사용을 최소화 하면서 압축 효율을 유지하는 방법을 제시하였다. 본 논문에서는 휘도 신호 $8{\times}$8과 $4{\times}4$블록을 위한 방법을 제시하고 있다. 이 두 가지 크기의 블록에 대해서 SAHTD값을 구해 SAHTD가 낮은 순으로 모드들을 정렬하고, 이것이 가장 낮은 3개의 모드를 선택해 이것 중에 MPM이 포함되지 않았을 경우에 대해서는 MPM을 포함해 4개의 모드를 선택해 압축을 수행하도록 한다. 여기서 얻은 모드들 중에 SAHTD값이 일정 값 이상 더 낮은 모드가 존재할 경우, 그 모드들에 대해서만 율-왜곡 최적화 기법을 수행한다. 이를 통해 최적의 모드일 가능성이 낮은 모드들에 대한 부가적인 연산 수행을 방지하게 된다. 휘도신호 16x16이나 색차 신호 압축의 경우에는 SAHTD를 사용하여 가장 낮은 SAHTD값을 갖는 모드를 최적의 모드로 결정한다. JM 참조 소프트웨어를 통한 실험결과 제안된 기법은 기존 JM의 방식에 비해 화면 내 프레임의 부호화 시간의 82.2% 감소와 0.042dB의 PSNR 감소율, 0.527%의 비트 증가율을 보여주었다.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.5D
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• pp.695-703
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• 2008

China water market has huge potential for increased use of BOT mode and one of the most attractive markets of doing business. However, the current China water BOT market shows that many foreign companies are retreating from the market while Chinese water companies fast growing. From the view no domestic companies have track records in China BOT water market, the research identified twenty market access barriers in terms of construction laws, regulations, BOT-related policy and the recent market situation. These are evaluated based on interview results with 10 professionals direct or indirect having a China water BOT experience. All the factors are found to be highly influential to foreign company's decision on the market participation. Among those, no fixed return policy and low water price, difficulty in water price adjustment and approval, and no government guarantees, all directly related to the project viability and under the control of government, were the most critical factors, implying government's role is the key in increasing the market competition by attracting more foreign participation on the market. In addition, new construction law regulating foreign EPC contractor's construction work, namely Decree 113, and requirement of applying competitive bidding in selecting EPC contractor in a BOT project are also considered signigicant barriers on foreign participation, which contradicts international norm and therefore necessitates an adjustment on current decision process in domestic companies.

• Journal of Broadcast Engineering
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.501-515
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• 2008

Recently, as users' requests for high quality mobile multimedia services are rapidly increasing and additional bandwidth can be provided by adopting the hierarchical modulation transmission technology, the research on the Advanced Terrestrial DMB (AT-DMB) service using the SVC (Scalable Video Coding) scheme is being actively studied. But, in order to realize a compatible video service and to accelerate the successful standardization and commercialization, it is necessary to simplify the compatible encoder structure. In this parer, we propose a fast mode decision method by constraining the redundant coding modes in the spatial scalable encoder that keeps the current T-DMB video in base layer. The proposed method is based on the statistical characteristics of each coding mode at both base and enhancement layers, inter-layer predictions, which are derived by investigating macroblock-layer coding modes of the spatial scalable encoder's functional structure. Through computer simulations, it is shown that a simplified encoder model that reduces the heavy computational burden can be found, while keeping the objective visual quality very high.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.61-118
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• 2008

The purpose of this research is to construct research framework for international franchising based on existing literature and to identify research components in the framework. Franchise can be defined as management styles that allow franchisee use various management assets of franchisor in order to make or sell product or service. It can be divided into product distribution franchise that is designed to sell products and business format franchise that is designed for running it as business whatever its form is. International franchising can be defined as a way of internationalization of franchisor to foreign country by providing its business format or package to franchisee of host country. International franchising is growing fast for last four decades but academic research on this is quite limited. Especially in Korea, research about international franchising is carried out on by case study format with single case or empirical study format with survey based on domestic franchise theory. Therefore, this paper tries to review existing literature on international franchising research, providing research framework, and then stimulating new research on this field. International franchising research components include motives and environmental factors for decision of expanding to international franchising, entrance modes and development plan for international franchising, contracts and management strategy of international franchising, and various performance measures from different perspectives. First, motives of international franchising are fee collection from franchisee. Also it provides easier way to expanding to foreign country. The other motives including increase total sales volume, occupying better strategic position, getting quality resources, and improving efficiency. Environmental factors that facilitating international franchising encompasses economic condition, trend, and legal or political factors in host and/or home countries. In addition, control power and risk management capability of franchisor plays critical role in successful franchising contract. Final decision to enter foreign country via franchising is determined by numerous factors like history, size, growth, competitiveness, management system, bonding capability, industry characteristics of franchisor. After deciding to enter into foreign country, franchisor needs to set entrance modes of international franchising. Within contractual mode, there are master franchising and area developing franchising, licensing, direct franchising, and joint venture. Theories about entrance mode selection contain concepts of efficiency, knowledge-based approach, competence-based approach, agent theory, and governance cost. The next step after entrance decision is operation strategy. Operation strategy starts with selecting a target city and a target country for franchising. In order to finding, screening targets, franchisor needs to collect information about candidates. Critical information includes brand patent, commercial laws, regulations, market conditions, country risk, and industry analysis. After selecting a target city in target country, franchisor needs to select franchisee, in other word, partner. The first important criteria for selecting partners are financial credibility and capability, possession of real estate. And cultural similarity and knowledge about franchisor and/or home country are also recognized as critical criteria. The most important element in operating strategy is legal document between franchisor and franchisee with home and host countries. Terms and conditions in legal documents give objective information about characteristics of franchising agreement for academic research. Legal documents have definitions of terminology, territory and exclusivity, agreement of term, initial fee, continuing fees, clearing currency, and rights about sub-franchising. Also, legal documents could have terms about softer elements like training program and operation manual. And harder elements like law competent court and terms of expiration. Next element in operating strategy is about product and service. Especially for business format franchising, product/service deliverable, benefit communicators, system identifiers (architectural features), and format facilitators are listed for product/service strategic elements. Another important decision on product/service is standardization vs. customization. The rationale behind standardization is cost reduction, efficiency, consistency, image congruence, brand awareness, and competitiveness on price. Also standardization enables large scale R&D and innovative change in management style. Another element in operating strategy is control management. The simple way to control franchise contract is relying on legal terms, contractual control system. There are other control systems, administrative control system and ethical control system. Contractual control system is a coercive source of power, but franchisor usually doesn't want to use legal power since it doesn't help to build up positive relationship. Instead, self-regulation is widely used. Administrative control system uses control mechanism from ordinary work relationship. Its main component is supporting activities to franchisee and communication method. For example, franchisor provides advertising, training, manual, and delivery, then franchisee follows franchisor's direction. Another component is building franchisor's brand power. The last research element is performance factor of international franchising. Performance elements can be divided into franchisor's performance and franchisee's performance. The conceptual performance measures of franchisor are simple but not easy to obtain objectively. They are profit, sale, cost, experience, and brand power. The performance measures of franchisee are mostly about benefits of host country. They contain small business development, promotion of employment, introduction of new business model, and level up technology status. There are indirect benefits, like increase of tax, refinement of corporate citizenship, regional economic clustering, and improvement of international balance. In addition to those, host country gets socio-cultural change other than economic effects. It includes demographic change, social trend, customer value change, social communication, and social globalization. Sometimes it is called as westernization or McDonaldization of society. In addition, the paper reviews on theories that have been frequently applied to international franchising research, such as agent theory, resource-based view, transaction cost theory, organizational learning theory, and international expansion theories. Resource based theory is used in strategic decision based on resources, like decision about entrance and cooperation depending on resources of franchisee and franchisor. Transaction cost theory can be applied in determination of mutual trust or satisfaction of franchising players. Agent theory tries to explain strategic decision for reducing problem caused by utilizing agent, for example research on control system in franchising agreements. Organizational Learning theory is relatively new in franchising research. It assumes organization tries to maximize performance and learning of organization. In addition, Internalization theory advocates strategic decision of direct investment for removing inefficiency of market transaction and is applied in research on terms of contract. And oligopolistic competition theory is used to explain various entry modes for international expansion. Competency theory support strategic decision of utilizing key competitive advantage. Furthermore, research methodologies including qualitative and quantitative methodologies are suggested for more rigorous international franchising research. Quantitative research needs more real data other than survey data which is usually respondent's judgment. In order to verify theory more rigorously, research based on real data is essential. However, real quantitative data is quite hard to get. The qualitative research other than single case study is also highly recommended. Since international franchising has limited number of applications, scientific research based on grounded theory and ethnography study can be used. Scientific case study is differentiated with single case study on its data collection method and analysis method. The key concept is triangulation in measurement, logical coding and comparison. Finally, it provides overall research direction for international franchising after summarizing research trend in Korea. International franchising research in Korea has two different types, one is for studying Korean franchisor going overseas and the other is for Korean franchisee of foreign franchisor. Among research on Korean franchisor, two common patterns are observed. First of all, they usually deal with success story of one franchisor. The other common pattern is that they focus on same industry and country. Therefore, international franchise research needs to extend their focus to broader subjects with scientific research methodology as well as development of new theory.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SD
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• v.46 no.7
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• pp.53-60
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• 2009

Motion estimation for H.264/AVC video CODEC is very complex and requires a huge amount of computational efforts because it uses multiple reference frames and variable block sizes. We propose the architecture of high-performance integer-pixel motion estimation circuit based on fast algorithms for multiple reference frame selection, block matching, block mode decision and motion vector estimation. We also propose the architecture of high-performance interpolation circuit for sub-pixel motion estimation. We described the RTL circuit in Verilog HDL and synthesized the gate-level circuit using 130nm standard cell library. The integer-pixel motion estimation circuit consists of 77,600 logic gates and four $32\times8\times32$-bit dual-port SRAM's. It has tile maximum operating frequency of 161MHz and can process up to 51 D1 (720$\times$480) color in go frames per second. The fractional motion estimation circuit consists of 22,478 logic gates. It has the maximum operating frequency of 200MHz and can process up to 69 1080HD (1,920$\times$1,088) color image frames per second.