Key frame selection by motion analysis

This paper describes a new algorithm for identifying key frames in shots from video programs. We use optical flow computations to identify local minima of motion in a shot-stillness emphasizes the image for the viewer. This technique allows us to identify both gestures which are emphasized by momentary pauses and camera motion which links together several distinct images in a single shot. Results show that our algorithm can successfully select several key frames from a single complex shot which effectively summarize the shot.