Methods for encoding and decoding depth data, encoders and decoders for depth data, computer-readable media

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for encoding and decoding depth data. According to the encoding method, both depth values ​​and usage data are encoded into a depth map. The method adjusts how depth values ​​and usage data are converted into map values ​​on the depth map. For example, it can select a threshold adaptively, above or below a threshold at which all values ​​representing pixels are not occupied. By adjusting the depth and occupancy encoding based on an analysis of depth values, this method can enable more efficient encoding and transmission of depth and occupancy data. The encoding method outputs metadata defining the appropriate encoding. This metadata can then be used by the corresponding decoding method to decode the values. In addition, Sáng Chế also proposed an encoder and decoder for depth data and computer-readable media containing corresponding bit sequences, including depth maps and their associated metadata.