Reduction of film particle pattern

Abstract

Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed for performing reduction of film particle patterns. A device may obtain film particle pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film particle patterns of a block. The device may determine, from the plurality of film particle patterns, a reduced set of film particle patterns on which film particle pattern analysis is to be performed based on the film particle pattern priority information. The apparatus may perform the film particle pattern analysis on the reduced set of film particle patterns. The device may select, based on the film particle pattern analysis, a film particle pattern from the reduced set of film particle patterns to be applied to a pixel component of the block. The apparatus may apply the selected film particle pattern to the pixel component of the block.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with the application date of April 7, 2023, the application number of 202380037976.3, and the title of "Reduction of Film Grain Patterns".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of European Provisional Patent Application No. EP22305490.9, filed on April 8, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background art

[0004] Video coding systems can be used to compress digital video signals, for example, to reduce the storage and / or transmission bandwidth required for such signals. Video coding systems can include, for example, block-based, wavelet-based, and / or object-based systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] Systems, methods, and means for performing reduction of film grain patterns are disclosed. An example device (e.g., a device for video decoding) can include a processor configured to perform one or more actions. The device can obtain film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns of a block. The device can determine, based on the film grain pattern priority information, a reduced set of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis from the plurality of film grain patterns. The device can perform the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns. The device can select, based on the film grain pattern analysis, a film grain pattern to be applied to a pixel component of the block from the reduced set of film grain patterns. The device can apply the selected film grain pattern to the pixel component of the block.

[0006] The device can receive a supplementary enhancement information (SEI) message including a parameter list. The device can determine that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes film grain patterns associated with several parameters listed first in the SEI message. Each film grain pattern of the plurality of film grain patterns of the plurality of film grain patterns can be associated with a corresponding weight. The device can determine that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes several film grain patterns having the largest corresponding weights among the plurality of film grain patterns.

[0007] The corresponding weight of a given film grain pattern can be based on at least one of the following: the sum of intensity interval sizes associated with the given film grain pattern; the number of pixels to which the given film grain pattern will be applied; a scaling factor associated with the given film grain pattern; an intensity value associated with the given film grain pattern; or a weighted average of parameter values associated with the given film grain pattern.

[0008] The first film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a first set of film grain parameters. The second film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a second set of film grain parameters. The device may receive a Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message indicating a third set of film grain parameters. The device may determine a first difference between the first set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters, and a second difference between the second set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters. Under the condition that the first difference is less than the second difference, the device may select the first film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block. In the case that the second difference is less than the first difference, the device may select the second film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block.

[0009] The device may determine a scaling factor associated with the selected film grain pattern. The device may apply the scaling factor to the selected film grain pattern. The film grain pattern priority information may indicate: rules for prioritizing the plurality of film grain patterns, and / or the maximum number of film grain patterns that the reduced set of film grain patterns can include. The pixel component of the block may be a pixel intensity component.

[0010] A method (e.g., for video decoding) may involve: obtaining film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns of a block. The method may involve: determining, based on the film grain pattern priority information, a reduced set of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis from the plurality of film grain patterns. The method may involve: performing the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns. The method may involve: selecting, based on the film grain pattern analysis, a film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block from the reduced set of film grain patterns. The method may involve: applying the selected film grain pattern to the pixel component of the block.

[0011] The method may involve: receiving a Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message including a parameter list. Determining the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information may involve: determining that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes film grain patterns associated with several parameters listed first in the SEI message. Each film grain pattern among the plurality of film grain patterns in the plurality of film grain patterns may be associated with a corresponding weight. Determining the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information may involve: determining that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes several film grain patterns having the largest corresponding weights among the plurality of film grain patterns.

[0012] The corresponding weight of a given film grain pattern may be based on at least one of the following: the sum of the intensity interval sizes associated with the given film grain pattern; the number of pixels to which the given film grain pattern will be applied; a scaling factor associated with the given film grain pattern; an intensity value associated with the given film grain pattern; or a weighted average of parameter values associated with the given film grain pattern.

[0013] The first film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a first set of film grain parameters. The second film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a second set of film grain parameters. The method may involve: receiving a supplementary enhancement information (SEI) message indicating a third set of film grain parameters. Performing the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns may involve: determining a first difference between the first set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters, and a second difference between the second set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters.

[0014] Selecting the film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block based on the film grain pattern analysis may involve: selecting the first film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block if the first difference is less than the second difference; and selecting the second film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block if the second difference is less than the first difference. The method may involve: determining a scaling factor associated with the selected film grain pattern. The method may involve: applying the scaling factor to the selected film grain pattern.

[0015] An example device (e.g., a device for video encoding) may include a processor configured to perform one or more actions. The device may generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The device may obtain film grain pattern priority information. The device may generate a supplementary enhancement information (SEI) message associated with the video image. The SEI message may include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image and the film grain pattern priority information. The device may encode the video image to generate an encoded video image. The device may transmit the SEI message and the encoded video image.

[0016] The film grain pattern priority information may indicate a reduced set of film grain parameters. The reduced set of film grain parameters may include several film grain parameters listed first in the SEI message. Each film grain parameter in the set of film grain parameters may be associated with a corresponding weight. The film grain pattern priority information may indicate a reduced set of film grain parameters. The reduced set of film grain parameters may include several film grain parameters having the largest corresponding weights.

[0017] The systems, methods, and means described herein may relate to a decoder. In some examples, the systems, methods, and means described herein may relate to an encoder. In some examples, the systems, methods, and means described herein may relate to a signal (e.g., a signal from an encoder and / or received by a decoder). A computer-readable medium may include instructions for causing one or more processors to perform the methods described herein. A computer program product may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the methods described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A is a system diagram illustrating an example communication system in which one or more of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented.

[0019] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that may be used within the communication system shown in Figure 1A and in accordance with an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 1C is a system diagram illustrating an example radio access network (RAN) and an example core network (CN) that may be used within the communication system shown in Figure 1A and in accordance with an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1D is a system diagram illustrating another example RAN and another example CN that may be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A and in accordance with an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates an example video encoder.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates an example video decoder.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a system in which various aspects and examples may be implemented.

[0025] Figure 5 shows an example of a grain model in video decoding.

[0026] Figure 6 shows an example of a block diagram of frame grain usage in a video decoding framework.

[0027] Figure 7 shows an example of a film grain synthesis block diagram.

[0028] Figure 8 shows an example of a schematic diagram of pattern adaptation.

[0029] Figure 9 Illustrates an example modification of film grain Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI).

[0030] Figure 10 Illustrates an example of video transcoding with film grain metadata conversion. Detailed description

[0031] A more detailed understanding can be obtained from the description given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1A Is a schematic diagram illustrating an example communication system 100 in which one or more of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system 100 can be a multi-access system that provides content such as voice, data, video, messages, broadcasts, etc. to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 can enable multiple wireless users to access such content through the sharing of system resources (including wireless bandwidth). For example, the communication system 100 can employ one or more channel access methods, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Zero Tail Unique Word DFT Spread OFDM (ZT UW DTS-s OFDM), Unique Word OFDM (UW-OFDM), Resource Block Filtered OFDM, Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC), etc.

[0033] As Figure 1AAs shown, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a radio access network (RAN) 104 / 113, a core network (CN) 106 / 115, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, but it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. By way of example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (any one of which may be referred to as a “station” and / or “STA”) may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a subscription-based unit, a pager, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a laptop computer, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, a hotspot or Mi-Fi device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and application (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automated processing chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. Any one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a UE.

[0034] The communication system 100 may also include base stations 114a and / or base stations 114b. Each of the base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks such as the CN 106 / 115, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. By way of example, the base stations 114a, 114b may be transceiver base stations (BTSs), Node Bs, evolved Node Bs, home Node Bs, home evolved Node Bs, gNBs, NR Node Bs, site controllers, access points (APs), wireless routers, etc. Although the base stations 114a, 114b are each depicted as a single element, it should be understood that the base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0035] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 104 / 113, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), a relay node, etc. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be referred to as cells (not shown). These frequencies may be in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage of wireless services to a specific geographical area, which may be relatively fixed or may change over time. A cell may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one transceiver for each sector of the cell. In an embodiment, base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to transmit and / or receive signals in a desired spatial direction.

[0036] Base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d via air interface 116, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, millimeter wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). Any suitable radio access technology (RAT) may be used to establish air interface 116.

[0037] More specifically, as noted above, communication system 100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, etc. For example, base station 114a in RAN 104 / 113 and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may use Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) to establish air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117. WCDMA may include communication protocols such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High-Speed UL Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0038] In an embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA), which may use Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) and / or LTE-A Pro to establish air interface 116.

[0039] In an embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as NR radio access, which may use New Radio (NR) to establish air interface 116.

[0040] In an embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together using, for example, the dual connectivity (DC) principle. Thus, the air interface used by WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., eNBs and gNBs).

[0041] In other embodiments, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., wireless fidelity (WiFi)), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), etc.

[0042] Figure 1AThe base station 114b therein can be, for example, a wireless router, a home Node B, a home evolved Node B, or an access point, and can utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in a local area such as a commercial venue, a home, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an air corridor (e.g., for drones), a road, etc. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement a radio technology (such as IEEE 802.11) to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In an embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement a radio technology (such as IEEE 802.15) to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish a pico cell or a femto cell. As Figure 1A shown, the base station 114b can have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b may not need to access the Internet 110 via the CN 106 / 115.

[0043] The RAN 104 / 113 can communicate with the CN 106 / 115, which can be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data can have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, etc. The CN 106 / 115 can provide call control, billing services, location-based services, prepaid calls, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform advanced security functions, such as user authentication. Although not shown in Figure 1A it, it should be understood that the RAN 104 / 113 and / or the CN 106 / 115 can communicate directly or indirectly with other RANs that employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to the RAN 104 / 113 that can utilize NR radio technology, the CN 106 / 115 can also communicate with another RAN (not shown) that employs GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0044] CN 106 / 115 can also act as a gateway for WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network that provides plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and / or Internet Protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The network 112 may include a wired communication network and / or a wireless communication network owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the network 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs, and the one or more RANs may employ the same RAT or a different RAT as the RAN 104 / 113.

[0045] Some or all of the WTRUs in the communication system 100, such as WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, may include multi-mode capabilities (e.g., WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links). For example, Figure 1A the illustrated WTRU 102c may be configured to communicate with a base station 114a that may employ a cellular-based radio technology and with a base station 114b that may employ IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0046] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example WTRU 102. As Figure 1B shown, the WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, a display / touchpad 128, a non-removable memory 130, a removable memory 132, a power supply 134, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripheral devices 138, etc. It should be understood that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with the embodiments.

[0047] The processor 118 can be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc. The processor 118 can perform signal decoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 can be coupled to a transceiver 120, which can be coupled to a transmit / receive element 122. Although Figure 1B the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 are depicted as separate components, it should be understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 can be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0048] The transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) via an air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In an embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be a transmitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive, for example, IR, UV, or visible light signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive both RF signals and optical signals. It should be understood that the transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0049] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is depicted as a single element in Figure 1B the WTRU 102 can include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 can employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 can include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the air interface 116.

[0050] The transceiver 120 can be configured to modulate the signals to be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and demodulate the signals received by the transmit / receive element 122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 can have multi-mode capabilities. For example, thus, the transceiver 120 can include multiple transceivers for enabling the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs (such as NR and IEEE 802.11).

[0051] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to the speaker / microphone 124, keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit) and may receive user input data therefrom. The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from any type of suitable memory (such as non-removable memory 130 and / or removable memory 132) and store data in any such type of suitable memory. The non-removable memory 130 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, etc. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from a memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102 (such as on a server or a home computer (not shown)) and store data in that memory.

[0052] The processor 118 may receive power from a power source 134 and may be configured to distribute and / or control power to other components in the WTRU 102. The power source 134 may be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power source 134 may include one or more dry battery packs (e.g., nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), etc.), a solar cell, a fuel cell, etc.

[0053] The processor 118 may also be coupled to a GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to or instead of the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information via the air interface 116 from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) and / or determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more nearby base stations. It should be understood that the WTRU 102 may obtain location information by any suitable location determination method while remaining consistent with the embodiments.

[0054] The processor 118 may also be coupled to other peripheral devices 138, which may include one or more software modules and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripheral devices 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos and / or videos), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, Modules, FM radio units, digital music players, media players, video game player modules, Internet browsers, virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) devices, activity trackers, etc. Peripheral device 138 may include one or more sensors, which may be one or more of the following: gyroscopes, accelerometers, Hall effect sensors, magnetometers, orientation sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, time sensors; geographic location sensors; altimeters, light sensors, touch sensors, magnetometers, barometers, gesture sensors, biometric sensors, and / or humidity sensors.

[0055] WTRU 102 may include a full-duplex radio, for which the transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for UL (e.g., for transmission) and downlink (e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full-duplex radio may include an interference management unit for reducing and / or substantially eliminating self-interference via signal processing performed by hardware (e.g., chokes) or via a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or via processor 118). In an embodiment, WRTU102 may include a half-duplex radio, for which the transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for UL (e.g., for transmission) or downlink (e.g., for reception)).

[0056] Figure 1C FIG. is a system diagram of RAN 104 and CN 106 according to an embodiment. As noted above, RAN 104 may employ E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. RAN 104 may also communicate with CN106.

[0057] RAN 104 may include evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, but it should be understood that RAN 104 may include any number of evolved Node Bs while remaining consistent with the embodiment. Each of evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may include one or more transceivers for communicating with WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. In one embodiment, evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, evolved Node B 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from WTRU 102a.

[0058] Each evolved Node B among evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c may be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in UL and / or DL, etc. As Figure 1C shown, evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c may communicate with each other via the X2 interface.

[0059] Figure 1C The CN 106 shown may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 164, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (or PGW) 166. Although each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of the CN 106, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0060] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the evolved Node Bs 162a, 162b, and 162c in the RAN 104 via the S1 interface and may act as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selecting a specific serving gateway during the initial attachment of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, etc. The MME 162 may provide control plane functions for exchanges between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0061] The SGW 164 may be connected to each of the evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c in the RAN 104 via the S1 interface. The SGW 164 may generally route and forward user data packets to / from the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c. The SGW 164 may perform other functions such as anchoring the user plane during handover between evolved Node Bs, triggering paging when DL data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, managing and storing the context of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, etc.

[0062] The SGW 164 may be connected to the PGW 166, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to a packet switched network such as the Internet 110 to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0063] CN 106 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN 106 can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to a circuit-switched network such as the PSTN 108 to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional landline communication devices. For example, CN 106 can include an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that acts as an interface between CN 106 and the PSTN 108 or can communicate with the IP gateway. In addition, CN 106 can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which can include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0064] Although the WTRU is described as a wireless terminal in Figures 1A to 1D it is contemplated that in some representative embodiments, such a terminal can (e.g., temporarily or permanently) use a wired communication interface to a communication network.

[0065] In a representative embodiment, the other network 112 can be a WLAN.

[0066] A WLAN in infrastructure basic service set (BSS) mode can have an access point (AP) for the BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP can have access or an interface to a distribution system (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic to and / or from the BSS. Traffic originating outside the BSS and destined for an STA can reach the STA through the AP and can be delivered to the STA. Traffic originating from an STA and destined for a destination outside the BSS can be delivered to the AP for delivery to the corresponding destination. Traffic between STAs within the BSS can be delivered through the AP. For example, where the source STA can deliver traffic to the AP and the AP can deliver the traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within the BSS can be considered and / or referred to as peer-to-peer traffic. Peer-to-peer traffic can be delivered between the source STA and the destination STA (e.g., directly between them) using direct link setup (DLS). In some representative embodiments, DLS can use 802.11e DLS or 802.11z tunnel DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using an independent BSS (IBSS) mode may not have an AP, and the STAs within the IBSS or using the IBSS (e.g., all STAs in the STA) can communicate directly with each other. The IBSS communication mode can sometimes be referred to as an "ad hoc" communication mode in this document.

[0067] When operating in an 802.11ac infrastructure mode or a similar mode of operation, the AP may transmit beacons on a fixed channel, such as the primary channel. The primary channel may be of a fixed width (e.g., 20 MHz bandwidth) or a width dynamically set via signaling. The primary channel may be the operating channel of the BSS and may be used by the STA to establish a connection with the AP. In some representative embodiments, for example, Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) may be implemented in an 802.11 system. For CSMA / CA, the STA (e.g., each STA) (including the AP) may sense the primary channel. In the event that the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, the particular STA may back off. Only one STA (e.g., only one station) may transmit at any given time in a given BSS.

[0068] High Throughput (HT) STAs may communicate using a 40 MHz wide channel, e.g., by combining the primary 20 MHz channel with an adjacent or non - adjacent 20 MHz channel to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[0069] Very High Throughput (VHT) STAs may support channels that are 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and / or 160 MHz wide. The 40 MHz channel and / or 80 MHz channel may be formed by combining consecutive 20 MHz channels. The 160 MHz channel may be formed by combining eight consecutive 20 MHz channels, or by combining two non - consecutive 80 MHz channels (which may be referred to as an 80 + 80 configuration). For the 80 + 80 configuration, after channel coding, the data may pass through a segment parser that may split the data into two streams. The Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) processing and time - domain processing may be performed separately on each stream. These streams may be mapped to two 80 MHz channels, and the data may be transmitted by the transmitting STA. At the receiver of the receiving STA, the operations for the 80 + 80 configuration described above may be reversed, and the combined data may be delivered to the Media Access Control (MAC).

[0070] 802.11af and 802.11ah support operation modes below 1 GHz. Compared to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac, the channel operation bandwidth and carriers are reduced in 802.11af and 802.11ah. 802.11af supports 5 MHz, 10 MHz, and 20 MHz bandwidths in the TV white space (TVWS) spectrum, and 802.11ah supports 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, and 16 MHz bandwidths using non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11ah may support meter type control / machine type communication, such as MTC devices in a macro coverage area. The MTC devices may have certain capabilities, such as limited capabilities, including supporting (e.g., only supporting) certain bandwidths and / or limited bandwidths. The MTC devices may include a battery with a battery life higher than a threshold (e.g., to maintain a very long battery life).

[0071] A WLAN system that can support multiple channels and channel bandwidths (such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah) includes a channel that can be designated as a primary channel. The primary channel may have a bandwidth equal to the maximum common operation bandwidth supported by all STAs in a BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel may be set and / or restricted by an STA (which supports the minimum bandwidth operation mode) from all STAs operating in the BSS. In an example of 802.11ah, for an STA (e.g., an MTC type device) that supports (e.g., only supports) the 1 MHz mode, the primary channel may be 1 MHz wide, even if the AP and other STAs in the BSS support 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operation modes. Carrier sensing and / or network allocation vector (NAV) setting may depend on the state of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, for example, because an STA (only supporting the 1 MHz operation mode) is sending to the AP, the entire available frequency band may be considered busy even if most of the frequency bands remain idle and may be available.

[0072] In the United States, the available frequency band for 802.11ah is 902 MHz to 928 MHz. In Korea, the available frequency band is 917.5 MHz to 923.5 MHz. In Japan, the available frequency band is 916.5 MHz to 927.5 MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is 6 MHz to 26 MHz, depending on the country code.

[0073] Figure 1D FIG. is a system diagram illustrating RAN 113 and CN 115 according to an embodiment. As noted above, RAN 113 may employ NR radio technology to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. RAN 113 may also communicate with CN 115.

[0074] RAN 113 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, but it should be understood that while being consistent with the embodiments, RAN 113 may include any number of gNBs. Each of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may include one or more transceivers for communicating with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 116. In one embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, gNBs 180a, 108b may utilize beamforming to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, gNB 180a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to WTRU 102a and / or receive wireless signals from this WTRU. In an embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, gNB 180a may transmit multiple component carriers to WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on the unlicensed spectrum, while the remaining component carriers may be on the licensed spectrum. In an embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technology. For example, WTRU 102a may receive coordinated transmissions from gNB 180a and gNB 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[0075] WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with scalable parameter sets. For example, the OFDM symbol interval and / or the OFDM subcarrier interval may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different parts of the radio transmission spectrum. WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using subframes or transmission time intervals (TTIs) of various or scalable lengths (e.g., containing different numbers of OFDM symbols and / or having an absolute time length that varies continuously).

[0076] gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can be configured to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in a stand-alone configuration and / or a non-stand-alone configuration. In the stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c without accessing other RANs (e.g., such as evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c). In the stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can use one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c as a mobility anchor. In the stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In the non-stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can communicate / connect with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c while also communicating / connecting with another RAN (such as evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c). For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement the DC principle to communicate with one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more of the evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c substantially simultaneously. In the non-stand-alone configuration, the evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c can act as the mobility anchor for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can provide additional coverage and / or throughput for serving WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0077] Each of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and can be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in UL and / or DL, support for network slicing, dual connectivity, interworking between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data towards user plane functions (UPFs) 184a, 184b, routing of control plane information towards access and mobility management functions (AMFs) 182a, 182b, etc. As Figure 1D shown, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can communicate with each other via the Xn interface.

[0078] Figure 1DThe illustrated CN 115 may include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one Session Management Function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and possibly Data Networks (DN) 185a, 185b. Although each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of CN 115, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0079] The AMF 182a, 182b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 113 via the N2 interface and may act as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, support for network slicing (e.g., handling of different PDU sessions with different requirements), selection of a particular SMF 183a, 183b, management of the registration area, termination of NAS signaling, mobility management, etc. The AMF 182a, 182b may use network slicing in order to customize CN support for the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c based on the type of service utilized by the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c. For example, different network slices may be established for different use cases such as services relying on Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency (URLLC) access, services relying on Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) access, services for Machine-Type Communication (MTC) access, and so on. The AMF 162 may provide control plane functions for handover between the RAN 113 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies such as WiFi.

[0080] The SMF 183a, 183b may be connected to the AMF 182a, 182b in the CN 115 via the N11 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may also be connected to the UPF 184a, 184b in the CN 115 via the N4 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may select and control the UPF 184a, 184b and configure the traffic routing through the UPF 184a, 184b. The SMF 183a, 183b may perform other functions such as management and allocation of UE IP addresses, management of PDU sessions, control of policy enforcement and QoS, provision of downlink data notifications, etc. The PDU session type may be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, etc.

[0081] UPF 184a and 184b can be connected to one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in RAN 113 via the N3 interface. The one or more gNBs can provide access to a packet switched network (such as the Internet 110) for WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c to facilitate communication between WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. UPF 184, 184b can perform other functions such as routing and forwarding packets, implementing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, providing mobility anchoring, etc.

[0082] CN 115 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN 115 can include an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that acts as an interface between CN 115 and the PSTN 108 or can communicate with the IP gateway. In addition, CN115 can provide access to other networks 112 for WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c. The other networks can include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c can be connected to DN 185a, 185b through UPF 184a, 184b via the N3 interface to UPF 184a, 184b and the N6 interface between UPF 184a, 184b and the local data network (DN) 185a, 185b.

[0083] In view of Figures 1A to 1D and Figures 1A to 1D In view of the corresponding descriptions, one or more or all of the functions described herein with reference to one or more of the following can be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown): WTRU102a to 102d, base stations 114a to 114b, evolved Node Bs 160a to 160c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNB180a to 180c, AMF 182a to 182b, UPF 184a to 184b, SMF 183a to 183b, DN 185a to 185b, and / or any other device described herein. The emulation device can be one or more devices configured to mimic one or more or all of the functions described herein. For example, the emulation device can be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0084] Emulation devices can be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a laboratory environment and / or in an operator network environment. For example, one or more emulation devices can perform one or more functions or all functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network to test other devices within the communication network. One or more emulation devices can perform one or more functions or all functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. Emulation devices can be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or can perform tests using over-the-air wireless communication.

[0085] One or more emulation devices can perform one or more (including all) functions while not being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, emulation devices can be used in a test laboratory and / or in a test scenario in a non-deployed (e.g., test) wired and / or wireless communication network to implement tests of one or more components. One or more emulation devices can be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication via an RF circuit system (e.g., which can include one or more antennas) can be used by emulation devices to transmit and / or receive data.

[0086] This application describes multiple aspects, including tools, features, examples, models, methods, etc. Many of these aspects are described in a specific manner and are generally described in a way that may sound restrictive, at least to illustrate individual characteristics. However, this is for clarity of description and does not limit the application or scope of these aspects. In fact, all different aspects can be combined and interchanged to provide further aspects. Additionally, these aspects can also be combined and interchanged with aspects described in earlier submissions.

[0087] The aspects described and contemplated in this application can be implemented in many different forms. Examples are provided herein Figures 5 to 10 but other examples are also contemplated. Figures 5 to 10 The discussion does not limit the breadth of the specific implementations. At least one of these aspects generally relates to video encoding and decoding, and at least one other aspect generally relates to transmitting a generated or encoded bitstream. These aspects and other aspects can be implemented as methods, apparatuses, computer-readable storage media storing instructions for encoding or decoding video data according to any of the methods, and / or computer-readable storage media storing a bitstream generated according to any of the methods.

[0088] In this application, the terms "reconstruction" and "decoding" can be used interchangeably, the terms "pixel" and "sample" can be used interchangeably, and the terms "image", "picture", and "frame" can be used interchangeably.

[0089] This document describes various methods, and each of these methods includes one or more steps or actions for implementing the method. Unless the correct operation of the method requires steps or actions in a specific order, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions can be modified or combined. Additionally, in various examples, terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to modify elements, components, steps, operations, etc., such as "first decoding" and "second decoding". Unless specifically required, the use of such terms does not imply an ordering of the modified operations. Thus, in this example, the first decoding does not need to be performed before the second decoding, and can occur, for example, before, during, or in an overlapping time period with the second decoding.

[0090] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the various methods and other aspects described in this application can be used to modify modules (e.g., decoding modules) of video encoder 200 and video decoder 300. Additionally, the subject matter disclosed herein can be applied to, for example, any type, format, or version of video coding (whether described in a standard or a recommendation), whether pre - existing or future - developed, and extensions of any such standards and recommendations. Unless otherwise indicated or technically precluded, the aspects described in this application can be used alone or in combination.

[0091] In the examples describing this application, various numerical values are used, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 16, 32, 64, 256, etc. These and other specific values are used for the purpose of describing the examples, and the described aspects are not limited to these specific values.

[0092] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example video encoder. Variations of example encoder 200 are envisioned, but encoder 200 is described below for clarity without describing all the expected variations.

[0093] Before being encoded, a video sequence can undergo pre - coding processing (201), for example, applying a color transformation to the input color picture (e.g., converting from RGB 4:4:4 to YCbCr 4:2:0), or performing remapping of the input picture components to obtain a signal distribution that is more resilient to compression (e.g., using histogram equalization of one of the color components in the color components). Metadata can be associated with the pre - processing and attached to the bitstream. The pre - processing can include film grain analysis, in which grain parameters can be estimated. It can include noise reduction, for example, to facilitate bitrate reduction. Grain estimation can be performed (e.g., or added manually) before encoding. Encoding can reduce noise (e.g., due to quantization) and grain. In an example, the noise reducer can remove the grain after grain parameters have been estimated and before encoding.

[0094] In encoder 200, a picture is encoded by encoder elements as described below. The picture to be encoded is partitioned (202) and processed in units such as, for example, coding units (CUs). For example, each unit is encoded using an intra mode or an inter mode. When a unit is encoded in the intra mode, the unit performs intra prediction (260). Motion estimation (275) and compensation (270) are performed in the inter mode. The encoder determines (205) which one of the intra mode or the inter mode to use for encoding the unit, and indicates the intra / inter decision, for example, by a prediction mode flag. A prediction residual is calculated, for example, by subtracting (210) the predicted block from the original image block.

[0095] Then, the prediction residual is transformed (225) and quantized (230). The quantized transform coefficients, motion vectors, and other syntax elements are entropy-coded (245) to output a bitstream. The encoder may skip the transformation and apply quantization directly to the untransformed residual signal. The encoder may bypass both the transformation and quantization, i.e., directly code the residual without applying the transformation or quantization process.

[0096] The encoder decodes the encoded blocks to provide a reference for further prediction. The quantized transform coefficients are dequantized (240) and inverse-transformed (250) to decode the prediction residual. The decoded prediction residual and the predicted block are combined (255) to reconstruct the image block. An in-loop filter (265) is applied to the reconstructed picture to perform, for example, deblocking / SAO (sample adaptive offset) filtering to reduce coding artifacts. The filtered image is stored at a reference picture buffer (280).

[0097] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a video decoder. In example decoder 300, the bitstream is decoded by decoder elements as described below. Video decoder 300 generally performs a decoding process opposite to the Figure 2 encoding process described therein. Encoder 200 generally also performs video decoding as part of encoding video data.

[0098] Specifically, the input to the decoder includes a video bitstream, which may be generated by the video encoder 200. First, entropy decoding (330) is performed on the bitstream to obtain transform coefficients, motion vectors, and other decoded information. The picture partitioning information indicates how to partition the picture. Thus, the decoder can partition (335) the picture according to the decoded picture partitioning information. The transform coefficients are dequantized (340) and inverse-transformed (350) to decode the prediction residuals. The decoded prediction residuals and the predicted blocks are combined (355) to reconstruct the image blocks. The predicted blocks can be obtained (370) from intra prediction (360) or motion-compensated prediction (i.e., inter prediction) (375). An in-loop filter (365) is applied to the reconstructed image. The filtered image is stored at the reference picture buffer (380).

[0099] The decoded picture may also undergo post-decoding processing (385), such as inverse color transformation (e.g., from YCbCr 4:2:0 to RGB 4:4:4) or performing an inverse remapping that is inverse to the remapping process performed in the pre-coding processing (201). The post-decoding processing may use metadata derived in the pre-coding processing and signaled in the bitstream. In an example, the decoded image (e.g., after applying the in-loop filter (365) and / or after the post-decoding processing (385), if post-decoding processing is used) may be transmitted to a display device for presentation to a user.

[0100] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system in which various aspects and examples described herein may be implemented. The system 400 may be embodied as a device that includes the various components described below and is configured to perform one or more of the aspects described in this document. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, various electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, smart phones, tablet computers, digital multimedia set-top boxes, digital television receivers, personal video recording systems, connected household appliances, and servers. The elements of the system 400 may be embodied singly or in combination in a single integrated circuit (IC), multiple ICs, and / or discrete components. For example, in at least one example, the processing and encoder / decoder elements of the system 400 are distributed over multiple ICs and / or discrete components. In various examples, the system 400 is communicatively coupled to one or more other systems or other electronic devices via, for example, a communication bus or through dedicated input ports and / or output ports. In various examples, the system 400 is configured to implement one or more of the aspects described in this document.

[0101] System 400 includes at least one processor 410 configured to execute instructions loaded therein for implementing various aspects as described, for example, in this document. The processor 410 may include embedded memory, input / output interfaces, and various other circuitry known in the art. System 400 includes at least one memory 420 (e.g., volatile memory devices and / or non-volatile memory devices). System 400 includes a storage device 440, which may include non-volatile memory and / or volatile memory, including but not limited to electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, disk drives, and / or optical disk drives. As a non-limiting example, the storage device 440 may include internal storage devices, attached storage devices (including removable and non-removable storage devices), and / or network-accessible storage devices.

[0102] System 400 includes an encoder / decoder module 430 configured to, for example, process data to provide encoded video or decoded video, and the encoder / decoder module 430 may include its own processor and memory. The encoder / decoder module 430 represents a module that may be included in a device to perform encoding and / or decoding functions. As is well known, a device may include one or both of an encoding module and a decoding module. Additionally, the encoder / decoder module 430 may be implemented as a separate element of System 400 or may be incorporated within the processor 410 as a combination of hardware and software known to those skilled in the art.

[0103] The program code to be loaded onto the processor 410 or the encoder / decoder 430 to execute the various aspects described in this document may be stored in the storage device 440 and subsequently loaded onto the memory 420 for execution by the processor 410. According to various examples, one or more of the processor 410, the memory 420, the storage device 440, and the encoder / decoder module 430 may store one or more of various items during the execution of the processes described in this document. Such stored items may include but are not limited to input video, decoded video or partially decoded video, bitstreams, matrices, variables, and intermediate or final results of processing equations, formulas, operations, and operation logic.

[0104] In some examples, the memory internal to the processor 410 and / or the encoder / decoder module 430 is used to store instructions and provide a working memory for processing that is needed during encoding or decoding. However, in other examples, memory external to the processing device (e.g., the processing device can be the processor 410 or the encoder / decoder module 430) is used for one or more of these functions. The external memory can be the memory 420 and / or the storage device 440, such as, for example, dynamic volatile memory and / or non-volatile flash memory. In several examples, the external non-volatile flash memory is used to store, for example, the operating system of a television. In at least one example, fast external dynamic volatile memory (such as RAM) is used as the working memory for video encoding and decoding operations.

[0105] Inputs to the elements of the system 400 can be provided by various input devices as indicated in block 445. Such input devices include, but are not limited to: (i) a radio frequency (RF) section that receives, for example, RF signals transmitted over the air by a broadcaster; (ii) component (COMP) input terminals (or a set of COMP input terminals); (iii) universal serial bus (USB) input terminals; and / or (iv) high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) input terminals. Other examples ( Figure 4 not shown) include composite video.

[0106] In various examples, the input device of block 445 has corresponding input processing elements associated therewith as known in the art. For example, the RF section may be associated with elements adapted to: (i) select a desired frequency (also referred to as selecting a signal, or band-limiting a signal band to one band), (ii) down-convert the selected signal, (iii) again band-limit to a narrower band to select a signal band that may be referred to as a channel in some examples, (iv) demodulate the down-converted and band-limited signal, (v) perform error correction, and (vi) de-multiplex to select a desired data packet stream. The RF section of various examples includes one or more elements for performing these functions, such as a frequency selector, a signal selector, a band limiter, a channel selector, filters, a down-converter, a demodulator, an error corrector, and a de-multiplexer. The RF section may include a tuner that performs various of these functions, including, for example, down-converting a received signal to a lower frequency (e.g., an intermediate frequency or near-baseband frequency) or to baseband. In one example of a set-top box, the RF section and its associated input processing elements receive an RF signal transmitted through a wired (e.g., cable) medium and perform frequency selection by filtering, down-converting, and filtering again to a desired frequency band. Various examples re-order the above (and other) elements, remove some of these elements, and / or add other elements that perform similar or different functions. Adding elements may include inserting elements between existing elements, e.g., inserting an amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. In various examples, the RF section includes an antenna.

[0107] The USB and / or HDMI terminals may include corresponding interface processors for connecting system 400 to other electronic devices across the USB and / or HDMI connections. It should be understood that various aspects of the input processing (e.g., Reed-Solomon error correction) may be implemented as needed, e.g., within a separate input processing IC or within processor 410. Similarly, various aspects of the USB or HDMI interface processing may be implemented as needed within a separate interface IC or within processor 410. The demodulated, error-corrected, and de-multiplexed stream is provided to various processing elements, including, for example, processor 410 and encoder / decoder 430, which operate in conjunction with memory and storage elements to process the data stream as needed for presentation on an output device.

[0108] The various elements of system 400 may be disposed within an integrated housing. Within this integrated housing, the various elements may be interconnected using a suitable connection arrangement 425 (e.g., internal buses known in the art, including the inter-chip (I2C) bus, wiring, and printed circuit boards) and data may be sent between these elements.

[0109] System 400 includes a communication interface 450 that enables communication with other devices via a communication channel 460. The communication interface 450 can include, but is not limited to, a transceiver configured to send and receive data over the communication channel 460. The communication interface 450 can include, but is not limited to, a modem or a network card, and the communication channel 460 can be implemented, for example, within a wired and / or wireless medium.

[0110] In various examples, a wireless network such as a Wi-Fi network (e.g., IEEE 802.11, where IEEE refers to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is used to stream or otherwise provide data to system 400. The Wi-Fi signals of these examples are received via the communication channel 460 and the communication interface 450 suitable for Wi-Fi communication. The communication channel 460 of these examples is typically connected to an access point or a router that provides access to an external network including the Internet to allow streaming applications and other over-the-top communications. Other examples use a set-top box to provide streaming data to system 400, and the set-top box delivers the data via an HDMI connection of the input box 445. Still other examples use an RF connection of the input box 445 to provide streaming data to system 400. As described above, various examples provide data in a non-streaming manner. Additionally, various examples use wireless networks other than Wi-Fi, such as cellular networks or networks.

[0111] System 400 can provide output signals to various output devices, including a display 475, a speaker 485, and other peripheral devices 495. The display 475 of various examples includes, for example, one or more of a touchscreen display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a curved display, and / or a foldable display. The display 475 can be used for a television, a tablet, a laptop computer, a cellular phone (mobile phone), or other devices. The display 475 can also be integrated with other components (e.g., as in a smart phone) or be separate (e.g., an external monitor for a laptop computer). In various examples, the other peripheral devices 495 include one or more of a standalone digital video disc (or digital versatile disc) (DVD, for both terms), a disc player, a stereo system, and / or a lighting system. Various examples use one or more of the peripheral devices 495 that provide functions based on the output of system 400. For example, a disc player performs the function of playing the output of system 400.

[0112] In various examples, control signals are transmitted between system 400 and display 475, speaker 485, or other peripheral devices 495 using signaling such as AV.Link, Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), or other communication protocols capable of device-to-device control with or without user intervention. The output devices may be communicatively coupled to system 400 via dedicated connections through respective interfaces 470, 480, and 490. Alternatively, the output devices may be connected to system 400 via communication interface 450 using communication channel 460. Display 475 and speaker 485 may be integrated in a single unit with other components of system 400 in an electronic device such as, for example, a television. In various examples, display interface 470 includes a display driver such as, for example, a timing controller (TCon) chip.

[0113] For example, if the RF portion of input 445 is part of a separate set-top box, display 475 and speaker 485 may alternatively be separate from one or more of the other components. In various examples where display 475 and speaker 485 are external components, the output signals may be provided via dedicated output connections including, for example, an HDMI port, a USB port, or a COMP output.

[0114] These examples may be executed by computer software implemented by processor 410 or by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software. As a non-limiting example, these examples may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits. Memory 420 may be of any type suitable for the technical environment and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, as non-limiting examples, such as optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, semiconductor-based memory devices, fixed memory, and removable memory. Processor 410 may be of any type suitable for the technical environment and, as non-limiting examples, may encompass one or more of a microprocessor, a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, and processors based on multi-core architectures.

[0115] Various embodiments relate to decoding. As used in this application, "decoding" can cover, for example, all or part of the process performed on a received coded sequence in order to produce a final output suitable for display. In various examples, such processes include one or more of the processes typically performed by a decoder, such as entropy decoding, inverse quantization, inverse transformation, and differential decoding. In various examples, such processes also include or alternatively include processes performed by the decoders of the various embodiments described in this application. For example, a device can obtain film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns of a block. The device can determine a reduced set of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis from the plurality of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information. The device can perform the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns. The device can select a film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel components of the block from the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern analysis. The device can apply the selected film grain pattern to the pixel components of the block, etc.

[0116] As another example, in one example, "decoding" refers only to entropy decoding, in another example, "decoding" refers only to differential decoding, and in another example, "decoding" refers to a combination of entropy decoding and differential decoding. Whether the phrase "decoding process" is intended to specifically refer to a subset of operations or more generally to a broader decoding process will be clear based on the context of the specific description and is considered to be well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0117] Various embodiments relate to encoding. In a manner similar to the discussion above regarding "decoding", "encoding" as used in this application can cover, for example, all or part of the process performed on an input video sequence in order to produce an encoded bitstream. In various examples, such processes include one or more of the processes typically performed by an encoder, such as partitioning, differential encoding, transformation, quantization, and entropy encoding. In various examples, such processes also include or alternatively include processes performed by the encoders of the various embodiments described in this application. For example, a device can generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The device can obtain film grain pattern priority information. The device can generate a supplementary enhancement information (SEI) message associated with the video image. The SEI message can include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image and the film grain pattern priority information. The device can encode the video image to generate an encoded video image. The device can transmit the SEI message and the encoded video image.

[0118] As another example, in one example, "encoding" refers only to entropy encoding, in another example, "encoding" refers only to differential encoding, and in another example, "encoding" refers to a combination of differential decoding and entropy encoding. Whether the phrase "encoding process" specifically refers to a subset of operations or more generally to a broader encoding process will be clear based on the context of the specific description and is believed to be well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0119] Note that grammatical elements as used herein (e.g., decoding syntax regarding the number of intensity intervals, the number of model values, particle parameters, particle identification, scaling factors, etc.) are descriptive terms. Thus, they do not exclude the use of other grammatical element names.

[0120] When the drawings are presented as flowcharts, it should be understood that they also provide a block diagram of the corresponding apparatus. Similarly, when the drawings are presented as block diagrams, it should be understood that they also provide a flowchart of the corresponding method / process.

[0121] The specific implementations and aspects described herein can be implemented in, for example, a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of specific implementation (e.g., only discussed as a method), the specific implementation of the discussed features can be implemented in other forms (e.g., an apparatus or a program). The apparatus can be implemented in, for example, appropriate hardware, software, and firmware. These methods can be implemented in, for example, a processor, which generally refers to a processing device, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. The processor also includes communication devices, such as, for example, a computer, a cellular phone, a portable / personal digital assistant ("PDA"), and other devices that facilitate information communication between end users.

[0122] References to "one example" or "an example" or "one specific implementation" or "specific implementation" and other variations thereof mean that the specific features, structures, characteristics, etc. described in connection with that example are included in at least one example. Thus, the phrases "in one example" or "in an example" or "in one specific implementation" or "in specific implementation" and any other variations that appear throughout this application do not necessarily all refer to the same example.

[0123] Additionally, this application may be related to "determining" various pieces of information. Determining information may include, for example, one or more of estimating information, calculating information, predicting information, or retrieving information from a memory. Obtaining may include receiving, retrieving, constructing, generating, and / or determining.

[0124] Furthermore, this application may be related to "accessing" various information. Accessing information may include, for example, one or more of receiving information, retrieving information (e.g., from a memory), storing information, moving information, copying information, calculating information, determining information, predicting information, or estimating information.

[0125] In addition, the present application may relate to "receiving" various information. Like "access", receiving is intended to be a broad term. Receiving information may include, for example, one or more of accessing information or retrieving information (e.g., from a memory). Further, "receiving" is typically involved in one way or another during operations such as, for example, storing information, processing information, sending information, moving information, copying information, erasing information, computing information, determining information, predicting information, or estimating information.

[0126] It should be understood that, for example, in the case of "A / B", "A and / or B", and "at least one of A and B", any one of the following " / " ", "and / or", and "at least one" is intended to cover only the selection of the first-listed option (A), or only the selection of the second-listed option (B), or the selection of both options (A and B). As a further example, in the case of "A, B, and / or C" and "at least one of A, B, and C", such phrases are intended to cover only the selection of the first-listed option (A), or only the selection of the second-listed option (B), or only the selection of the third-listed option (C), or only the selection of the first-listed option and the second-listed option (A and B), or only the selection of the first-listed option and the third-listed option (A and C), or only the selection of the second-listed option and the third-listed option (B and C), or the selection of all three options (A and B and C). As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and related fields, this can be extended to as many items as are listed.

[0127] Moreover, as used herein, the word "signaling" means (among other things) indicating something to a corresponding decoder. Encoder signals may include, for example, the number of intensity intervals, the number of model values, particle parameters, particle identification, scaling factors, etc. In this way, in one example, the same parameters are used at both the encoder side and the decoder side. Thus, for example, the encoder may send (explicit signaling) a particular parameter to the decoder such that the decoder can use the same particular parameter. Conversely, if the decoder already has a particular parameter and other parameters, signaling may be used without sending (implicit signaling) simply to allow the decoder to know and select the particular parameter. By avoiding sending any actual functions, bit savings are achieved in various examples. It should be understood that signaling can be implemented in various ways. For example, in various examples, one or more syntax elements, flags, etc. are used to signal information to a corresponding decoder. Although the foregoing relates to the verb form of the word "signaling", the word "signal" may also be used as a noun herein.

[0128] It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the specific implementations can generate a variety of signals formatted to carry information such as information that can be stored or transmitted. The information can include, for example, instructions for performing a method or data generated by one of the specific implementations described. For example, the signal can be formatted to carry a bitstream of the examples described. Such signals can be formatted as, for example, electromagnetic waves (e.g., using the radio frequency portion of the spectrum) or baseband signals. Formatting can include, for example, encoding a data stream and modulating a carrier with the encoded data stream. The information carried by the signal can be, for example, analog or digital information. As is well known, signals can be transmitted over a variety of different wired or wireless links. Signals can be stored on a processor-readable medium or accessed or received from a processor-readable medium.

[0129] Numerous examples are described herein. The features of the examples can be provided individually or in any combination across various claim categories and types. Additionally, an example can include one or more of the features, devices, or aspects described herein across various claim categories and types individually or in any combination. For example, the features described herein can be implemented using a bitstream or signal of information generated as described herein. This information can allow a decoder to decode a bitstream, encoder, bitstream, and / or decoder according to any of the described embodiments. For example, the features described herein can be implemented by creating and / or transmitting and / or receiving and / or decoding a bitstream or signal. For example, the features described herein can be implemented by a method, process, device, medium storing instructions, medium storing data or signals. For example, the features described herein can be implemented by a TV, set-top box, mobile phone, tablet, or other electronic device that performs decoding. The TV, set-top box, mobile phone, tablet, or other electronic device can display (e.g., using a monitor, screen, or other type of display) the resulting image (e.g., an image reconstructed from residuals of a video bitstream). The TV, set-top box, mobile phone, tablet, or other electronic device can receive a signal including an encoded image and perform decoding.

[0130] Features associated with video compression, distribution, and / or presentation are provided herein. Film grain modeling can include using film grain metadata and / or implementing adaptation (e.g., for complexity reduction). The film grain metadata and / or implementation adaptation can be used for adaptation between different codecs and / or different models.

[0131] The synthesis of film grain can be performed in post-decoding processing.

[0132] Film grain metadata can be defined via Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) messages (e.g., Video Supplemental Enhancement Information (VSEI) messages) for a decoded video bitstream. In an example, the film grain syntax can be integrated in the frame header, and the film grain metadata can be part of the core codec specification. Support for film grain can be specified in different ways. Different syntaxes and semantics can be used depending on the codec and / or model. Since different models can be used (e.g., as Figure 5 illustrated), the synthesis process and film grain blending can also be defined differently.

[0133] Figure 5 An example of a grain model within video decoding is shown.

[0134] Features associated with film grain post - processing related to memory etc. are described herein.

[0135] Figure 6 An example of a block diagram of film grain usage in a video decoding framework is shown. As Figure 6 depicted, at 500, pre - processing can be performed (e.g., the input video data can be pre - processed). At 501, film grain estimation can be performed (e.g., using the input video data and the filtered video from the output of the pre - processing block). At 502, the filtered video and film grain parameters (e.g., the output from the film grain estimation block) can be encoded. At 503, the bitstream encoded in the form of a Film Grain Characteristics (FGC) SEI message and the film grain parameters (e.g., the output from the encoding block) can be decoded. At 504, film grain synthesis can be performed (e.g., the film grain can be added to the decoded image).

[0136] Figure 7 An example of a film grain synthesis block diagram is shown. As Figure 7As shown, SEI film grain synthesis can be used. SEI film grain synthesis can involve using 8×8 sub-blocks. In an example, different sub-block sizes (any sub-block size) can be used. The decoder can output a decoded frame and film grain characteristic SEIs (e.g., film grain parameters). For color channels (e.g., color channels such as Luma, Chroma Cb, Chroma Cr), based on the image block average (e.g., 8×8 block average, 16×16 block average, 8×1 block average, 5×2 block average, pixel average, etc.), appropriate grain parameters can be selected (e.g., based on the film grain parameters in the SEI message). 8×8 (e.g., or 16×16, etc.) grain sub-blocks can be selected from a pre-computed film grain database, including film grain patterns defined for larger block sizes, which can be de-blocked (e.g., optionally de-blocked) to reduce block artifacts in grain generation. Grains can be added / blended into the image. This selection can be based on the SEI and average block intensity values as described herein. The SEI can define multiple grain parameters to be used (e.g., one grain parameter per intensity interval).

[0137] In the SEI frequency filtering mode, to generate a grain pattern, the process can involve a pseudo-random number generator to generate a 64×64 block and an inverse frequency transform (e.g., inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT)). In the autoregressive mode, a random number generator can be used to calculate a 64×64 block. Different grain patterns can be obtained through different model parameters defined in the SEI. In an example, the number of different patterns can be one pattern per component. This process can be pre-computed once per frame or pre-computed at initialization. This process can be pre-computed in a read-only memory (ROM) and loaded into an execution memory. In an example, if grains are present in the original video, the encoder can estimate the grain parameters (e.g., by analyzing the grains) in a pre-processing step. These parameters can be added manually. For example, these parameters can be added by adding an SEI message with these parameters (e.g., correct parameters) to the stream or by providing appropriate parameters to the encoder that can add an SEI.

[0138] In an SEI film grain generator (e.g., a film grain synthesizer compatible with the FGC SEI message), one or more patterns (e.g., multiple patterns) can be defined per image, where the parameters are defined in the film grain characteristic SEI message. The maximum number of available patterns per frame (e.g., patterns available simultaneously) can be fixed and its value can be high. For example, ten different patterns per frame can be defined in the SEI message. These ten patterns can be loaded into a memory (e.g., a fast memory) to cope with the frame output frequency constraint. A relatively large amount of memory may be required to store these patterns. Reducing the maximum number of patterns used per frame can reduce the cost of the film grain synthesizer.

[0139] This document provides an example framework for reducing the number of noise patterns (e.g., film grain patterns) that are different from the noise patterns defined in the film grain characteristic SEI message. The synthesized film grains can use a reduced number of noise patterns that should (e.g., visually) match the generation of film grains to a specified pattern (e.g., all specified patterns).

[0140] At the encoder (e.g., encoder stage), the film grain parameters can be modified, for example, to generate an output SEI message that includes a reduced number of film grain patterns (e.g., a smaller number of film grain patterns or a subset of film grain patterns determined based on the SEI message). This modification can be applied between the film grain analysis and the SEI (e.g., written into the bitstream). For example, film grain analysis can be performed on the input video. The film grain analysis can produce input film grain parameters. The input film grain parameters can be adapted, and an SEI can be generated and encoded using the adapted film grain parameters. The output (e.g., output bitstream) can include output film grain parameters (e.g., the output film grain parameters can be included in the FGC SEI message). In an example, if the film grain parameters are provided as input to the encoder (e.g., manually estimated), the film grain parameters may not be estimated at the encoder. In such cases, the film grain analysis can be skipped, and the input film grain parameters can be provided to the encoder.

[0141] At the transcoding stage (e.g., between encoding and decoding), the SEI can be modified. At the decoder, the SEI can be modified, or in the film grain synthesizer, the SEI can be interpreted and applied.

[0142] Table 1: Film Grain Characteristic SEI Message Syntax

[0143]

[0144]

[0145] Table 1 can define the film grain characteristic SEI message. Table 1 can define the parameters of the grains for the intensity intervals of the component values of the input image (e.g., for each intensity interval), such as in the case of defining the grain generation pattern based on the model parameters of the grain generation pattern.

[0146] The example semantics of different parameters are summarized in Table 2, where c is the component index and can vary from 0 to 2, where 0 is the luminance, and 1 and 2 are the chrominance channels.

[0147] Table 2: Semantics of Film Grain Characteristic Parameters

[0148]

[0149]

[0150] For film grain processing, based on the intensity interval in which I[c] falls, a pattern to be used can be determined for a position having intensity I[c] (e.g., each position). In an example, if multi-grain generation is allowed, the intervals can be allowed to overlap and I[x] can fall into multiple intervals and multiple grains can be generated. If multi-grain generation is not allowed, the intervals may not overlap.

[0151] The process for synthesizing film grains can depend on film grain characteristic parameters, the value of intensity I[c], and / or pixel intensity. A film grain synthesizer can be used.

[0152] If the grain pattern to be used depends on pixel intensity (e.g., pixel component intensity), a mapping look-up table (LUT) can be used to map the value of I[c] to the grain pattern to be used. In an example, a dense LUT can be used, which can define the correspondence of values of a signal (e.g., each value). If the bit depth is high, this can involve (e.g., require) a large amount of memory to hold the LUT, and subsampling can be used. For example, the LUT can be limited to 256 values, which can correspond to 8-bit sampling. In such cases, the signal can be scaled to 8 bits by truncating or rounding the high-bit depth value to a lower bit depth prior to the LUT.

[0153] The SEI can define which pattern fg_comp_model_value[c][i] to use for each intensity interval [fg_intensity_interval_lower_bound[c][i], fg_intensity_interval_upper_bound[c][i]]. I[c] can be the intensity of image component c (e.g., luminance or chrominance value) of the current block or pixel (e.g., pixel component). To accelerate synthesis, a LUT can be pre-computed to map intensities (e.g., image block values) to the model parameter indices to be used. As defined in Table 2, the model parameters can define a scaling factor fg_comp_model_value[c][i][0] and a grain pattern fg_comp_model_value[c][i][1…5] (e.g., fg_comp_model_value[c][i][j], where j varies from 1 to 5). The LUT grain_param_id[c][I] can be generated as follows: for component c (e.g., for each component c), process the model parameters with index k and intensity intervals defined by fg_intensity_interval_[lower / upper]_bound[c][k]. For the intensity values of the interval (e.g., for each intensity value), the LUT value can be set to the model parameter index k based on the following formula:

[0154]

[0155] grain_param_id can represent the index of the parameter for the current intensity value, as defined in the SEI (e.g., if grain_param_id[c][i] = p, then the grain parameter fg_comp_model_value[c][p] can be used).

[0156] For the pixel values of the input frame I[c][x][y] (e.g., each pixel value or pixel component value), to apply film grain, the process can include one or more of the following (e.g., the process can be applied block by block for the average value of I[c] on the current block). The intensity value can be extracted. The index of the parameter can be read from the LUT. The scaling factor can be read from the parameter. Grain can be added to the pixel (e.g., or each pixel or pixel component of the block) based on the scaling factor and the model parameter corresponding to the index, as shown below.

[0157]

[0158] add_grain() can be a grain generation function, as described herein.

[0159] Mapping of image intensity to a reduced set of patterns (e.g., a subset of patterns determined based on SEI messages, or a set of patterns having fewer patterns than those determined based on SEI messages) can be implemented at a decoder, an encoder, and / or a transcoder, as described herein.

[0160] Mapping of image intensity to a reduced set of patterns can be provided. The SEI can define different characteristics for each intensity interval. As defined herein, the parameter fg_comp_model_value[c][i][j] (where j varies from 1 to 5) can have an impact on the grain pattern, and the parameter fg_comp_model_value[c][i][0] can be a scaling factor and can take different values (e.g., having no significant impact on complexity).

[0161] To limit complexity, the maximum number of different patterns allowed for each component c can be defined as max_pattern_num[c]. The minimum number of different patterns allowed for each component c can be defined as max_pattern_num[c] = {1, 1, 1} (e.g., one pattern for each color component). In an example, the constraint can be relaxed to have more available patterns (e.g., {3, 2, 2}), where the number of patterns assigned to the luminance component (e.g., 3) is more than the number of patterns assigned to the other components (e.g., 2, 2). The value {1, 1, 1} can be used in conjunction with film grain synthesis using one (e.g., only one) grain pattern for each component. The process of defining the mapping LUT can be modified as described herein.

[0162] Figure 8 An example of pattern adaptation is shown.

[0163] As Figure 8 shown, the input grain parameters defined in the SEI can be analyzed and adapted to the pattern numbers. The pattern to be used for any given intensity interval can be selected from the adapted patterns, e.g., by selecting the closest pattern in terms of the difference (e.g., the sum of absolute differences) between the input parameters and the parameters associated with the adapted patterns. The index of the selected pattern can be stored in the LUT for the intensity value (e.g., each intensity value) of the intensity interval, and the scaling factor can be adapted and stored in the scaling factor LUT, as shown below. In an example, the scaling factor can be mapped. The scaling factor can define the gain applied to the grain pattern. The scaling factor and the adapted pattern can be defined in the SEI (e.g., in the same parameter set). For one or more intervals (e.g., two given intervals), the parameters can define the same pattern and different scaling factors (e.g., two different scaling factors). In an example, the number of different patterns can be reduced, and the scaling factor can be changed. For example, if the pattern changes for a given intensity interval, the scaling factor can be the same as the input or can be adapted to the pattern.

[0164]

[0165] grain_scaling_factor[3][] can be a LUT of scaling factors adapted to the intensity of the pattern (e.g., each intensity). max_pattern_num can be the maximum number of patterns per component that can be used during pattern reduction. grain_pattern_params can be adapted grain pattern parameters having the same semantics as fg_comp_model_value.

[0166] preprocess_patterns can be a process that analyzes SEI parameters and reduces the number of different patterns to the maximum number of available patterns per component. preprocess_patterns can output the result in grain_pattern_params. This process can copy the first pattern parameter max_pattern_num[c] of fg_comp_model_value[c] in grain_pattern_params[c]. The process of selecting parameters (e.g., the most important parameters) and sorting the parameters can be determined by the content creator, who can compress the video content and create the original film grain SEI characteristics. The process of selecting parameters (e.g., the most important parameters) and sorting the parameters can be performed using a weighting technique as described herein.

[0167] select_best_pattern can be a film grain pattern analysis performed on a reduced set (e.g., a subset of film grain patterns, or a smaller set of film grain patterns) in order to select the best film grain pattern from the subset of film grain patterns. select_best_pattern can involve mapping an input SEI index to an index associated with an adapted film grain pattern (e.g., a reduced set of film grain patterns or a subset of film grain patterns). The selection can be based on the difference between an input parameter and an adapted model parameter (e.g., a model parameter associated with the reduced set of film grain patterns). The adapted parameter associated with the smallest difference can be selected. For example, a first set of adapted parameters can have a first difference from the input parameter, and a second set of adapted parameters can have a second difference from the input parameter. In this case, under the condition that the first difference is less than the second difference, the film grain pattern associated with the first set of adapted parameters can be selected. Similarly, under the condition that the second difference is less than the first difference, the film grain pattern associated with the second set of adapted parameters can be selected. The difference can be calculated as the maximum difference, the sum of absolute differences, the sum of squared differences, or any other difference operation between parameter values (e.g., each parameter value). The parameters considered for calculating the difference may not include a scaling parameter (e.g., a scaling factor).

[0168] adapt_scale can be a process of adapting a scaling factor for an adapted pattern. If the grain parameters change, the scaling factor can be adapted based on the parameter modification (e.g., to give a similar grain appearance). In an example, the scaling factor adaptation process can include a direct copy of the input scaling factor as defined by fg_comp_model_value[c][k][0].

[0169] For the pixel values of the input frame I[c][×][y] (e.g., each pixel value or pixel component value), in order to apply film grain, in addition to being able to use the grain_scaling_factor[c][val] LUT to replace the first parameter fg_comp_model_value[c][k][0], and in addition to being able to use the model parameter grain_pattern_params[c] to replace the input parameter fg_comp_model_value[c], as shown below (e.g., the process can be applied block by block for the average value of I[c] on the current block), the process can be similar to other processes described herein:

[0170]

[0171] Features associated with selecting patterns to use are provided. An example of a process preprocess_patterns that remaps an input film grain characteristic fg_comp_model_value[c] to a reduced set of patterns is described herein. A reduced set of patterns (e.g., a subset of film grain patterns or a smaller set of film grain patterns) may be selected based on film grain priority information (e.g., a film grain pattern associated with the first listed pattern parameter or associated with the pattern parameter of greatest weight). For example, as shown above, the reduced set of patterns may include a copy of the first pattern parameter max_pattern_num[c] of fg_comp_model_value[c] in grain_pattern_params[c]. If max_pattern_num[c] is greater than or equal to the number of different input parameters, then adaptation may not be used (e.g., not required) and direct copying may be used.

[0172] Features associated with copying of SEI parameters (e.g., first SEI parameters) are provided herein. A first unique pattern may be used. As described above, the first parameter of fg_comp_model_value[c][k] may be a scaling factor and may be discarded from the comparison function (e.g., the scaling factor may be handled separately). Copying the first pattern may include populating grain_pattern_params[c] with a first different max_pattern_num[c] model parameter of fg_comp_model_value[c]. The intensity intervals may be scanned (e.g., until a maximum number of patterns is reached). The process may involve checking (e.g., first checking) whether the pattern parameters exist (e.g., already exist) in the selected model parameters (e.g., different intervals may have the same grain parameters, but different scaling factors). If the model parameters already exist in the selected pattern, the next interval may be processed. If the model parameters do not yet exist in the selected pattern, the input parameters may be copied to the selected grain pattern, and the number of patterns found may be increased.

[0173]

[0174] num_patterns[c] may be the number of new patterns currently discovered and grain_pattern_params[c] may be the selected model parameters.

[0175] In an example, a pattern may be selected based on a weighted value (e.g., a pattern with the largest corresponding weight may be selected). For each pattern, the parameters may be stored in a list and the corresponding weight may be increased. The list may be sorted based on the weight (e.g., the most important pattern is used first), and the first max_pattern_num[c] parameter may be selected. The weighting may be the sum of the interval size (e.g., the intensity interval size) as shown below. The weighting may be related to the number of affected pixels. The pattern that affects the largest number of pixels may be retained to reduce the perceived modification of the pattern reduction process. In an example, the weighting may include other characteristics, such as a scaling factor, an average value of the scaling factor, a maximum intensity value of the interval, a maximum average intensity of the interval, and / or the actual number of affected pixels (e.g., pixel components) in each interval (e.g., which may involve analysis of the complete input image before pattern selection, such as a histogram calculation).

[0176]

[0177] Features associated with calculating a pattern set are provided herein. In an example, in order to reduce the impact on particle synthesis due to the number of reduced patterns, the selected pattern can be adapted. For example, the pattern set can be initialized by a process in the process described herein. The adapted pattern set (e.g., a reduced pattern set) can be calculated by combining input model parameters. For example, grain_pattern_params[c] (e.g., as described herein) can be obtained. For each input model parameter fg_comp_model_value[c][k] that can be mapped to pattern grain_pattern_params[c], the combination of these input model parameters can be used to calculate the adapted parameter adapted_grain_pattern_params[c][p]. For scalar parameters (e.g., each scalar parameter), the combination can be, for example, an average value, a weighted average value based on an interval size, an intensity value, a scaling factor, etc.

[0178]

[0179] adapted_grain_pattern_params[c] may be grain pattern parameters calculated as a weighted average of input model parameters based on previous pattern selections.

[0180] The adapted particle pattern parameters may be calculated (eg, directly) from the input fg_comp_model_value[c] values ​​based on a K-means process (eg, to calculate k values ​​as the centroid of m input values, where m>k).

[0181] The pattern may be the result of an optimization process in which a cost function is minimized (e.g., the sum of the Euclidean distances between statistical moments of different orders, frequency bandwidths, etc., between the particle pattern produced by the new parameters and the merged particle pattern). The cost function may include weightings based on the use of the pattern. The optimization may be based on the difference between the rendering on the full picture using the new parameters and the rendering on the full picture using the original parameters.

[0182] Features associated with modifying SEI are provided herein. An output SEI may be initialized using input parameters. The number of different patterns may not be part of the SEI. A device may generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The device may generate an SEI message associated with the video image. The SEI message may include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image. The device may modify the SEI message associated with the video image. The modified SEI message may include a reduced set of film grain parameters associated with the video image (e.g., a subset or a smaller set). The device may encode the video image to generate an encoded video image. The device may transmit the modified SEI message and the encoded video image. Parameter values ​​may be modified for intensity intervals (e.g., each intensity interval k).

[0183] Features associated with generating an SEI are provided herein. An output SEI may be initialized using input parameters. A device may generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The film grain parameters may include associated priority information, such as weights calculated as described herein. The device may generate an SEI message associated with the video image. The SEI message may include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image. The SEI message may include priority information associated with each film grain parameter. Such priority information may be the order in which the parameters are included in the SEI message. For example, the most important (e.g., the parameters with the highest weight) may be listed first in the SEI message. The device may transmit the SEI message and the encoded video image.

[0184] Features associated with modifying SEI are provided herein. An output SEI may be initialized using input parameters. A device may generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The SEI message may include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image. The device may modify the SEI message associated with the video image. Priority information (e.g., a weight as described herein) may be calculated for each grain parameter. The device may modify the SEI message associated with the video image. The modified SEI message may include priority information associated with each film grain parameter. The priority information may be, for example, the order in which the parameters are included in the SEI message. For example, the most important parameter (e.g., the parameter with the highest weight) may be included in the SEI message (e.g., at the beginning of the SEI message). The device may transmit the modified SEI message and the encoded video image.

[0185] The index may be selected as described herein.

[0186]

[0187] The granular parameters may be derived from the adapted parameters corresponding to the index.

[0188]

[0189] The scaling factor may be adapted.

[0190]

[0191] SEI can be converted into other film grain metadata formats.

[0192] Figure 9 An example of film grain SEI modification is illustrated. If the film grain parameters have been adapted to reduce the number of different patterns (e.g., to a single pattern), the pattern can be converted to (e.g., some other) film grain metadata using a single film grain pattern (e.g., Figure 9 ).

[0193] AFGS1 (AOMedia Film Grain Synthesis Model) may be an autoregressive film grain synthesis model. This model may be indicated using a registered or unregistered user data SEI message.

[0194] The film grain characteristics SEI message may be converted into AFGS1 compatible metadata. For example, the SEI message may be converted after: reducing the number of different patterns to one (e.g., a single pattern); converting the scaling factor (e.g., which is typically a step function) to a piecewise linear function; and / or adapting the model parameters from the SEI format to the AFGS1 format (e.g., if a frequency model is used in the SEI format). If a frequency model is used in the SEI format, a conversion (e.g., a special conversion) may be performed. If an autoregressive model is used in the SEI, the conversion may be easier (e.g., simpler) because film grain in AFGS1 uses an autoregressive model to generate the grain pattern.

[0195] Figure 10 An example of video transcoding with film grain metadata conversion is illustrated. In the transcoding framework, a first stream including film grain characteristics SEI can be converted into a second stream including film grain metadata. In such a case, the film grain characteristics can be signaled and / or embedded in the second stream in the AFGS1 metadata format, such as Figure 10 exemplified.

[0196] Systems, methods, and means for performing reduction of film grain patterns are disclosed. An example device (e.g., a device for video decoding) may include a processor configured to perform one or more actions. The device may obtain film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns of a block. The device may determine a reduced set of film grain patterns from the plurality of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis based on the film grain pattern priority information. The device may perform the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns. The device may select a film grain pattern from the reduced set of film grain patterns to be applied to a pixel component of the block based on the film grain pattern analysis. The device may apply the selected film grain pattern to the pixel component of the block.

[0197] The device may receive a supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message including a parameter list. The device may determine that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes film grain patterns associated with a number of parameters listed first in the SEI message. Each film grain pattern in a plurality of film grain patterns in the plurality of film grain patterns may be associated with a corresponding weight. The device may determine that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes a number of film grain patterns in the plurality of film grain patterns having maximum corresponding weights.

[0198] The corresponding weight for a given film grain pattern may be based on at least one of: the sum of the intensity granularity sizes associated with the given film grain pattern; the number of pixels to which the given film grain pattern will be applied; a scaling factor associated with the given film grain pattern; the intensity values ​​associated with the given film grain pattern; or a weighted average of parameter values ​​associated with the given film grain pattern.

[0199] A first film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a first set of film grain parameters. A second film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a second set of film grain parameters. The device may receive a supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message indicating a third set of film grain parameters. The device may determine a first difference between the first set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters, and a second difference between the second set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters. On the condition that the first difference is less than the second difference, the device may select the first film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block. On the condition that the second difference is less than the first difference, the device may select the second film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block.

[0200] The device may determine a scaling factor associated with the selected film grain pattern. The device may apply the scaling factor to the selected film grain pattern. The film grain pattern priority information may indicate a rule for prioritizing the plurality of film grain patterns and / or a maximum number of film grain patterns that the reduced set of film grain patterns can include. The pixel component of the block may be a pixel intensity component.

[0201] A method (e.g., for video decoding) may involve obtaining film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns for a block. The method may involve determining, based on the film grain pattern priority information, a reduced set of film grain patterns from the plurality of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis. The method may involve performing film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns. The method may involve selecting, based on the film grain pattern analysis, a film grain pattern from the reduced set of film grain patterns to apply to a pixel component of the block. The method may involve applying the selected film grain pattern to the pixel component of the block.

[0202] The method may involve receiving a supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message including a parameter list. Determining the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information may involve determining that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes film grain patterns associated with a number of parameters listed first in the SEI message. Each film grain pattern in a plurality of film grain patterns in the plurality of film grain patterns may be associated with a corresponding weight. Determining the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information may involve determining that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes a number of film grain patterns in the plurality of film grain patterns having the largest corresponding weights.

[0203] The corresponding weight for a given film grain pattern may be based on at least one of: the sum of the intensity granularity sizes associated with the given film grain pattern; the number of pixels to which the given film grain pattern will be applied; a scaling factor associated with the given film grain pattern; the intensity values ​​associated with the given film grain pattern; or a weighted average of parameter values ​​associated with the given film grain pattern.

[0204] A first film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a first set of film grain parameters. A second film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns may be associated with a second set of film grain parameters. The method may involve receiving a supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message indicating a third set of film grain parameters. Performing the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns may involve determining a first difference between the first set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters, and a second difference between the second set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters.

[0205] Selecting the film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block based on the film grain pattern analysis may involve: selecting the first film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block on the condition that the first difference is less than the second difference; and selecting the second film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block on the condition that the second difference is less than the first difference. The method may involve: determining a scaling factor associated with the selected film grain pattern. The method may involve: applying the scaling factor to the selected film grain pattern.

[0206] An example device (e.g., a device for video encoding) may include a processor configured to perform one or more actions. The device may generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The device may obtain film grain pattern priority information. The device may generate a supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message associated with the video image. The SEI message may include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image and the film grain pattern priority information. The device may encode the video image to generate an encoded video image. The device may transmit the SEI message and the encoded video image.

[0207] The film grain pattern priority information may indicate a reduced set of film grain parameters. The reduced set of film grain parameters may include a number of film grain parameters listed first in the SEI message. Each film grain parameter in the set of film grain parameters may be associated with a corresponding weight. The film grain pattern priority information may indicate a reduced set of film grain parameters. The reduced set of film grain parameters may include a number of film grain parameters having the largest corresponding weights.

[0208] An example method (e.g., for video encoding) may involve: generating a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image. The method may involve: obtaining film grain pattern priority information. The method may involve: generating a supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message associated with the video image. The SEI message may include the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image and the film grain pattern priority information. The method may involve: encoding the video image to generate an encoded video image. The method may involve: transmitting the SEI message and the encoded video image.

[0209] Although features and elements are described above in specific combinations, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. In addition, the methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (sent via a wired or wireless connection) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media (such as built-in hard disks and removable disks), magneto-optical media, and optical media (such as CD-ROM disks and digital versatile disks (DVDs)). A processor associated with software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a processor configured to: obtain film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns of a block; determine, based on the film grain pattern priority information, a reduced set of film grain patterns from the plurality of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis; perform the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns; select, based on the film grain pattern analysis, a film grain pattern from the reduced set of film grain patterns to be applied to a pixel component of the block; and apply the selected film grain pattern to the pixel component of the block.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is further configured to receive a supplementary enhancement information SEI message including a parameter list; and the processor is configured to determine, based on the film grain pattern priority information, that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes: the processor is configured to determine that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes film grain patterns associated with several parameters listed first in the SEI message.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each film grain pattern among the plurality of film grain patterns is associated with a corresponding weight, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information comprising: the processor is configured to determine that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes several film grain patterns having the largest corresponding weights among the plurality of film grain patterns.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the corresponding weight of a given film grain pattern is based on at least one of the following: the sum of intensity interval sizes associated with the given film grain pattern; the number of pixels to which the given film grain pattern will be applied; a scaling factor associated with the given film grain pattern; an intensity value associated with the given film grain pattern; or a weighted average of parameter values associated with the given film grain pattern.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a first film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns is associated with a first set of film grain parameters; a second film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns is associated with a second set of film grain parameters; the processor is further configured to receive a supplementary enhancement information SEI message indicating a third set of film grain parameters; and the processor is configured to perform the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns including: the processor is configured to determine a first difference between the first set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters, and a second difference between the second set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to select the film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block based on the film grain pattern analysis comprising: The processor is configured to: select the first film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block, under the condition that the first difference is less than the second difference; and select the second film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block, under the condition that the second difference is less than the first difference.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a scaling factor associated with the selected film grain pattern; and apply the scaling factor to the selected film grain pattern.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the film grain pattern priority information indicates: rules for prioritizing the plurality of film grain patterns; and the maximum number of film grain patterns that the reduced set of film grain patterns can include.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel component of the block includes a pixel intensity component.

10. A method, the method comprises: obtaining film grain pattern priority information associated with a plurality of film grain patterns of a block; determining, based on the film grain pattern priority information, a reduced set of film grain patterns on which to perform film grain pattern analysis from the plurality of film grain patterns; performing the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns; selecting, based on the film grain pattern analysis, a film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block from the reduced set of film grain patterns; and applying the selected film grain pattern to the pixel component of the block.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: the method further comprises: receiving a supplementary enhancement information SEI message including a parameter list; and determining, based on the film grain pattern priority information, that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes: determining that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes film grain patterns associated with several parameters listed first in the SEI message.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein each film grain pattern in the plurality of film grain patterns is associated with a corresponding weight, and wherein determining the reduced set of film grain patterns based on the film grain pattern priority information comprises: determining that the reduced set of film grain patterns includes several film grain patterns having the largest corresponding weights among the plurality of film grain patterns.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the corresponding weight of a given film grain pattern is based on at least one of the following: the sum of intensity interval sizes associated with the given film grain pattern; the number of pixels to which the given film grain pattern will be applied; a scaling factor associated with the given film grain pattern; an intensity value associated with the given film grain pattern; or a weighted average of parameter values associated with the given film grain pattern.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns is associated with a first set of film grain parameters; The second film grain pattern in the reduced set of film grain patterns is associated with a second set of film grain parameters; The method further comprises: receiving a supplementary enhancement information SEI message indicating a third set of film grain parameters; and Performing the film grain pattern analysis on the reduced set of film grain patterns includes: determining a first difference between the first set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters, and a second difference between the second set of film grain parameters and the third set of film grain parameters.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block is selected based on the film grain pattern analysis comprises: Selecting the first film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block under the condition that the first difference is less than the second difference; and Selecting the second film grain pattern to be applied to the pixel component of the block under the condition that the second difference is less than the first difference.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: Determining a scaling factor associated with the selected film grain pattern; and Applying the scaling factor to the selected film grain pattern.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the film grain pattern priority information indicates: Rules for prioritizing the plurality of film grain patterns; and The maximum number of film grain patterns that the reduced set of film grain patterns can include.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the pixel component of the block includes a pixel intensity component.

19. A video coding device, the video coding device comprises: A processor configured to: Generate a set of film grain parameters associated with a video image; Determine film grain pattern priority information indicating a reduced set of film grain parameters; Generate a supplementary enhancement information SEI message associated with the video image, wherein the SEI message includes the set of film grain parameters associated with the video image and the film grain pattern priority information; Encode the video image to generate an encoded video image; and Transmit the SEI message and the encoded video image.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein each film grain parameter in the set of film grain parameters is associated with a corresponding weight, and wherein the film grain priority information indicates that the film grain parameter associated with the maximum corresponding weight is listed first in the SEI message.

21. A method, the method comprises: Determine a set of film grain pattern parameters; Determine a film grain pattern based on the set of film grain pattern parameters; Determine input model parameters having a mapping to the film grain pattern; and Calculate adapted film grain parameters based on a combination of the input model parameters.

Images