Method and apparatus for transmitting intra-predictive signals for large blocks of video encoders and decoders.

Abstract

To provide a method and an apparatus for signaling intra prediction for large blocks for video encoders and decoders.SOLUTION: An apparatus includes a video encoder 400 for encoding picture data by signaling intra prediction for at least one large block in a picture. The intra prediction is signaled by selecting a base coding unit size and assigning a single spatial intra partition type for the base coding unit size. The single spatial intra partition type is selectable from a plurality of spatial intra partition types. The intra prediction is a hierarchical layer intra prediction and is performed for the at least one large block by at least one of splitting from the large block size to the base coding unit size and combining from the base coding unit size to the large block size.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 222,177, filed on July 1, 2009, Attorney Docket No. PU090082, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The principles of the present invention generally relate to video encoding and decoding, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for signaling intra - prediction for large blocks in video encoders and decoders.

Background Art

[0003] Recent video encoding standards employ various encoding modes to effectively reduce the correlation in the spatial domain and the temporal domain. For example, in Part 10 of the International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO / IEC) Moving Picture Experts Group 4 (MPEG - 4) Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard / ITU - T Recommendation H.264 (hereinafter referred to as the "MPEG - 4 AVC standard"), video can be encoded either intra - frame or inter - frame. In an intra - picture, since all macro - blocks are encoded in an intra - mode, the spatial correlation within the picture can be exploited. The intra - mode can be classified into the following three types: INTRA4×4, INTRA8×8, and INTRA16×16. INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 correspond to nine intra - prediction modes, and INTRA16×16 corresponds to four intra - prediction modes.

[0004] INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 support the following nine intra-prediction modes: vertical, horizontal, DC, diagonal lower left, diagonal lower right, vertical left, horizontal down, vertical right, and horizontal up. INTRA16×16 supports the following four intra-prediction modes: vertical, horizontal, DC, and planar. Referring to Figure 1, the INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 prediction modes are generally indicated by reference number 100. In Figure 1, reference number 0 indicates the vertical prediction mode, reference number 1 indicates the horizontal prediction mode, reference number 3 indicates the diagonal lower left mode, reference number 4 indicates the diagonal lower right prediction mode, reference number 5 indicates the vertical right prediction mode, reference number 6 indicates the horizontal down prediction mode, reference number 7 indicates the vertical left prediction mode, and reference number 8 indicates the horizontal up prediction mode. The DC mode is part of the INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 prediction modes and is not shown. Referring to Figure 2, the INTRA 16x16 prediction modes are generally shown by reference number 200. In Figure 2, reference number 0 represents the vertical prediction mode, reference number 1 represents the horizontal prediction mode 1, and reference number 3 represents the planar prediction mode. The DC mode is a part of the INTRA 16x16 prediction modes and is not shown.

[0005] INTRA4×4 uses a 4×4 discrete cosine transform (DCT). INTRA8×8 uses an 8×8 transform. INTRA16×16 uses a cascaded 4×4 transform. For signaling purposes, INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 share the same macroblock type (mb_type) 0 and are distinguished by a transform size flag (transform_8×8_size_flag). The selection of the intra-prediction mode for INTRA4×4 or INTRA8×8 is signaled by the most likely mode, along with the remaining modes, if necessary. For INTRA16×16, all intra-prediction modes are signaled by mb_type along with the coded block pattern (cbp) type, using mb_type values ​​1 to 24. Table 1 shows detailed signaling for macroblock types for intra-coded slices (I slices). When block sizes larger than 16×16 are used for intra-prediction, several potential challenges arise, as follows:

[0006] (1) If INTRA32x32 or INTRA64x64 predictions are added simply by extending the mb_type of the MPEG-4 AVC standard, it will introduce excessive overhead into these two new modes and will not allow for hierarchical intra predictions. A concrete example of hierarchical intra predictions is as follows: If a 32x32 block is used as the large block and subpartitions are allowed as 16x16, then for each 16x16 subpartition, INTRA4x4, INTRA8x8, and INTRA16x16 should be allowed. (2) If a larger size conversion (such as a 16x16 conversion) is used for INTRA16x16 instead of a cascaded conversion, the current signal transmission method is not applicable. (3) Various preferential treatments are necessary for intra-prediction modes within a single intra-partition type.

[0007] [Table 1]

[0008] Several prior art approaches exist regarding the signaling of large operational (inter) partitions in extensions of the MPEG-4 AVC standard. One specific example of how large operational (inter) partitions are signaled in extensions of the MPEG-4 AVC standard is described in the first prior art approach. The first prior art approach describes how signaling is performed for 32x32 blocks or 64x64 blocks using a hierarchical coding structure.

[0009] Furthermore, in addition to the existing operating partition sizes of the MPEG-4 AVC standard (16×16, 16×8, 8×16, 8×8, 8×4, 4×8, 4×4), intercoding has also been proposed as an extension of the MPEG-4 AVC standard, using 32×32, 32×16, and 16×32 partitions. Referring to Figure 3, the operating partitions used for the 32×32 block are generally shown by reference number 300. These partitions include 32×32, 32×16, 16×32, and 16×16. The 16×16 partition can be further subdivided into partitions of sizes 16×16, 16×8, 8×16, and 8×8. Similarly, the 8×8 partition can be further subdivided into partitions of sizes 8×8, 8×4, 4×8, and 4×4.

[0010] For each 32x32 block, SKIP mode or DIRECT mode is signaled using mb32_skip_flag in the same manner as for other modes of the MPEG-4 AVC standard. Furthermore, the original mb_type for M×N (M=8 or 16 and N=8 or 16) partitions of the MPEG-4 AVC standard is also used to signal 2M×2N partitions of 32x32 blocks. If the mb32_type for 32x32 indicates that 16x16 partitions will be used, four 16x16 blocks are signaled in raster scan order by using the same syntax elements as macroblock_layer() of the MPEG-4 AVC standard. Each 16x16 block can be further divided using a quadtree method from size 16x16 down to size 4x4.

[0011] For the 64x64 macroblock size, in addition to the partitions used in 32x32 blocks, the following partitions are added: 64x64, 64x32, and 32x64. Thus, another hierarchical layer is added to the macroblock partitions, in addition to the 32x32 block size. To transmit the 4Mx4N macroblock partitions of the 64x64 macroblock, the original mb_type for the MxN (M=8 or 16 and N=8 or 16) macroblock partitions of the MPEG-4 AVC standard is used. When 32x32 macroblock partitions are used in a 64x64 block, each 32x32 block is processed in the same manner as described above.

[0012] However, existing literature does not address the question of what size intra-modes can be signaled, given that a large intra-mode is defined as an intra-prediction with a partition block equal to or larger than 32x32. [Overview of the project]

[0013] The above-mentioned and other drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art are addressed by the principles of the present invention, which relate to methods and apparatus for transmitting intra-predictive signals for large blocks of video encoders and decoders.

[0014] According to one aspect of the principle of the present invention, an apparatus is provided which includes a video encoder for encoding picture data for at least one large block in a picture by signaling an intra-prediction for at least one large block. The intra-prediction is signaled by selecting a basic coding unit size and assigning a single spatial intra-partition type for the basic coding unit size. The single spatial intra-partition type can be selected from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types. At least one large block has a large block size that is larger than the block size of the basic coding unit. The intra-prediction is a hierarchical layer intra-prediction and is performed for at least one large block by dividing the large block size into basic coding unit sizes and combining the basic coding unit sizes into large block sizes.

[0015] According to another aspect of the principles of the present invention, a method in a video encoder is provided. The method includes the step of encoding picture data for at least one large block in a picture by signaling an intra-prediction for at least one large block. The intra-prediction is signaled by selecting a basic coding unit size and assigning a single spatial intra-partition type for the basic coding unit size. The single spatial intra-partition type can be selected from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types. The at least one large block has a large block size that is larger than the block size of the basic coding unit. The intra-prediction is a hierarchical layer intra-prediction and is performed for at least one large block by dividing the large block size into basic coding unit sizes and combining the basic coding unit sizes into large block sizes.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the principles of the present invention, an apparatus is provided which includes a video decoder that decodes picture data for at least one large block in a picture, by determining that an intra-prediction should be performed for at least one large block. The intra-prediction is determined by determining the basic coding unit size and, for the basic coding unit size, determining a single spatial intra-partition type. The single spatial intra-partition type can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types. The at least one large block has a large block size that is larger than the block size of the basic coding unit. The intra-prediction is a hierarchical layer intra-prediction and is performed for at least one large block by at least one of dividing the large block size into basic coding unit sizes and combining the basic coding unit sizes into large block sizes.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the principles of the present invention, a method in a video decoder is provided. The method includes the step of decoding picture data for at least one large block in a picture, by determining that an intra prediction should be performed for at least one large block. The intra prediction is determined by determining the basic coding unit size and, for the basic coding unit size, determining a single spatial intra partition type. The single spatial intra partition type can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra partition types. The at least one large block has a large block size that is larger than the block size of the basic coding unit. The intra prediction is a hierarchical layer intra prediction and is performed for at least one large block by at least one of dividing the large block size into basic coding unit sizes and combining the basic coding unit sizes into large block sizes.

[0018] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the principle of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which will be interpreted in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] The principle of this invention can be better understood from the following illustrative drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 prediction modes to which the principles of the present invention can be applied. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an INTRA 16x16 prediction mode to which the principle of the present invention can be applied. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an operational partition used in a 32x32 block to which the principle of the present invention can be applied. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an exemplary video encoder to which the principle of the present invention can be applied, according to an embodiment of the principle of the present invention. [Figure 5]A block diagram of an exemplary video decoder to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, according to an embodiment of the principles of the present invention. [Figure 6] A block diagram of an exemplary hierarchical partition to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, according to an embodiment of the principles of the present invention. [Figure 7A] A flowchart of an exemplary method for encoding picture data for a large block by signaling an intra prediction for the large block, according to an embodiment of the principles of the present invention. [Figure 7B] A flowchart of an exemplary method for encoding picture data for a large block by signaling an intra prediction for the large block, according to an embodiment of the principles of the present invention. [Figure 8A] A flowchart showing an exemplary method for decoding picture data for a large block by determining that an intra prediction should be applied to the large block, according to an embodiment of the principles of the present invention. [Figure 8B] A flowchart showing an exemplary method for decoding picture data for a large block by determining that an intra prediction should be applied to the large block, according to an embodiment of the principles of the present invention. **DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION**

[0020] The principles of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for signaling intra prediction for large blocks in video encoders and video decoders.

[0021] This description describes the principles of the present invention. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various configurations can be devised and that the principles of the present invention can be adopted and included within its spirit and scope even if not explicitly described or illustrated herein.

[0022] All specific examples and conditional statements listed herein are intended for educational purposes to assist the reader in understanding the principles and concepts of the present invention provided by the inventors to advance the art, and should be interpreted as not being limited to such specific examples and conditions listed.

[0023] Furthermore, all descriptions herein that enumerate the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents. Such equivalents are also intended to encompass currently known and future-developed equivalents, i.e., any developed constituent elements that perform the same function regardless of their structure.

[0024] Therefore, for example, the block diagrams presented herein will be understood by those skilled in the art to represent conceptual diagrams of exemplary circuits embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, any flowchart, flow diagram, state transition diagram, pseudocode, etc., whether or not a computer or processor is explicitly shown, can be adequately represented on a computer-readable medium and will be understood to represent various processes thus executed by a computer or processor.

[0025] The functions of the various elements shown in the drawings can be provided through the use of dedicated hardware and hardware capable of running software in conjunction with appropriate software. Where provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple separate processors sharing some functions. Furthermore, the explicit use of the terms “processor” or “controller” should not be interpreted as referring only to hardware capable of running software, but implicitly includes, but is not limited to, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage devices for storing software.

[0026] Other conventional and / or custom hardware may be included. Similarly, any switches illustrated are purely conceptual. Their functions can be performed through the operation of programmed logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of programmed control and dedicated logic, or manually, and specific techniques are selectable by the implementer, to be understood in more detail from the context.

[0027] In the claims herein, any element represented as a means for performing a particular function is intended to include any method for performing that function, including, for example, a) a combination of multiple circuit elements that perform the function, or b) any form of software, such as firmware or microcode, combined with appropriate circuitry for performing the software that performs the function. The principle of the present invention as defined by the claims lies in the fact that the functions provided by the various means enumerated are combined and coupled in the manner proposed by the claims. Accordingly, any means that can provide these functions are considered equivalent to those shown herein.

[0028] References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” of the principle of the present invention, as well as other variations, mean that the specific features, structures, characteristics, etc., described in relation to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the principle of the present invention. Therefore, the appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” in various places throughout the specification, as well as any other variations, do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] For example, in the phrases "A / B," "A and / or B," and "at least one of A and B," the use of " / ," "and / or," and "at least one" should be understood as including the selection of only the first option listed (A), only the second option listed (B), or both options (A and B). Other specific examples include "A, B and / or C" and "at least one of A, B, and C," in which the phrase is intended to include the selection of only the first option listed (A), only the second option listed (B), only the third option listed (C), only the first and second options listed (A and B), only the first and third options listed (A and C), only the second and third options listed (B and C), or all three options (A, B, and C). The above can be extended to many of the listed items, as will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art in the relevant and related fields.

[0030] Furthermore, one or more embodiments of the principles of the present invention are described herein with respect to extensions of the MPEG-4 AVC standard, while the principles of the present invention are not limited to this extension and / or standard. Therefore, it should be understood that the principles of the present invention can also be applied to other video encoding standards, recommendations, and extensions thereof, while maintaining the spirit of the principles of the present invention.

[0031] As used herein, “high-level syntax” refers to syntax present in a bitstream at a level above the macroblock layer. For example, as used herein, high-level syntax may refer to, but is not limited to, syntax at the slice header level, syntax at the Additional Extensions (SEI) level, syntax at the Picture Parameter Set (PPS) level, syntax at the Sequence Parameter Set (SPS) level, and syntax at the Network Abstraction Layer (NAL) unit header level.

[0032] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “picture” and “image” are used interchangeably and refer to a picture from a still image or video sequence. As is well known, a picture may be a frame or a field.

[0033] Furthermore, as used herein, the term “signal transmission” refers to indicating something to the corresponding decoder. For example, an encoder can signal that intra prediction should be used for a particular large block (as defined herein) in order to inform the decoder which particular prediction type (e.g., intra or inter) was used on the encoder side. Thus, the same prediction type can be used on both the encoder and decoder sides. Therefore, for example, an encoder can transmit an indication (i.e., a signal) regarding a particular large block that intra prediction should be performed on that large block, simply so that the decoder knows and can select the same prediction type for that large block. It should be understood that signal transmission can be implemented in various ways. For example, one or more syntax elements, flags, etc., may be used to signal information to the corresponding decoder.

[0034] Referring to Figure 4, an exemplary video encoder to which the principle of the present invention can be applied according to an embodiment of the principle of the present invention is shown overall by reference no. 400.

[0035] The video encoder 400 includes a frame ordering buffer 410 with an output that signals to the non-inverting input of the combiner 485. The output of the combiner 485 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the converter and quantizer 425. The output of the converter and quantizer 425 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the entropy coder 445, as well as to the first input of the inverse converter and inverse quantizer 450. The output of the entropy coder 445 is connected by signal communication to the first non-inverting input of the combiner 490. The output of the combiner 490 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the output buffer 435.

[0036] The first output of the encoder controller 405 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the frame ordering buffer 410, the second input of the inverse converter and inverse quantizer 450, the input of the picture type determination module 415, the input of the macroblock type (MB-type) determination module 420, the second input of the ultra-intra prediction module 460, the second input of the deblocking filter 465, the first input of the motion compensation means 470, the first input of the motion prediction means 475, and the second input of the reference picture buffer 480.

[0037] The second output of the encoder controller 405 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the Additional Extended Information (SEI) inserter 430, the second input of the converter and quantizer 425, the second input of the entropy coder 445, the second input of the output buffer 435, and the inputs of the sequence parameter set (SPS) and picture parameter set (PPS) inserter 440.

[0038] The first output of the picture type determination module 415 is connected by signal communication to the third input of the frame ordering buffer 410. The second output of the picture type determination module 415 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the macroblock-type determination module 420.

[0039] The outputs of the sequence parameter set (SPS) and picture parameter set (PPS) inserters 440 are connected to the third non-inverting input of the combiner 490 by signal communication.

[0040] The output of the inverse quantizer and inverse converter 450 is connected by signal communication to the first non-inverting input of the combiner 419. The output of the combiner 419 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the ultra-intra prediction module 460 and to the first input of the deblocking filter 465. The output of the deblocking filter 465 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the reference picture buffer 480. The output of the reference picture buffer 480 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the motion prediction means 475. The first output of the motion prediction means 475 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the motion compensation means 470. The second output of the motion prediction means 475 is connected by signal communication to the third input of the entropy coder 445.

[0041] The output of motion compensation means 470 is connected by signal communication to the first input of switch 497. The output of ultra-intra prediction module 460 is connected by signal communication to the second input of switch 497. The output of macroblock-type determination module 420 is connected by signal communication to the third input of switch 497. The third input of switch 497 determines whether the “data” input of the switch (compared to the control input, i.e., the third input) should be provided by motion compensation means 470 or ultra-intra prediction module 460. The output of switch 497 is connected by signal communication to the second non-inverting input of combiner 419 and the inverting input of combiner 485.

[0042] The inputs of the frame ordering buffer 410 and the encoder controller 405 are available as inputs to the encoder 400 for receiving the input picture 401. Additionally, the input of the Additional Extended Information (SEI) inserter 430 is available as an input to the encoder 400 for receiving metadata. The output of the output buffer 435 is available as an output to the encoder 400 for outputting a bitstream.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5, an exemplary video decoder to which the principle of the present invention can be applied, according to an embodiment of the principle of the present invention, is shown overall by reference no. 500.

[0044] The video decoder 500 includes an input buffer 510 having an output connected by signal communication to the first input of the entropy decoder 545. The first output of the entropy decoder 545 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the inverse converter and inverse quantizer 550. The output of the inverse converter and inverse quantizer 550 is connected by signal communication to the second non-inverting input of the combiner 525. The output of the combiner 525 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the deblocking filter 565 and the first input of the ultra-intra prediction module 560. The second output of the deblocking filter 565 is connected by signal communication to the first input of the reference picture buffer 580. The output of the reference picture buffer 580 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the motion compensation means 570.

[0045] The second output of the entropy decoder 545 is connected by signal communication to the third input of the motion compensation means 570 and the first input of the deblocking filter 565. The third output of the entropy decoder 545 is connected by signal communication to the input of the decoder controller 505. The first output of the decoder controller 505 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the entropy decoder 545. The second output of the decoder controller 505 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the inverse converter and inverse quantizer 550. The third output of the decoder controller 505 is connected by signal communication to the third input of the deblocking filter 565. The fourth output of the decoder controller 505 is connected by signal communication to the second input of the superintra prediction module 560, the first input of the motion compensation means 570, and the second input of the reference picture buffer 580.

[0046] The output of the motion compensation means 570 is connected to the first input of the switch 597 by signal communication. The output of the ultra-intra prediction module 560 is connected to the second input of the switch 597 by signal communication. The output of the switch 597 is connected to the first non-inverting input of the combiner 525 by signal communication.

[0047] The input of the input buffer 510 is available as the input to the decoder 500 for receiving the input bitstream. The first output of the deblocking filter 565 is available as the output to the decoder 500 for outputting the output picture.

[0048] As mentioned above, the principle of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting intra-predictive signals over large blocks of video encoders and decoders. Also as mentioned above, a large block to which the principle of the present invention can be applied is defined as a block equal to or larger than 32 × 32.

[0049] In one embodiment, for ease of reference, the signal transmission of intra-prediction is divided into two parts: sip_type (a spatial intra-partition type, which may be INTRA4×4, INTRA8×8, INTRA16×16, etc.), and intra-prediction modes (intra_pred_mode) within each sip_type (e.g., nine intra-prediction modes within INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8). More specifically in relation to a particular embodiment, the following three rules relating to the principles of the present invention are proposed: (1) select a basic coding unit, (2) enable hierarchical layered intra-prediction by splitting from the largest intra-prediction type or by combining from the basic coding unit, and (3) assign a higher priority to the most frequently used intra-prediction mode (intra_pred_mode) for each sip_type. With respect to rule (1), multiple sip_types (spatial intra-partition types) are allowed for a basic coding unit. [Examples]

[0050] In one embodiment, the basic coding unit is set to 16×16. With this coding unit, the sip_type (spatial intra partition type) can be INTRA4×4, INTRA8×8, or INTRA16×16. Furthermore, hierarchical layered intra prediction as shown in Figure 6 becomes possible.

[0051] Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary hierarchical partition to which the principles of the present invention can be applied is shown overall by reference no. 600. In this embodiment, when the maximum block size is set to 64×64, "signal transfer partitioning" is utilized to enable hierarchical layer intra prediction. That is, in one embodiment, an intra64_flag is added. If intra64_flag is equal to 1, INTRA64×64 is used. Or, if intra64_flag is equal to 0, the 64×64 block 611 is divided into four 32×32 blocks 621. For each 32×32 block 621, an intra32_flag is added. If intra32_flag is equal to 1, INTRA32×32 is used. Or, if intra32_flag is equal to 0, all sip_types (spatial intra partition types) allowed in 16×16 basic coding units are also allowed here (i.e., with respect to the 32×32 block 621). The intra_pred_mode for INTRA16×16 has a DC mode and a directional mode, the latter enabling different types of directional prediction by transmitting mode information. Therefore, the 32×32 intra_pred_block 621 can be further divided into four 16×16 intra_pred_blocks 631. One or more of the four 16×16 intra_pred_blocks 631 can be further divided into a DC mode (not shown), a 16×16 mode 641, an 8×8 mode 651, and a 4×4 mode 661. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are the following four 16×16 intra_pred_modes: DC, horizontal (HOR), vertical (VER), and multi-directional (Multi-DIR). The intra_pred_mode is transmitted considering the priority of each mode. In INTRA16×16, DC mode is used more frequently than other modes, so INTRA16×16_DC is added before INTRA16×16 in the sip_type (spatial intra partition type) table. Then, the display of the most probable mode (most_probable_mode) for the intra prediction mode (intra_pred_mode) for INTRA16×16 is removed.Instead, the other three modes (16x16, 8x8, 4x4) will be displayed reliably.

[0052] Syntax Tables 2 and 3 describe specific syntax examples relating to this embodiment. In particular, Table 2 shows exemplary specifications of sip type (spatial intra-partition type) for a 16x16 coding unit according to an embodiment of the principle of the present invention, and Table 3 shows exemplary INTRA16x16 prediction modes according to an embodiment of the principle of the present invention. For INTRA32x32 / INTRA64x64, the same modes as for INTRA16x16 are used. For signal transmission, DC is used most frequently, so the most probable mode indication is replaced with intra32_DC_flag and intra64_DC flag, and other intra-pred modes are reliably encoded.

[0053] Since the transmission of intra-pred mode signals for INTRA4×4 and INTRA8×8 can be performed in exactly the same way as in the MPEG-4 AVC standard, these modes will not be listed in either table.

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] [Table 3] Table 4 shows exemplary macroblock layer syntax according to embodiments of the principle of the present invention.

[0056] [Table 4]

[0057] The semantics of some of the syntax elements in Table 4 are as follows: An Intra64_flag equal to 1 specifies that INTRA64x64 will be used. An Intra64_flag equal to 0 specifies that the large 64x64 block will be further divided into 32x32 partitions. An Intra64_DC_flag equal to 1 indicates that the intra_pred_mode for INTRA64×64 is DC mode. An Intra64_DC_flag equal to 0 indicates that the intra_pred_mode for INTRA64×64 is not DC mode. intra_pred_mode_64 specifies the intra-prediction mode (excluding DC mode) for INTRA64×64. Intra64_multidir_index specifies the index of the angle for the Multi_Dir mode of INTRA64×64. An intra32_flag[i] equal to 1 specifies that INTRA32×32 will be used for the i-th 32×32 large block. An intra32_flag[i] equal to 0 specifies that the i-th 32×32 large block will be further divided into 16×16 partitions. An intra32_DC_flag[i] equal to 1 indicates that intra_pred_mode is the DC mode for INTRA32x32 for the i-th 32x32 block. An intra32_DC_flag[i] equal to 0 indicates that intra_pred_mode is not the DC mode for INTRA32x32 for the i-th 32x32 block. intra_pred_mode_32[i] specifies the intra-prediction mode (excluding DC mode) for INTRA32×32 for the i-th 32×32 large block. Intra32_multidir_index specifies the angle index for the Multi_Dir (multidirectional) mode of INTRA32×32. sip_type[i] specifies the spatial intra-partition type for the i-th 16x16 block's basic block coding unit. Intra_pred_mode_16[i] specifies the intra-prediction mode (excluding DC mode) for INTRA16×16 for the i-th 16×16 block. Intra16_multidir_index specifies the index of the angle for the Multi_Dir mode of INTRA16x16 for the i-th 16x16 block. [Examples]

[0058] In other embodiments, the larger block units are selected as appropriate, such as 32x32 or 64x64. The selection can be used to transmit signals using one or more high-level syntax elements. In one embodiment, if 32x32 is selected, all syntax associated with 64x64 is simply removed.

[0059] In other embodiments, hierarchical layer-intra prediction may involve combining from the basic coding unit. For example, if the maximum block unit is 64x64 and the basic coding unit is 16x16, one flag (is_all_16x16_coding) is used to indicate that "all 16x16 blocks within a single 64x64 block are of the 16x16 coding type." If (is_all_16x16_coding) is equal to 1, this indicates that the 16x16 coding type is being used and signal transmission is stopped. In other cases, one flag (is_all_32x32_coding) is used to indicate that all 32x32 blocks within a single 64x64 block are of the 32x32 coding type. If (is_all_32x32_coding) is equal to 1, this indicates that all 32x32 blocks within a single 64x64 block are of the 32x32 coding type. In other cases, if (is_all_32×32_coding) and (is_all_16×16_coding) are equal to 0, this indicates that INTRA64×64 will be used.

[0060] In other embodiments, SIP types (Spatial Intra-Partition Types) are introduced for block units of size 16x16 or larger (large_sip_type). The three types are: large_intra_16x16; large_intra_32x32; and large_intra_64x64. large_intra_16x16 means that all 16x16 blocks within one large block are of the 16x16 encoding type. large_intra_32x32 means that all 32x32 blocks within one large block are of the 32x32 encoding type. In some embodiments, large_intra_32x32, when combined with the above embodiments and intra32_flag, enables hierarchical intra-prediction. large_intra_64x64 means that all 64x64 blocks within one large block are encoded as INTRA64x64.

[0061] In other embodiments, multiple sip / mode tables can be introduced. The tables may be pre-stored in both the encoder and decoder, or they may be user-specified and can be transmitted using one or more high-level syntax elements. Table 5 shows an exemplary macroblock layer syntax according to one embodiment of the principles of the present invention.

[0062] [Table 5]

[0063] The semantics of some of the syntax elements in Table 5 are as follows: A value equal to 1 (is_all_16×16_coding) specifies that all 16×16 blocks within a single large block are encoded using the 16×16 encoding type. A value equal to 0 (is_all_16×16_coding) specifies that large blocks are not encoded using the 16×16 encoding type. A value equal to 1 (is_all_32×32_coding) specifies that all 32×32 blocks within a single large block are encoded using the 32×32 encoding type. A value equal to 0 (is_all_32×32_coding) specifies that no large block is encoded using the 32×32 encoding type.

[0064] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, these figures together illustrate an exemplary method for encoding picture data for a large block by signaling an intra-prediction for the large block, and are collectively referred to as reference number 700. The method 700 includes a start block 705 that passes control to a function block 710. The function block 710 performs initialization and passes control to a loop end block 715. The loop end block 715 places a 64x64 block (i.e., a block with a block size of 64x64) into a loop (hereinafter also referred to as "loop 1") and passes control to function block 785 and loop end block 720.

[0065] The functional block 785 performs Intra64x64 mode determination, sets the Intra64_DC flag based on RD64 (i.e., rate distortion resulting from Intra64x64 mode determination), and passes control to the determination block 770.

[0066] The loop end block 720 places four 32x32 blocks (i.e., four blocks with a block size of 32x32, obtained when the current 64x64 block is processed by loop 1) into a loop (hereinafter also referred to as "loop 2") and hands over control to the control block 790 and the loop end block 725.

[0067] Function block 790 performs Intra32×32 mode determination, sets the Intra32_DC flag based on RD32 (i.e., the rate distortion resulting from Intra32×32 mode determination), and passes the control to decision block 750.

[0068] Loop end block 725 applies four 16×16 blocks (i.e., blocks having a 16×16 block size and obtained by processing the current 32×32 block by loop two) to a loop (hereinafter also referred to as "loop 3"), and passes the control to function block 730 and function block 735.

[0069] Function block 730 determines the Intra16×16_DC mode and passes the control to function block 740. Function block 735 determines other 16×16 modes (i.e., other than Intra16×16_DC) and lower modes (e.g., 8×8, 4×4, etc.) and passes the control to function block 740.

[0070] Function block 740 performs 16×16 mode determination based on RD16 (i.e., the rate distortion resulting from intra16×16 mode determination), and then accumulates the RD16 of each 16×16 block to obtain TotRD16 (indicating the total rate distortion of the entire 32×32 block when encoded by four 16×16 blocks), and passes the control to loop end block 745. Loop end block 745 closes the loop of 16×16 blocks (i.e., "loop 3") and passes the control to decision block 750.

[0071] Decision block 750 determines whether RD32 < TotRD16 (i.e., whether the rate distortion cost for the current 32×32 block is less than the total rate distortion cost for the four 16×16 blocks obtained from the current 32×32 block). If so, the control is passed to function block 755. Otherwise, the control is passed to function block 742.

[0072] Functional block 755 sets Intra32_flag equal to 1 and passes control to functional block 760. Functional block 742 sets Intra32_flag equal to 0 and passes control to functional block 760.

[0073] Functional block 760 sets the accumulation of RD32 for each 32×32 block to TotRD32, displays the total rate distortion of the entire 64×64 block when encoded by four 32×32 blocks, and passes control to loop end block 765. Loop end block 765 closes the loop of the 32×32 block (i.e., loop 2) and passes control to decision block 770.

[0074] Decision block 770 determines whether RD64 < TotRD32 (i.e., whether the rate distortion cost for the current 64×64 block is less than the total rate distortion cost for the four 32×32 blocks obtained from the current 64×64 block). If so, control is passed to functional block 775. Otherwise, control is passed to functional block 780.

[0075] Functional block 775 sets Intra64_flag equal to 1 and passes control to loop end block 795. Functional block 780 sets Intra64_flag equal to 0 and passes control to functional block 795.

[0076] Functional block 795 closes the loop of the 64×64 block (i.e., loop 1) and passes control to functional block 797. Functional block 797 entropy encodes the flag, intra prediction mode (intra_pred_mode), and residue and passes control to end block 99.

[0077] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, both of these figures illustrate an exemplary method for decoding picture data for large blocks by determining that intra prediction should be applied to large blocks, and are collectively referred to as reference number 800. Method 800 includes a start block 805 that passes control to a function block 808. Function block 808 initializes the decoder and then passes control to function block 810. Function block 810 parses the bitstream and passes control to loop end block 815. Loop end block 815 loops through 64x64 blocks (hereinafter referred to as "loop 1") and passes control to decision block 820. Decision block 820 determines whether Intra64_flag is set to equal to 1. If so, control is passed to function block 885. Otherwise, control is passed to loop end block 825.

[0078] Functional block 885 is intra64_DC It is determined whether the flag is set to equal to 1. If so, control is passed to function block 887. Otherwise, control is passed to function block 888. Function block 887 performs intra64×64DC prediction and then passes control to function block 890. Function block 888 performs intra64×64 prediction other than intra64×64DC mode and then passes control to control block 890. Function block 890 decodes the current 64×64 block and passes control to loop end block 880. Loop end block 880 closes the 64×64 block loop (i.e., loop 1) and passes control to termination block 899.

[0079] The loop end block 825 places four 32x32 blocks into a loop (hereinafter referred to as "loop 2") and passes control to the decision block 830. The decision block 830 determines whether Intra32_flag is equal to 1 or not. If so, control is passed to the function block 835. Otherwise, control is passed to the loop end block 845.

[0080] Functional block 835 determines whether Intra32_DC_flag is equal to 1. If so, control is passed to functional block 837. Otherwise, control is passed to functional block 838. Functional block 837 performs intra32×32DC prediction and passes control to functional block 840. Functional block 838 performs intra prediction for modes other than intra32×32DC and then passes control to functional block 840. Functional block 840 decodes the 32×32 block and passes control to loop end block 875.

[0081] Loop end block 875 closes the 32x32 block loop (i.e., loop 2) and hands control over to loop end block 880.

[0082] The loop end block 845 places four 16x16 blocks into a loop (hereinafter referred to as "loop 3") and passes control to the decision block 850. The decision block 850 determines whether sip_type (spatial intra partition type) = Intra16_DC. If so, control is passed to the function block 855. Otherwise, control is passed to the function block 860.

[0083] Functional block 855 performs Intra16×16_DC mode prediction and hands control over to functional block 865. Functional block 860 performs mode prediction using other intra prediction modes (i.e., modes other than Intra16×16_DC mode) and hands control over to functional block 865.

[0084] Functional block 865 decodes the 16x16 block and passes control to loop end block 870. Loop end block 870 closes the 16x16 block loop (i.e., loop 3) and passes control to loop end block 875.

[0085] Some of the many associated advantages / features of the present invention have been described, some of which are stated above. For example, one advantage / feature is that the device has a video encoder that encodes picture data for at least one block in a picture by signaling an intra-prediction for at least one large block. The intra-prediction is signaled by selecting a basic coding unit size and assigning a single spatial intra-prediction type for the basic coding unit size. A single spatial intra-partition type can be selected from multiple spatial intra-partition types. At least one large block has a large block size that is larger than the block size of the basic coding unit. The intra-prediction is a hierarchical layer intra-prediction and is performed for at least one large block by dividing the large block size into basic coding unit sizes and combining the basic coding unit sizes into large block sizes.

[0086] Other advantages / features include the fact that the device has the aforementioned video encoder, and for each of the multiple spatial intra-partition types, a higher priority is assigned to the specific intra-prediction mode that is used most frequently among the multiple available intra-prediction modes.

[0087] Another advantage / feature is that the device has the aforementioned video encoder, and a large block size can be selected as appropriate.

[0088] Another advantage / feature is that the device has the aforementioned video encoder, and signal transmission is performed using one or more high-level syntax elements.

[0089] Another advantage / feature is that the device has the video encoder described above, and at least one of the spatial intra-partition type table and intra-predictive mode table is pre-stored and used by the video encoder to encode at least one large block. At least one of the spatial intra-partition type table and intra-predictive mode table is pre-stored and used by the corresponding video decoder to decode at least one large block.

[0090] Another advantage / feature is that the device has the aforementioned video encoder, and at least one of the spatial intra-partition type table and intra-predictive mode table is used by the video encoder to encode at least one large block and transmit it using one or more high-level syntax elements.

[0091] The above and other features and advantages of the principle of the present invention can be readily confirmed by those skilled in the art in the relevant field based on the teachings described herein. The teachings of the principle of the present invention can be implemented by various forms of hardware, software, firmware, dedicated processors, or combinations thereof.

[0092] Most preferably, the teaching of the principles of the present invention is implemented as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the software may be implemented as an application program that is substantially embodied on a program storage device. The application program may be uploaded to a machine having some suitable architecture and executed by that machine. Preferably, the machine is implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), random access memory (RAM), and input / output (I / O) interfaces. The computer platform may include an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may be part of the microinstruction code, part of the application program, or a combination thereof, and may be executed by the CPU. Various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer platform, such as auxiliary data storage devices and printing devices.

[0093] Since some of the system elements and methods described in the accompanying drawings are preferably implemented by software, it should be understood that the actual connections between system components or process function blocks may differ depending on how the principles of the present invention are programmed. Given the teachings described herein, those skilled in the art will be able to anticipate these and similar implementations or structures of the principles of the present invention.

[0094] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the principles of the present invention are not limited to these exact embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art in these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the principles of the present invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be included within the scope of the principles of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A decryption method comprising decrypting picture data for at least one large block within a picture, The aforementioned large block has a large block size of 64 x 64, which is larger than the basic coding unit size of 16 x 16. Intra prediction is performed for the aforementioned large block, Decoding a first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element that specifies whether the large block is further divided into four 32x32 subblocks, If the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is not further partitioned, then the intra-prediction mode for the large block is decoded. Alternatively, if the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is further divided, For each 32x32 subblock, a second binary partitioning signaling syntax element is decoded that specifies whether the 32x32 subblock is further divided into four subblocks of basic coding unit size; if the second binary partitioning signaling syntax element specifies that the subblock is not further divided, an intra-prediction mode for the subblock is decoded. A decoding method wherein, for each 32x32 subblock, if the second binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the 32x32 subblock is further partitioned, the signal is transmitted by decoding a single spatial intra-partition type, which can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types, for each resulting subblock of a basic coding unit size of 16x16.

2. The decoding method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is pre-stored and used by the decoding method to decode intra-prediction modes for partitions of sub-blocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

3. The decoding method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is received by the decoding method using one or more high-level syntax elements and used by the decoding method to decode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

4. The decoding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spatial intra-partition type specifies the size of the partitions of subblocks with a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

5. An encoding method comprising encoding picture data for at least one large block, by determining that an intra prediction is performed for at least one large block within the picture, The aforementioned large block has a large block size of 64 x 64, which is larger than the basic coding unit size of 16 x 16. The intra prediction is made for at least one large block, Encoding a first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element that specifies whether the aforementioned large block is further divided into four 32x32 subblocks, If the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is not further partitioned, then the intra-prediction mode for the large block is encoded, Alternatively, if the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is further divided, For each 32x32 subblock, encode a second binary partitioning signaling syntax element that specifies whether the 32x32 subblock is further divided into four subblocks of basic coding unit size, and if the second binary partitioning signaling syntax element specifies that the subblock is not further divided, encode an intra-prediction mode for the subblock. An encoding method in which, for each 32x32 subblock, if the second binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the 32x32 subblock is further partitioned, the signal is transmitted by encoding a single spatial intra-partition type, which can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types, for each resulting subblock of a basic encoding unit size of 16x16.

6. The encoding method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is pre-stored and used by the encoding method to encode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic encoding unit size of 16 × 16.

7. The encoding method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is encoded by the encoding method using one or more high-level syntax elements, and is used by the encoding method to encode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic encoding unit size of 16 × 16.

8. The encoding method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the spatial intra-partition type specifies the size of the partitions of subblocks of a basic encoding unit size of 16 × 16.

9. A device comprising at least one memory and one or more processors, The aforementioned one or more processors It is configured to decode picture data for at least one large block within the picture. The aforementioned large block has a large block size of 64 x 64, which is larger than the basic coding unit size of 16 x 16. Intra prediction is signaled for each large block, and one or more processors A first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element is decoded, which specifies whether the large block is further divided into four 32x32 subblocks. If the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is not further partitioned, the intra-prediction mode for the large block is decoded. Alternatively, if the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is further divided, For each 32x32 subblock, decode a second binary partitioning signaling syntax element that specifies whether the 32x32 subblock is further divided into four subblocks of basic coding unit size; if the second binary partitioning signaling syntax element specifies that the subblock is not further divided, decode the intra-prediction mode for the subblock. A device configured to decode a single spatial intra-partition type, which can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types, for each resulting 16x16 subblock of basic coding unit size, provided that the second binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the 32x32 subblock is further partitioned.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is pre-stored and used by one or more processors configured to decode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is received by the apparatus using one or more high-level syntax elements and used by one or more processors configured to decode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the spatial intra-partition type specifies the size of the partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

13. A device comprising at least one memory and one or more processors, The aforementioned one or more processors The system is configured to encode picture data for at least one large block by determining that an intra-prediction is performed for at least one large block within the picture. The aforementioned large block has a large block size of 64 x 64, which is larger than the basic coding unit size of 16 x 16. The intra prediction is signaled for at least one large block, and one or more processors Encode a first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element that specifies whether the large block is further divided into four 32x32 subblocks, If the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is not further partitioned, then encode the intra-prediction mode for the large block. Alternatively, if the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is further divided, For each 32x32 subblock, encode a second binary partitioning signaling syntax element that specifies whether the 32x32 subblock is further divided into four subblocks of basic coding unit size; if the second binary partitioning signaling syntax element specifies that the subblock is not further divided, encode an intra-prediction mode for the subblock. A device configured to encode a single spatial intra-partition type, which can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types, for each resulting sub-block of a basic encoding unit size of 16 × 16, provided that the second binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the 32 × 32 sub-block is further partitioned.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is pre-stored and used by one or more processors configured to encode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is encoded by the apparatus using one or more high-level syntax elements and used by one or more processors configured to encode intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the spatial intra-partition type specifies the size of the partitions of subblocks with a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

17. A transmission method comprising transmitting picture data for at least one large block, by determining that an intra prediction is performed for at least one large block within a picture, The aforementioned large block has a large block size of 64 x 64, which is larger than the basic coding unit size of 16 x 16. The intra prediction is made for at least one large block, Transmitting a first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element that specifies whether the large block is further divided into four 32x32 subblocks, If the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block will not be further partitioned, then transmit the intra-prediction mode of the large block. Alternatively, if the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is further divided, For each 32x32 subblock, a second binary division signaling syntax element is transmitted that specifies whether the 32x32 subblock is further divided into four subblocks of basic coding unit size; if the second binary division signaling syntax element specifies that the subblock is not further divided, an intra-prediction mode for the subblock is transmitted. A transmission method wherein, for each 32x32 subblock, if the second binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the 32x32 subblock is further partitioned, the signal is transmitted by transmitting a single spatial intra-partition type, which can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types, for each resulting subblock of a basic coding unit size of 16x16.

18. The transmission method according to claim 17, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is pre-stored and used by the transmission method to transmit intra-prediction modes for partitions of sub-blocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

19. The transmission method according to claim 17, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is transmitted by the transmission method using one or more high-level syntax elements, and is used by the transmission method to transmit intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

20. The transmission method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the spatial intra-partition type specifies the size of the partitions of subblocks with a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

21. A transmitting device comprising at least one memory and one or more processors, The aforementioned one or more processors The system is configured to transmit picture data for at least one large block by determining that an intra prediction is performed for at least one large block within the picture. The aforementioned large block has a large block size of 64 x 64, which is larger than the basic coding unit size of 16 x 16. The intra prediction is signaled for at least one large block, and the transmitter is A first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element is transmitted that specifies whether the large block is further divided into four 32x32 subblocks. If the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block will not be further partitioned, then transmit an intra-prediction mode for the large block. Alternatively, if the first binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the large block is further divided, For each 32x32 subblock, a second binary division signaling syntax element is transmitted that specifies whether the 32x32 subblock is further divided into four subblocks of basic coding unit size; if the second binary division signaling syntax element specifies that the subblock is not further divided, an intra-prediction mode for the subblock is transmitted. A device configured to transmit a single spatial intra-partition type, which can be determined from a plurality of spatial intra-partition types, for each resulting sub-block of 16x16 basic coding unit size, provided that the second binary partitioning signal transmission syntax element specifies that the 32x32 sub-block is further partitioned for each 32x32 sub-block.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is pre-stored and used by one or more processors configured to transmit intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least one of a spatial intra-partition type table and an intra-prediction mode table is transmitted by the apparatus using one or more high-level syntax elements and used by one or more processors configured to transmit intra-prediction modes for partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the spatial intra-partition type specifies the size of the partitions of subblocks of a basic coding unit size of 16 × 16.

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