Channel suppression mechanism and syntax for feature compression

Abstract

Systems, methods and instrumentalities may be configured for channel suppression and feature compression. An example video decoding device may receive, for a tensor, a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate representative channels of clusters and self-coded channels associated with the tensor. The device may decode the representative channels and the self-coded channels based on the channel coding mode indication. The device may reconstruct the tensor based on the decoded representative channels and the decoded self-coded channels. Decoding the representative channels and the self-coded channels may include determining a number of the representative channels and a number of the self-coded channels. Reconstructing the tensor may include determining, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a representative channel or a self-coded channel. The first channel may be decoded based on the determining.

Description

PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTCHANNEL SUPPRESSION MECHANISM AND SYNTAX FOR FEATURE COMPRESSIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application No. 63 / 537,659, filed September 11, 2023, and U.S. patent application No. 63 / 537,921, filed September 12, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Video coding systems may be used to compress digital video signals, e.g., to reduce the storage and / or transmission bandwidth needed for such signals. Video coding systems may include, for example, block-based, wavelet-based, and / or object-based systems.SUMMARY

[0003] Systems, methods and instrumentalities may be configured for channel suppression and feature compression. A video decoding device may be configured to receive, for a tensor, a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate a representative channels of clusters and self-coded channels associated with the tensor. The device may decode the representative channels and the self-coded channels based on the channel coding mode indication. The device may reconstruct the tensor based on the decoded representative channels and the decoded self-coded channels.

[0004] The device may determine a number of the representative channels, and the representative channels may be decoded based further on the number of the representative channels. The device may obtain cluster indices that are associated with the representative channels based on the channel coding mode indication, and the tensor may be reconstructed based further on the cluster indices.

[0005] The device may decode a first representative channel associated with a first cluster index. The device may identify a first set of channels associated with the first cluster index. The device may reconstruct the first channels associated with the first cluster index based on the decoded first represented channel. The device may decode a second representative channel associated with a second cluster index. The device may identify a second set of channels associated with the second cluster index. The device may reconstruct the second set of channels associated with the second cluster index based on thePCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT decoded second represented channel, and the tensor may be reconstructed based further on the reconstructed first set of channels and the reconstructed second set of channels.

[0006] The device may determine a number of the self-coded channels, and the self-coded channels may be decoded based further on the number of the self-coded channels. The device may determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a cluster-coded channel or a selfcoded channel. The device may, based on determining that the first channel is a cluster-coded channel, obtain a cluster index associated with the first channel. The device may identify a representative channel associated with the cluster index. The device may reconstruct the first channel based on the identified representative channel, and the tensor may be reconstructed based further on the reconstructed first channel.

[0007] The device may determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a second channel is a cluster-coded channel or a self-coded channel. The device may determine that the second channel is a self-coded channel. The device may decode the second channel based on the determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel, and the tensor may be reconstructed based further on the decoded second channel.

[0008] An example video decoding device may be configured to determine, for a tensor, representative channels of clusters and self-coded channels associated with the tensor. The device may encode the representative channels and the self-coded channels. The device may include the channel coding mode indication in video data.

[0009] The device may determine a number of the representative channels, and the channel coding mode indication may be configured to indicate the number of the representative channels. The device may identify cluster-coded channels. The device may determine cluster indices that correspond to the cluster- coded channels, and the channel coding mode indication may be configured to indicate the cluster indices that correspond to the cluster-coded channels.

[0010] The device may determine a first representative channel associated with a first cluster index. The device may identify a first set of channels associated with the first cluster index, and the channel coding mode indication may be configured to indicate that the first set of channels are associated with the first cluster index. The device may determine a second representative channel associated with a second cluster index. The device may identify a second set of channels associated with the second cluster index, and the channel coding mode indication may be configured to indicate that the second set of channels are associated with the second cluster index. The device may determine a number of the self-coded channels, and the channel coding mode indication may be configured to indicate the number of the self-coded channels.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0011] The device may determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a cluster-coded channel or a self-coded channel. The device may, based on determining that the first channel is a cluster-coded channel, obtain a cluster index associated with the first channel. The device may indicate, in the channel coding mode indication, that the first channel is associated with the cluster index. The device may determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a second channel is a cluster-coded channel or a self-coded channel. The device may determine that the second channel is a self-coded channel. The device may encode the second channel based on the determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel. The device may indicate, in the channel coding mode indication, that second channel is a self-coded channel.

[0012] Systems, methods and instrumentalities may be configured for channel suppression and feature compression. An example video decoding device may receive, for a tensor, a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate representative channels of clusters and self-coded channels associated with the tensor. The device may decode the representative channels and the self-coded channels based on the channel coding mode indication. The device may reconstruct the tensor based on the decoded representative channels and the decoded self-coded channels. Decoding the representative channels and the self-coded channels may include determining a number of the representative channels and a number of the self-coded channels. Reconstructing the tensor may include determining, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a representative channel or a self-coded channel. The first channel may be decoded based on the determining.

[0013] An example video encoding device may determine a cluster of similar channels within a tensor. The device may encode self-coded channels and a representative channel of the cluster. Encoding the representative channel of the cluster may include generating the representative channel based on the channels within the cluster. The device may include a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate the self-coded channels and the representative channel. The channel coding mode indication may be structured such that a predetermined value indicates the self-coded channels and a value other than the predetermined value indicates the representative channel (e.g., an index of the corresponding cluster).

[0014] An example video decoding device may decode a mean value associated with a channel, wherein the channel may be associated with a feature tensor. The example video decoding device may further decode a channel mode associated with the channel, and decode the channel based at least on the decoded channel mode and the decoded mean value. If the channel mode indicates that the channel is a self-coded channel, the channel may be decoded by adding the decoded mean value to the self-coded channel. If the channel mode indicates that the channel is a group-coded channel, the channel may be decoded by adding the decoded mean value to a representative channel associated with the group.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1A is a system diagram illustrating an example communications system in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented.

[0016] FIG. 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 1C is a system diagram illustrating an example radio access network (RAN) and an example core network (CN) that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1 A according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 1D is a system diagram illustrating a further example RAN and a further example CN that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1 A according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an example video encoder.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an example video decoder.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a system in which various aspects and examples may be implemented.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates an example video coding pipeline.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an example pipeline for feature compression.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates an example region-based convolutional neural network (RCNN) architecture.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates example shapes of tensors based on a split point.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an example clustering indexation vector that may be transmitted to a decoder.

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates an example encoder process.

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an example decoder process.

[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates an example process of decoding a channel of a tensor.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A more detailed understanding may be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example communications system 100 in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communications system 100 may be a multiple access system that provides content, such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcast, etc., to multiple wireless users. The communications system 100 may enable multiple wireless users to access such content through the sharing of system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For example, the communications systems 100 may employ one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonalPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTFDMA (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), and the like.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1A, the communications system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a RAN 104 / 113, a ON 106 / 115, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, though it will be appreciated 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 of which may be referred to as a "station” and / or a "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 telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, a hotspot or Mi-Fl device, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a UE.

[0033] The communications systems 100 may also include a base station 114a and / or a base station 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 the other networks 112. By way of example, the base stations 114a, 114b may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNode B, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a gNB, a NR NodeB, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router, and the like. While the base stations 114a, 114b are each depicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that the base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0034] The base station 114a may be part of the 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), relay nodes, etc. The base station 114a and / or the 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 a cell (not shown). These frequencies may be in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage for a wireless service to a specific geographical area that may be relatively fixed or that may change over time. The cell may furtherPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT be divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with the base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, the base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one for each sector of the cell. In an embodiment, the 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 desired spatial directions.

[0035] The base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d over an air interface 116, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interface 116 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0036] More specifically, as noted above, the communications 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, and the like. For example, the base station 114a in the RAN 104 / 113 and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may establish the air interface 115 / 116 / 117 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). 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).

[0037] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish the air interface 116 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and / or LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro).

[0038] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as NR Radio Access, which may establish the air interface 116 using New Radio (NR).

[0039] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together, for instance using dual connectivity (DC) principles. Thus, the air interface utilized by WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions sent to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., an eNB and a gNB).

[0040] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the 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 1 X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System forPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTMobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), and the like.

[0041] The base station 114b in FIG. 1 A may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home eNode B, or access point, for example, and may utilize any suitable RAT for facilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a place of business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an air corridor (e.g., for use by drones), a roadway, and the like. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may 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 may 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 may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell. As shown in FIG. 1A, the base station 114b may have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b may not be required to access the Internet 110 via the CN 106 / 115.

[0042] The RAN 104 / 113 may be in communication with the CN 106 / 115, which may 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 may have varying quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as differing throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, and the like. The CN 106 / 115 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform high-level security functions, such as user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 1A, it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 / 113 and / or the CN 106 / 115 may be in direct or indirect communication 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, which may be utilizing a NR radio technology, the CN 106 / 115 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employing a GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0043] The CN 106 / 115 may also serve as a gateway for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or the other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include circuit- switched telephone networks that provide 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 the transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP) and / or the internet protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP internet protocol suite. The networks 112 may include wired and / or wireless communications networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the networks 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0044] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communications system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities (e.g., the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links). For example, the WTRU 102c shown in FIG. 1 A may be configured to communicate with the base station 114a, which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with the base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0045] FIG. 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example WTRU 102. As shown in FIG. 1 B, 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, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power source 134, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripherals 138, among others. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0046] The processor 118 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. The processor 118 may perform signal coding, 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 may be coupled to the transceiver 120, which may be coupled to the transmit / receive element 122. While FIG. 1B depicts the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 as separate components, it will be appreciated that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0047] The transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit signals to, or receive signals from, a base station (e.g., the base station 114a) over the air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In an embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an emitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals, for example. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive both RF and light signals. It will be appreciated that the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0048] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is depicted in FIG. 1 B as a single element, the WTRU 102 may include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 may employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include two or morePCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals over the air interface 116.

[0049] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate the signals that are to be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and to demodulate the signals that are received by the transmit / receive element 122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 may have multi-mode capabilities. Thus, the transceiver 120 may include multiple transceivers for enabling the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11, for example.

[0050] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to, and may receive user input data from, the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from, and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the non-removable memory 130 and / or the removable memory 132. 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, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or a home computer (not shown).

[0051] The processor 118 may receive power from the power source 134, and may be configured to distribute and / or control the power to the 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 cell batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, and the like.

[0052] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the 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 in lieu of, the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information over the air interface 116 from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) and / or determine its location based on the timing of the signals being received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may acquire location information by way of any suitable locationdetermination method while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0053] The processor 118 may further be coupled to other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an e-compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photographs and / or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port, aPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, a Bluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, a Virtual Reality and / or Augmented Reality (VR / AR) device, an activity tracker, and the like. The peripherals 138 may include one or more sensors, the sensors may be one or more of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a time sensor; a geolocation sensor; an altimeter, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a magnetometer, a barometer, a gesture sensor, a biometric sensor, and / or a humidity sensor.

[0054] The WTRU 102 may include a full duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (e.g., associated with particular subframes for both the 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 to reduce and or substantially eliminate self-interference via either hardware (e.g., a choke) or signal processing via a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or via processor 118). In an embodiment, the WRTU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (e.g., associated with particular subframes for either the UL (e.g., for transmission) or the downlink (e.g., for reception)).

[0055] FIG. 1C is a system diagram illustrating the RAN 104 and the ON 106 according to an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also be in communication with the ON 106.

[0056] The RAN 104 may include eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any number of eNode-Bs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, the eNode-B 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to, and / or receive wireless signals from, the WTRU 102a.

[0057] Each of the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1C, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may communicate with one another over an X2 interface.

[0058] The CN 106 shown in FIG. 1C may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, a serving gateway (SGW) 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway (or PGW) 166. While each of the foregoing elements are depicted as part of the CN 106, it will be appreciated that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0059] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the eNode-Bs 162a, 162b, 162c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initial attach of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like. The MME 162 may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0060] The SGW 164 may be connected to each of the eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 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, 102c. The SGW 164 may perform other functions, such as anchoring user planes during inter- eNode B handovers, triggering paging when DL data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, managing and storing contexts of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like.

[0061] The SGW 164 may be connected to the PGW 166, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0062] The CN 106 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices. For example, the CN 106 may include, or may communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks that are owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0063] Although the WTRU is described in FIGS. 1A-1D as a wireless terminal, it is contemplated that in certain representative embodiments that such a terminal may use (e.g., temporarily or permanently) wired communication interfaces with the communication network.

[0064] In representative embodiments, the other network 112 may be a WLAN.

[0065] A WLAN in Infrastructure Basic Service Set (BSS) mode may have an Access Point (AP) for the BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP may have an access or an interface to a Distribution System (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic in to and / or out of the BSS. Traffic to STAs that originates from outside the BSS may arrive through the AP and may be delivered to the STAs. Traffic originating from STAs to destinations outside the BSS may be sent to the AP to be delivered to respective destinations. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be sent through the AP, for example, where the source STA may send traffic to the AP and the AP may deliver the traffic to the destination STA. The traffic between STAs within a BSS may be considered and / or referred to as peer-to-PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT peer traffic. The peer-to-peer traffic may be sent between (e.g., directly between) the source and destination STAs with a direct link setup (DLS). In certain representative embodiments, the DLS may use an 802.11e DLS or an 802.11z tunneled DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using an Independent BSS (IBSS) mode may not have an AP, and the STAs (e.g., all of the STAs) within or using the IBSS may communicate directly with each other. The IBSS mode of communication may sometimes be referred to herein as an "ad- hoc” mode of communication.

[0066] When using the 802.11ac infrastructure mode of operation or a similar mode of operations, the AP may transmit a beacon on a fixed channel, such as a primary channel. The primary channel may be a fixed width (e.g., 20 MHz wide bandwidth) or a dynamically set width via signaling. The primary channel may be the operating channel of the BSS and may be used by the STAs to establish a connection with the AP. In certain representative embodiments, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) may be implemented, for example in in 802.11 systems. For CSMA / CA, the STAs (e.g., every STA), including the AP, may sense the primary channel. If the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, the particular STA may back off. One STA (e.g., only one station) may transmit at any given time in a given BSS.

[0067] High Throughput (HT) STAs may use a 40 MHz wide channel for communication, for example, via a combination of the primary 20 MHz channel with an adjacent or nonadjacent 20 MHz channel to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[0068] Very High Throughput (VHT) STAs may support 20MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and / or 160 MHz wide channels. The 40 MHz, and / or 80 MHz, channels may be formed by combining contiguous 20 MHz channels. A 160 MHz channel may be formed by combining 8 contiguous 20 MHz channels, or by combining two non-contiguous 80 MHz channels, which may be referred to as an 80+80 configuration. For the 80+80 configuration, the data, after channel encoding, may be passed through a segment parser that may divide the data into two streams. Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) processing, and time domain processing, may be done on each stream separately. The streams may be mapped on to the two 80 MHz channels, and the data may be transmitted by a transmitting STA. At the receiver of the receiving STA, the above described operation for the 80+80 configuration may be reversed, and the combined data may be sent to the Medium Access Control (MAC).

[0069] Sub 1 GHz modes of operation are supported by 802.11 af and 802.11 ah. The channel operating bandwidths, and carriers, are reduced in 802.11 af and 802.11 ah relative to those used in 802.11 n, and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5 MHz, 10 MHz and 20 MHz bandwidths in the TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum, and 802.11 ah supports 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, and 16 MHz bandwidths using non- TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11 ah may support Meter TypeControl / Machine-Type Communications, such as MTC devices in a macro coverage area. MTC devicesPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT may have certain capabilities, for example, limited capabilities including support for (e.g., only support for) certain and / or limited bandwidths. The MTC devices may include a battery with a battery life above a threshold (e.g., to maintain a very long battery life).

[0070] WLAN systems, which may support multiple channels, and channel bandwidths, such as 802.11n, 802.11 ac, 802.11 af, and 802.11 ah, include a channel which may be designated as the primary channel. The primary channel may have a bandwidth equal to the largest common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel may be set and / or limited by a STA, from among all STAs in operating in a BSS, which supports the smallest bandwidth operating mode. In the example of 802.11 ah, the primary channel may be 1 MHz wide for STAs (e.g., MTC type devices) that support (e.g., only support) a 1 MHz mode, even if the AP, and other STAs in the BSS support 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier sensing and / or Network Allocation Vector (NAV) settings may depend on the status of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, for example, due to a STA (which supports only a 1 MHz operating mode), transmitting to the AP, the entire available frequency bands may be considered busy even though a majority of the frequency bands remains idle and may be available.

[0071] In the United States, the available frequency bands, which may be used by 802.11 ah, are from 902 MHz to 928 MHz. In Korea, the available frequency bands are from 917.5 MHz to 923.5 MHz. In Japan, the available frequency bands are from 916.5 MHz to 927.5 MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11 ah is 6 MHz to 26 MHz depending on the country code.

[0072] FIG. 1D is a system diagram illustrating the RAN 113 and the CN 115 according to an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 113 may employ an NR radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 113 may also be in communication with the CN 115.

[0073] The RAN 113 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 113 may include any number of gNBs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the 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 the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, the gNB 180a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to, and / or receive wireless signals from, the WTRU 102a. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, the gNB 180a may transmit multiple component carriers to the WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on unlicensed spectrum while the remaining component carriers may be on licensed spectrum. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) technology.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTFor example, WTRU 102a may receive coordinated transmissions from gNB 180a and gNB 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[0074] The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with a scalable numerology. For example, the OFDM symbol spacing and / or OFDM subcarrier spacing may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the wireless transmission spectrum. The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using subframe or transmission time intervals (TTIs) of various or scalable lengths (e.g., containing varying number of OFDM symbols and / or lasting varying lengths of absolute time).

[0075] The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be configured to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in a standalone configuration and / or a non-standalone configuration. In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c without also accessing other RANs (e.g., such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c). In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may utilize one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c as a mobility anchor point. In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In a non-standalone configuration WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with / connect to gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c while also communicating with / connecting to another RAN such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c. For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement DC principles to communicate with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c substantially simultaneously. In the non-standalone configuration, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may serve as a mobility anchor for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may provide additional coverage and / or throughput for servicing WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0076] Each of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, support of network slicing, dual connectivity, interworking between NR and E- UTRA, routing of user plane data towards User Plane Function (UPF) 184a, 184b, routing of control plane information towards Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 182a, 182b and the like. As shown in FIG. 1D, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may communicate with one another over an Xn interface.

[0077] The CN 115 shown in FIG. 1D 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 a Data Network (DN) 185a, 185b. While each of the foregoing elements are depicted as part of the CN 115, it will be appreciated that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0078] The AMF 182a, 182b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 113 via an N2 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b may bePCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, support for network slicing (e.g., handling of different PDU sessions with different requirements), selecting a particular SMF 183a, 183b, management of the registration area, termination of NAS signaling, mobility management, and the like. Network slicing may be used by the AMF 182a, 182b in order to customize CN support for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c based on the types of services being utilized WTRUs 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 massive mobile broadband (eMBB) access, services for machine type communication (MTC) access, and / or the like. The AMF 162 may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 113 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies such as WiFi.

[0079] The SMF 183a, 183b may be connected to an AMF 182a, 182b in the CN 115 via an N11 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may also be connected to a UPF 184a, 184b in the CN 115 via an N4 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may select and control the UPF 184a, 184b and configure the routing of traffic through the UPF 184a, 184b. The SMF 183a, 183b may perform other functions, such as managing and allocating UE IP address, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, providing downlink data notifications, and the like. A PDU session type may be IP-based, non-IP based, Ethernetbased, and the like.

[0080] The UPF 184a, 184b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 113 via an N3 interface, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet- switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. The UPF 184, 184b may perform other functions, such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, providing mobility anchoring, and the like.

[0081] The CN 115 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 115 may include, or may communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the CN 115 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 115 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks that are owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be connected to a local Data Network (DN) 185a, 185b through the UPF 184a, 184b via the N3 interface to the UPF 184a, 184b and an N6 interface between the UPF 184a, 184b and the DN 185a, 185b.

[0082] In view of Figures 1A-1D, and the corresponding description of Figures 1A-1D, one or more, or all, of the functions described herein with regard to one or more of: WTRU 102a-d, Base Station 114a-b, eNode-B 160a-c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166,PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTDN 185a-b, and / or any other device(s) described herein, may be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown). The emulation devices may be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more, or all, of the functions described herein. For example, the emulation devices may be used to test other devices and / or to simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0083] The emulation devices may be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a lab environment and / or in an operator network environment. For example, the one or more emulation devices may perform the one or more, or all, functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network in order to test other devices within the communication network. The one or more emulation devices may perform the one or more, or all, functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. The emulation device may be directly coupled to another device for purposes of testing and / or performing testing using over-the-air wireless communications.

[0084] The one or more emulation devices may perform the one or more, including all, functions while not being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, the emulation devices may be utilized in a testing scenario in a testing laboratory and / or a non-deployed (e.g., testing) wired and / or wireless communication network in order to implement testing of one or more components. The one or more emulation devices may be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communications via RF circuitry (e.g., which may include one or more antennas) may be used by the emulation devices to transmit and / or receive data.

[0085] This application describes a variety of aspects, including tools, features, examples, models, approaches, etc. Many of these aspects are described with specificity and, at least to show the individual characteristics, are often described in a manner that may sound limiting. However, this is for purposes of clarity in description, and does not limit the application or scope of those aspects. Indeed, all of the different aspects may be combined and interchanged to provide further aspects. Moreover, the aspects may be combined and interchanged with aspects described in earlier filings as well.

[0086] The aspects described and contemplated in this application may be implemented in many different forms. FIGs. 5-12 described herein may provide some examples, but other examples are contemplated. The discussion of FIGs. 5-12 does not limit the breadth of the implementations. At least one of the aspects generally relates to video encoding and decoding, and at least one other aspect generally relates to transmitting a bitstream generated or encoded. These and other aspects may be implemented as a method, an apparatus, a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions for encoding or decoding video data according to any of the methods described, and / or a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a bitstream generated according to any of the methods described.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0087] In the present application, the terms "reconstructed” and "decoded” may be used interchangeably, the terms "pixel” and "sample” may be used interchangeably, the terms "image,” "picture” and "frame” may be used interchangeably.

[0088] Various methods are described herein, and each of the methods comprises one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. Unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the method, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified or combined. Additionally, terms such as "first,” "second,” etc., may be used in various examples to modify an element, component, step, operation, etc., such as, for example, a "first decoding” and a "second decoding.” Use of such terms does not imply an ordering to the modified operations unless specifically required. So, in this example, the first decoding need not be performed before the second decoding, and may occur, for example, before, during, or in an overlapping time period with the second decoding.

[0089] Various methods and other aspects described in this application may be used to modify modules, for example, decoding modules, of a video encoder 200 and decoder 300 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Moreover, the subject matter disclosed herein may be applied, for example, to 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 indicated otherwise, or technically precluded, the aspects described in this application may be used individually or in combination.

[0090] Various numeric values are used in examples described the present application, such as 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 16, 32, 64, etc. These and other specific values are for purposes of describing examples and the aspects described are not limited to these specific values.

[0091] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example video encoder 200. Variations of example encoder 200 are contemplated, but the encoder 200 is described below for purposes of clarity without describing all expected variations.

[0092] Before being encoded, the video sequence may go through pre-encoding processing (201), for example, applying a color transform to the input color picture (e.g., conversion from RGB 4:4:4 to YCbCr 4:2:0), or performing a remapping of the input picture components in order to get a signal distribution more resilient to compression (for instance using a histogram equalization of one of the color components). Metadata (e.g., which may include film grain parameters determined by pre-processing as described herein) may be associated with the pre-processing and attached to the bitstream.

[0093] In the encoder 200, a picture is encoded by the encoder elements as described below. The picture to be encoded is partitioned (202) and processed in units of, for example, coding units (Cus). Each unit is encoded using, for example, either an intra or inter mode. When a unit is encoded in an intra mode, it performs intra prediction (260). In an inter mode, motion estimation (275) and compensation (270) are performed. The encoder decides (205) which one of the intra mode or inter mode to use for encoding thePCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT unit, and indicates the intra / inter decision by, for example, a prediction mode flag. Prediction residuals are calculated, for example, by subtracting (210) the predicted block from the original image block.

[0094] The prediction residuals are then transformed (225) and quantized (230). The quantized transform coefficients, as well as motion vectors and other syntax elements, are entropy coded (245) to output a bitstream. The encoder can skip the transform and apply quantization directly to the nontransformed residual signal. The encoder can bypass both transform and quantization, i.e., the residual is coded directly without the application of the transform or quantization processes.

[0095] The encoder decodes an encoded block to provide a reference for further predictions. The quantized transform coefficients are de-quantized (240) and inverse transformed (250) to decode prediction residuals. Combining (255) the decoded prediction residuals and the predicted block, an image block is reconstructed. In-loop filters (265) are applied to the reconstructed picture to perform, for example, deblocking / SAO (Sample Adaptive Offset) filtering to reduce encoding artifacts. The filtered image is stored at a reference picture buffer (280).

[0096] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a video decoder. In example decoder 300, a bitstream is decoded by the decoder elements as described below. Video decoder 300 generally performs a decoding pass reciprocal to the encoding pass as described in FIG. 2. The encoder 200 also generally performs video decoding as part of encoding video data.

[0097] In particular, the input of the decoder includes a video bitstream, which may be generated by video encoder 200. The bitstream is first entropy decoded (330) to obtain transform coefficients, motion vectors, and other coded information. The picture partition information indicates how the picture is partitioned. The decoder may therefore divide (335) the picture according to the decoded picture partitioning information. The transform coefficients are de-quantized (340) and inverse transformed (350) to decode the prediction residuals. Combining (355) the decoded prediction residuals and the predicted block, an image block is reconstructed. The predicted block may be obtained (370) from intra prediction (360) or motion-compensated prediction (i.e., inter prediction) (375). In-loop filters (365) are applied to the reconstructed image. The filtered image is stored at a reference picture buffer (380).

[0098] The decoded picture can further go through post-decoding processing (385), for example, an inverse color transform (e.g., conversion from YcbCr 4:2:0 to RGB 4:4:4) or an inverse remapping performing the inverse of the remapping process performed in the pre-encoding processing (201). The post-decoding processing can use metadata derived in the pre-encoding processing and signaled in the bitstream. In an example, the decoded images (e.g., after application of the in-loop filters (365) and / or after post-decoding processing (385), if post-decoding processing is used) may be sent to a display device for rendering to a user.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0099] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a system in which various aspects and examples described herein may be implemented. System 400 may be embodied as a device including 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, smartphones, tablet computers, digital multimedia set top boxes, digital television receivers, personal video recording systems, connected home appliances, and servers. Elements of system 400, singly or in combination, may be embodied in a single integrated circuit (IC), multiple les, and / or discrete components. For example, in at least one example, the processing and encoder / decoder elements of system 400 are distributed across multiple les 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 communications bus or through dedicated input and / or output ports. In various examples, the system 400 is configured to implement one or more of the aspects described in this document.

[0100] The system 400 includes at least one processor 410 configured to execute instructions loaded therein for implementing, for example, the various aspects described in this document. Processor 410 can include embedded memory, input output interface, and various other circuitries as known in the art. The system 400 includes at least one memory 420 (e.g., a volatile memory device, and / or a non-volatile memory device). System 400 includes a storage device 440, which can 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, magnetic disk drive, and / or optical disk drive. The storage device 440 can include an internal storage device, an attached storage device (including detachable and non-detachable storage devices), and / or a network accessible storage device, as non-limiting examples.

[0101] System 400 includes an encoder / decoder module 430 configured, for example, to process data to provide an encoded video or decoded video, and the encoder / decoder module 430 can include its own processor and memory. The encoder / decoder module 430 represents module(s) that may be included in a device to perform the encoding and / or decoding functions. As is known, a device can include one or both of the encoding and decoding modules. Additionally, encoder / decoder module 430 may be implemented as a separate element of system 400 or may be incorporated within processor 410 as a combination of hardware and software as known to those skilled in the art.

[0102] Program code to be loaded onto processor 410 or encoder / decoder 430 to perform the various aspects described in this document may be stored in storage device 440 and subsequently loaded onto memory 420 for execution by processor 410. In accordance with various examples, one or more ofPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT processor 410, memory 420, storage device 440, and encoder / decoder module 430 can store one or more of various items during the performance of the processes described in this document. Such stored items can include, but are not limited to, the input video, the decoded video or portions of the decoded video, the bitstream, matrices, variables, and intermediate or final results from the processing of equations, formulas, operations, and operational logic.

[0103] In some examples, memory inside of the processor 410 and / or the encoder / decoder module 430 is used to store instructions and to provide working memory for processing that is needed during encoding or decoding. In other examples, however, a memory external to the processing device (for example, the processing device may be either the processor 410 or the encoder / decoder module 430) is used for one or more of these functions. The external memory may be the memory 420 and / or the storage device 440, for example, a dynamic volatile memory and / or a non-volatile flash memory. In several examples, an external non-volatile flash memory is used to store the operating system of, for example, a television. In at least one example, a fast external dynamic volatile memory such as a RAM is used as working memory for video encoding and decoding operations.

[0104] The input to the elements of system 400 may be provided through various input devices as indicated in block 445. Such input devices include, but are not limited to, (I) a radio frequency (RF) portion that receives an RF signal transmitted, for example, over the air by a broadcaster, (II) a Component (COMP) input terminal (or a set of COMP input terminals), (ill) a Universal Serial Bus (USB) input terminal, and / or (iv) a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input terminal. Other examples, not shown in FIG. 4, include composite video.

[0105] In various examples, the input devices of block 445 have associated respective input processing elements as known in the art. For example, the RF portion may be associated with elements suitable for (I) selecting a desired frequency (also referred to as selecting a signal, or band-limiting a signal to a band of frequencies), (II) down-converting the selected signal, (ill) band-limiting again to a narrower band of frequencies to select (for example) a signal frequency band which may be referred to as a channel in certain examples, (iv) demodulating the down-converted and band-limited signal, (v) performing error correction, and / or (vi) demultiplexing to select the desired stream of data packets. The RF portion of various examples includes one or more elements to perform these functions, for example, frequency selectors, signal selectors, band-limiters, channel selectors, filters, downconverters, demodulators, error correctors, and demultiplexers. The RF portion can include a tuner that performs various of these functions, including, for example, down-converting the received signal to a lower frequency (for example, an intermediate frequency or a near-baseband frequency) or to baseband. In one set-top box example, the RF portion and its associated input processing element receives an RF signal transmitted over a wired (for example, cable) medium, and performs frequency selection by filtering, down-converting, and filtering againPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT to a desired frequency band. Various examples rearrange the order of the above-described (and other) elements, remove some of these elements, and / or add other elements performing similar or different functions. Adding elements can include inserting elements in between existing elements, such as, for example, inserting amplifiers and an analog-to-digital converter. In various examples, the RF portion includes an antenna.

[0106] The USB and / or HDMI terminals can include respective interface processors for connecting system 400 to other electronic devices across USB and / or HDMI connections. It is to be understood that various aspects of input processing, for example, Reed-Solomon error correction, may be implemented, for example, within a separate input processing IC or within processor 410 as necessary. Similarly, aspects of USB or HDMI interface processing may be implemented within separate interface les or within processor 410 as necessary. The demodulated, error corrected, and demultiplexed stream is provided to various processing elements, including, for example, processor 410, and encoder / decoder 430 operating in combination with the memory and storage elements to process the data stream as necessary for presentation on an output device.

[0107] Various elements of system 400 may be provided within an integrated housing, Within the integrated housing, the various elements may be interconnected and transmit data therebetween using suitable connection arrangement 425, for example, an internal bus as known in the art, including the Inter- IC (I2C) bus, wiring, and printed circuit boards.

[0108] The system 400 includes communication interface 450 that enables communication with other devices via communication channel 460. The communication interface 450 can include, but is not limited to, a transceiver configured to transmit and to receive data over communication channel 460. The communication interface 450 can include, but is not limited to, a modem or network card and the communication channel 460 may be implemented, for example, within a wired and / or a wireless medium.

[0109] Data is streamed, or otherwise provided, to the system 400, in various examples, using a wireless network such as a Wi-Fi network, for example IEEE 802.11 (IEEE refers to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The Wi-Fi signal of these examples is received over the communications channel 460 and the communications interface 450 which are adapted for Wi-Fi communications. The communications channel 460 of these examples is typically connected to an access point or router that provides access to external networks including the Internet for allowing streaming applications and other over-the-top communications. Other examples provide streamed data to the system 400 using a set-top box that delivers the data over the HDMI connection of the input block 445. Still other examples provide streamed data to the system 400 using the RF connection of the input block 445. As indicated above, various examples provide data in a non-streaming manner. Additionally, various examples use wireless networks other than Wi-Fi, for example a cellular network or a Bluetooth® network.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0110] The system 400 can provide an output signal to various output devices, including a display 475, speakers 485, and other peripheral devices 495. The display 475 of various examples includes one or more of, for example, a touchscreen display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a curved display, and / or a foldable display. The display 475 may be for a television, a tablet, a laptop, a cell phone (mobile phone), or another device. The display 475 can also be integrated with other components (for example, as in a smart phone), or separate (for example, an external monitor for a laptop). The other peripheral devices 495 include, in various examples, one or more of a stand-alone digital video disc (or digital versatile disc) (DVD, for both terms), a disk player, a stereo system, and / or a lighting system. Various examples use one or more peripheral devices 495 that provide a function based on the output of the system 400. For example, a disk player performs the function of playing the output of the system 400.

[0111] In various examples, control signals are communicated between the system 400 and the display 475, speakers 485, or other peripheral devices 495 using signaling such as AV. Li nk, Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), or other communications protocols that enable 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 using the communications channel 460 via the communications interface 450. The display 475 and speakers 485 may be integrated in a single unit with the other components of system 400 in an electronic device such as, for example, a television. In various examples, the display interface 470 includes a display driver, such as, for example, a timing controller (T Con) chip.

[0112] The display 475 and speakers 485 can alternatively be separate from one or more of the other components, for example, if the RF portion of input 445 is part of a separate set-top box. In various examples in which the display 475 and speakers 485 are external components, the output signal may be provided via dedicated output connections, including, for example, HDMI ports, USB ports, or COMP outputs.

[0113] The examples may be carried out by computer software implemented by the processor 410 or by hardware, or by a combination of hardware and software. As a non-limiting example, the examples may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits. The memory 420 may be of any type appropriate to the technical environment and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, semiconductor-based memory devices, fixed memory, and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. The processor 410 may be of any type appropriate to the technical environment, and can encompass one or more of microprocessors, general purpose computers, special purpose computers, and processors based on a multi-core architecture, as non-limiting examples.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0114] Various implementations involve decoding. "Decoding,” as used in this application, can encompass all or part of the processes performed, for example, on a received encoded 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, for example, entropy decoding, inverse quantization, inverse transformation, and differential decoding. In various examples, such processes also, or alternatively, include processes performed by a decoder of various implementations described in this application, for example, receiving, for a tensor, a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate a plurality of representative channels of a plurality of clusters and a plurality of self-coded channels associated with the tensor; decoding the plurality of representative channels and the plurality of self-coded channels based on the channel coding mode indication; and reconstructing the tensor based on the decoded plurality of representative channels and the decoded plurality of self-coded channels.

[0115] As further examples, 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 refer specifically to a subset of operations or generally to the broader decoding process will be clear based on the context of the specific descriptions and is believed to be well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0116] Various implementations involve encoding. In an analogous way to the above discussion about "decoding,” "encoding” as used in this application can encompass all or part of the processes performed, for example, 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, for example, partitioning, differential encoding, transformation, quantization, and entropy encoding. In various examples, such processes also, or alternatively, determining, for a tensor, a plurality of representative channels of a plurality of clusters and a plurality of self-coded channels associated with the tensor; encoding a channel coding mode indication based on the plurality of representative channels and the plurality of self-coded channels; and including the channel coding mode indication in video data.

[0117] As further examples, 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 encoding and entropy encoding. Whether the phrase "encoding process” is intended to refer specifically to a subset of operations or generally to the broader encoding process will be clear based on the context of the specific descriptions and is believed to be well understood by those skilled in the art.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0118] Note that syntax elements as used herein, for example, coding syntax on intensity interval, grain parameters, block offset, scaling factor, etc., are descriptive terms. As such, they do not preclude the use of other syntax element names.

[0119] When a figure is presented as a flow diagram, it should be understood that it also provides a block diagram of a corresponding apparatus. Similarly, when a figure is presented as a block diagram, it should be understood that it also provides a flow diagram of a corresponding method / process.

[0120] The implementations and aspects described herein may be implemented in, for example, a method or a process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if only discussed in the context of a single form of implementation (for example, discussed only as a method), the implementation of features discussed can also be implemented in other forms (for example, an apparatus or program). An apparatus may be implemented in, for example, appropriate hardware, software, and firmware. The methods may be implemented in, for example, a processor, which refers to processing devices in general, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. Processors also include communication devices, such as, for example, computers, cell phones, portable / personal digital assistants ("PDAs”), and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.

[0121] Reference to "one example” or "an example” or "one implementation” or "an implementation,” as well as other variations thereof, means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, and so forth described in connection with the example is included in at least one example. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one example” or "in an example” or "in one implementation” or "in an implementation,” as well any other variations, appearing in various places throughout this application are not necessarily all referring to the same example.

[0122] Additionally, this application may refer to "determining” various pieces of information. Determining the information can include one or more of, for example, estimating the information, calculating the information, predicting the information, or retrieving the information from memory. Obtaining may include receiving, retrieving, constructing, generating, and / or determining.

[0123] Further, this application may refer to "accessing” various pieces of information. Accessing the information can include one or more of, for example, receiving the information, retrieving the information (for example, from memory), storing the information, moving the information, copying the information, calculating the information, determining the information, predicting the information, or estimating the information.

[0124] Additionally, this application may refer to "receiving” various pieces of information. Receiving is, as with "accessing,” intended to be a broad term. Receiving the information can include one or more of, for example, accessing the information, or retrieving the information (for example, from memory). Further,PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT"receiving” is typically involved, in one way or another, during operations such as, for example, storing the information, processing the information, transmitting the information, moving the information, copying the information, erasing the information, calculating the information, determining the information, predicting the information, or estimating the information.

[0125] It is to be appreciated that the use of any of the following “ / ,” "and / or,” and "at least one of,” for example, in the cases of “A / B,” "A and / or B,” and "at least one of A and B” is intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of both options (A and B). As a further example, in the cases of "A, B, and / or C” and "at least one of A, B, and C,” such phrasing is intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of the third listed option (C) only, or the selection of the first and the second listed options (A and B) only, or the selection of the first and third listed options (A and C) only, or the selection of the second and third listed options (B and C) only, or the selection of all three options (A and B and C). This may be extended, as is clear to one of ordinary skill in this and related arts, for as many items as are listed.

[0126] Also, as used herein, the word "signal” refers to, among other things, indicating something to a corresponding decoder. Encoder signals may include, for example, number of intensity intervals, number of model values, grain parameters, grain identification, scaling factor, etc. In this way, in an example the same parameter is used at both the encoder side and the decoder side. Thus, for example, an encoder can transmit (explicit signaling) a particular parameter to the decoder so that the decoder can use the same particular parameter. Conversely, if the decoder already has the particular parameter as well as others, then signaling may be used without transmitting (implicit signaling) to simply allow the decoder to know and select the particular parameter. By avoiding transmission of any actual functions, a bit savings is realized in various examples. It is to be appreciated that signaling may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, one or more syntax elements, flags, and so forth are used to signal information to a corresponding decoder in various examples. While the preceding relates to the verb form of the word "signal,” the word "signal” can also be used herein as a noun.

[0127] As will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, implementations may produce a variety of signals formatted to carry information that may be, for example, stored or transmitted. The information can include, for example, instructions for performing a method, or data produced by one of the described implementations. For example, a signal may be formatted to carry the bitstream of a described example. Such a signal may be formatted, for example, as an electromagnetic wave (for example, using a radio frequency portion of spectrum) or as a baseband signal. The formatting may include, for example, encoding a data stream and modulating a carrier with the encoded data stream. The information that the signal carries may be, for example, analog or digital information. The signal may be transmitted over aPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT variety of different wired or wireless links, as is known. The signal may be stored on, or accessed or received from, a processor-readable medium.

[0128] Many examples are described herein. Features of examples may be provided alone or in any combination, across various claim categories and types. Further, examples may include one or more of the features, devices, or aspects described herein, alone or in any combination, across various claim categories and types. For example, features described herein may be implemented in a bitstream or signal that includes information generated as described herein. The information may allow a decoder to decode a bitstream, the encoder, bitstream, and / or decoder according to any of the embodiments described. For example, features described herein may be implemented by creating and / or transmitting and / or receiving and / or decoding a bitstream or signal. For example, features described herein may be implemented a method, process, apparatus, medium storing instructions, medium storing data, or signal. For example, features described herein may be implemented by a TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device that performs decoding. The TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device may display (e.g., using a monitor, screen, or other type of display) a resulting image (e.g., an image from residual reconstruction of the video bitstream). The TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device may receive a signal including an encoded image and perform decoding.

[0129] Feature(s) associated with collaborative intelligence (e.g., the remote or shared analysis of source images or videos) are provided herein. Deep Neural Networks (DNN) that perform computer vision tasks (e.g., classification, object detection, object tracking, etc.) may use collaborative intelligence.

[0130] With the rise of machine learning technologies for vision applications (e.g., in domains like intelligent transportations, smart cities, intelligent content management, etc.), the amount of video and images consumed by machines is increasing. These vision tasks may demand heavy computations. The vision tasks may be performed on cloud systems (e.g., rather than the limited devices capturing the source content). Performing the vision tasks on cloud systems may involve transmitting the video content. The amount of source data may impact performant compression (e.g., require the compression to fit physical bandwidths and storage capacities). Some image and video codecs may be designed for human consumption. However, machine vision algorithms may not be sensitive to the same artifacts (e.g., when applying lossy compression).

[0131] Compressing the source videos using methods that are optimized for downstream vision tasks (e.g., rather than for human vision ) may enable efficient remote analysis.

[0132] FIG. 5 illustrates an example video coding pipeline for video coding for machines (VCM).

[0133] As used herein, the term "video” may refer to both image and video content. Feature(s) described herein may apply to image and video content.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0134] FIG. 6 illustrates an example feature compression pipeline for VCM. As illustrated, this framework may involve splitting the inference of a DNN model into parts (e.g., two parts). The parts may be referred to as NN Task Part 1 and NN Task Part 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the parts may run on different devices (e.g., NN Task Part 1 on a phone or camera and NN Task Part 2 on the network or cloud). The device that has the source video may perform NN Task Part 1 (e.g., to extract features). The extracted features may be transmitted to the second device (e.g., network or cloud). The features may be analyzed (e.g., remotely) by NN Task Part 2. This splitting of the model may be used to offload some of the computations at the first device (e.g., if the device that captures or contains the source content is limited in terms of processing, memory, and / or energy). The privacy of the original content may be protected while transmitting the features. At the split point, intermediate data or features may be transmitted to the remote machine to perform the second part of the model inference.

[0135] One or more techniques may be used to compress the intermediate data. The techniques may be similar to those used in other (e.g., traditional) image and video codecs (e.g., prediction, transforms, quantization, re-sampling, entropy coding, and / or the like).

[0136] FIG. 7 illustrates an example RCNN architecture. The P layers may include tensors of 256 channels (e.g., with different resolutions). FIG. 8 illustrates example shapes of the tensors to transmit (e.g., considering the split point after the backbone network of the generalized R-CNN architecture). The tensors may include 256 channels for an input image. The tensors may include different resolutions (e.g., depending on the input resolution). The input resolution to the model may be different from the original image (e.g., size Worg x horg), for example, due to rescaling and padding operations.

[0137] Methods and syntax structure(s) may be described herein for clustering redundant channels within feature tensors, transmitting the relevant clusters, and transmitting the clusters (e.g., transmittting a representative channel of a cluster).

[0138] When transmitting intermediate features (e.g., in the context of split models), there may be redundancies between distant channels. In examples, channel #1 and channel #125 in a 256-channel tensor may share similarities, since the goal during training may be to produce features that contribute to the task accuracy. Constraints may not be placed, regrouping redundant channels, and the tensors may be compressible. Compression methods, such as prediction between neighboring channels, may be utilized.

[0139] Similar channels of feature tensors may be grouped and may be encoded using a representative channel by group.

[0140] Channel suppression (e.g., pruning in the context of compressing neural networks) may exist and may be performed using clustering. The mechanism and bitstream syntax as described herein may bePCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT used (e.g., in the context of split models), where the decoder may reconstruct the intermediate data into a method for the channels (e.g., such that the signals is as close possible to the original signal).

[0141] Syntax and mechanisms may be used to transmit the information to the decoder for reconstructing the tensors in their original shape.

[0142] Split inference and intermediate feature compression may be performed as described herein.Methods may use video compression methods or design complex neural network based auto-encoder-like properties to cause the model to yield compressible tensors of features. Splitting deep neural network may provide for offloading computations. In examples, a battery operated camera or user device may capture a video. The battery operated camera or user device may not have enough compute resources and / or battery and may offload the last part of the analysis to a nearby devices or a cloud.

[0143] Codec designs may seek to optimize the decoder side complexity, leaving encoder methods which include partitioning, coding mode selection, and / or rate distortion optimization, which may induce a computational overhead that impacts the computation offload goal. Learned methods to compress features may be trained together with a split model.

[0144] As described herein, a tensor may be structured to be compressed such that similar channels may be grouped and derived by a representative channel of the group (e.g., which may be referred to herein as a cluster). Some channels may not belong to the groups. The transmitted channels may be include self-coded channel(s) and cluster-coded channel(s). A coding mode and a cluster index may be indicated in video data (e.g., transmitted within the bitstream) for the decoder to reconstruct the channels of the tensor.

[0145] The encoder may detect in the tensor the correlations between channel, running, for example, a Gram matrix. The resulting matrix may be used for a clustering method that may group similar channels. Clustering methods may be used.

[0146] The output of this stage, which may be the input as described herein, may be a tensor of feature maps (e.g., which may be referred to herein as feature channels) and a dictionary that maps a cluster with a member using a channel index (e.g., a channel index of the cluster), as shown in Table 1.Table 1 : exemplary clustering resultPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0147] For compression vs. accuracy efficiency, the encoder may decide to keep clusters that contain at least a given number of member channels. For example, the encoder may determine to keep a cluster where the coefficient of similarity between member channels is high enough. The channels that belong to smaller or discarded clusters may be self-coded, and the channels belonging to selected clusters may be inferred from a computed representative sample of their cluster. The representative sample of the cluster may correspond, for example, to the average values or the median of the member channels.

[0148] For the decoder to reconstruct the tensors in their original shapes, the following may be included in video data for a tensor. For example, an indication such as an array that has the size of the number of channels of the original tensor may be transmitted for a tensor, indicating the coding mode for a channel. The indication may indicate for a channel, whether the channel is self-coded or may indicate the cluster index when the cluster index is inferred from a cluster representative channel. This may be done, for example, by assigning the value -1 to indicate that the current channel is self-coded, and values greater or equal to zero may indicate the corresponding cluster index. The length of the array may be equal to the number of channels in the considered tensor. A (e.g., one) representative feature channel for a cluster may be transmitted. Feature channel data for self-coded channels may be transmitted.

[0149] An example of the array may be represented in FIG. 9, where the value -1 stands for "selfcoded.” FIG. 9 illustrates an example clustering indexation vector that may be included in video data (e.g., encoded in a bitstream, transmitted to a decoder). Channel coding modes may be coded prior to the feature channels. The decoder may determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, how manyPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT feature channels are to be decoded and may identify the number of the cluster-coded and self-coded the feature channels from the parsed modes. The decoder may rearrange the decoded feature channels into a feature tensor with their original shape from the bitstream number of channels in a category (e.g., cluster- coded and self-coded), which may be for the decoder to decode and reconstruct the tensors in their original shape from the bitstream.

[0150] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate example flowcharts of encoder and decoder processes, respectively. At the encoder, a Gram matrix may be computed to serve as metrics for clustering similar channels.

[0151] Clusters that are not considered relevant, whether because they do not include enough member channels or because the channels are not similar enough, may be discarded, leaving remaining channels that will be self-encoded. For a channel, a mode may be "self-coded”, as described herein and depicted in FIG. 9. The representative feature channel of a selected cluster, as well as self-coded channels, may be encoded in the bitstream. The encoding process may include processes such as quantization, transforms, filtering and entropy coding. The resulting tensors (e.g., the two resulting tensors) including the clusters' representative channels and the self-coded channels may be concatenated and encoded as a (e.g., one) tensor, or processed separately in examples where methods (e.g., different methods) are applied for types of encoded channels, e.g., a quantization parameter. In some examples, constraints may not be placed on how to generate the representative feature channel for 'cluster-coded' mode, e.g., by taking average values from member channels.

[0152] FIG. 10 illustrates an encoder process. FIG. 11 illustrates the corresponding decoding process. The channel modes may be decoded. From the array, the decoder may derive how many clusters' representative channels are transmitted and the number of self-coded channels. The information may be for the entropy decoder to decode the correct number of channels. The clusters and the self-coded channels may be encoded together or separately. In examples, the sum of clusters' representative channels and self-coded channels may be used to decode the concatenated tensor. The decoder may know how many channel a compressed payload represents. If the clusters' representative samples are stacked and / or concatenated with the self-coded channels and compressed in the same CABAC stream, the number of channels may be the sum of the clusters and the self-coded channels. If the tensor (e.g., the original tensor) has 256 channels, there may be 30 clusters and 120 self-coded channels, (e.g., 150 channels to encode / decode). The information may be derived from the coding mode vector transmitted before (or the number of channels may be coded separately). The types of channels may be distinguished by their number of elements and the order of encoding / decoding. By parsing the coding mode for a channel, the decoder may reconstruct the types of channels by using the corresponding representative sample index or self-decoded channel.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0153] Cluster indices may be indicated. As described herein, a channel may be indicated, whether the channel is self-coded or belongs to a selected cluster, and in the latter case, which cluster.

[0154] Features described herein may be associated with direct encoding. Coding the information may include indexing the clusters from 1 and assigning the value zero to indicate a self-coded channel. The coding mode may be coded for a channel index within 1 byte if there are less than or equal to 255 clusters, for example.

[0155] Clusters may be ordered by the number of member channels, reassigning cluster labels, and using arithmetic coding. In examples, the vector may be encoded using predictive and entropy coding methods. In examples, the indices may be coded using arithmetic coding such as CABAC. For example, the input into a series of bins may be binarized and encoded separately. Its efficiency may depend on the use of contexts which may aim at utilizing causal correlations for small values around zero. Zero may be applied to self-coded channels, and the self-coded channels may be the more probable channel in configurations (e.g., the number of self-coded channels may be greater than the number of members in a cluster. When assigning the index value of 0, the encoder may use a minimum number of bits to encode the indices corresponding to the self-coding mode). The clusters may be reordered by decreasing a number of member channels and reassigning the cluster labels from 0 to the cluster with the largest number of member channels, as depicted in Table 2. The indexes corresponding to numerous channels may be more probable values, and lower index values may be coded with less bits.Table 2: clusters sorted by decreasing number of members.

[0156] A separate flag may exist for cluster coding mode activation. In examples, a separate flag, e.g., "is_cluster_coded”, may be transmitted per channel to signal whether the current channel is derived from a cluster, or self-coded. The index of the corresponding cluster may be signaled when is_cluster_coded is true. This may modify the compression of this side information, as this binary information may, for example, be coded with context adaptive methods such as CABAC.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0157] The same channel coding modes may be transmitted for multiple tensors. In examples, to save clustering computations in multiple similar feature tensors, the clusters may be computed once. This may reduce the bitrate overhead induced by the transmission of the channel coding modes. This may be in the context of video, for example, where multiple successive frames share similar statistics. It may be the case in the context of pyramid features (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), where tensors (e.g., different tensors) computed from the same picture with the same number of channels may be (e.g., efficiently) clustered the same way. The representative samples of the selected clusters may be computed for a tensor.

[0158] The compression tool may be selectively and / or conditionally activated. The channel suppression may not be beneficial to the compression of every feature tensor (e.g., when targeting high or almost lossless accuracy, the channels may be transmitted at high accuracy.

[0159] An indication, such as a flag may be added to indicate to the decoder when the compression tool described herein is activated, which may be in the tensor header, frame (e.g., video content where multiple tensors are transmitted per frame), and at sequence level (e.g., within a sequence parameter set).

[0160] Quantization parameters may be used for the types of channels. In examples, the clusters containing members (e.g., many members) and represented by a single representative sample may not have an impact (e.g., a large impact) on the accuracy. The representative samples may be encoded with quantization parameters (e.g., more severe quantization parameters). In examples, quantization of the tensor may be performed before clustering. This may save computations as operations of clustering and representative sample computations may be done with integer precision. Precision may be affected in parts of grouping similar channels together, which may influence the final accuracy of the model.

[0161] Methods and syntax structures may be used to combine the centering of channel distributions with separate coding of mean values (e.g., with a higher precision). Redundant channels within feature tensors may be clustered and relevant clusters (e.g., only the relevant or necessary clusters) may be transmitted to increase efficiency.

[0162] Redundancies may exist between distant channels, for example, when intermediate features are transmitted in the context of a split model. For instance, channel #1 and channel #125 in a 256-channel tensor may share similarities (e.g., since a training goal may be to produce features that contribute to task accuracy). If no constraint is imposed with respect to regrouping redundant channels and / or making the tensors compressible, trying to use (e.g., directly use) compression techniques such as performing prediction between neighboring channels may be suboptimal. Finding similar channels over feature tensors and encoding them together (e.g., to exploit redundancies) may improve compression performance and / or preserve accuracy.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT

[0163] The accuracy of deep neural networks may rely on the mean value of intermediate features, for example, due to network training that may rely on normalization operations to achieve convergence. Extracting the mean value of one or more channels (e.g., each channel), and / or separately transmitting the mean value(s) (e.g., with high precision) and centered data may provide a better rate-accuracy tradeoff than directly compressing the data based on the same quantization levels.

[0164] In examples, a (e.g., each) tensor may be structured for compression such that similar channels may be grouped and represented by a representative channel of the group (e.g., referred to as a cluster). Not all channels may belong to these groups. Different types (e.g., two types) of transmitted channels may be distinguished, such as, e.g., self-coded channels and cluster-coded channels. A coding mode and / or a cluster index may be transmitted within a bitstream for a decoder to reconstruct the channels (e.g., all channels) of a transmitted tensor.

[0165] One or more of the following may be transmitted for a (e.g., each) tensor and / or used by a decoder to reconstruct the tensor in its original shape. An array that has the size as the number of channels of the original tensor may be transmitted and / or used by the decoder to reconstruct the tensor in its original shape. The array may indicate the coding mode of a (e.g., each) channel (e.g., whether the channel is self-coded) and / or a cluster index of the channel (e.g., if the channel is inferred from a cluster representative channel). For example, a value of -1 may be used to indicate that a current channel is selfcoded, whereas other values greater or equal to zero may be used to indicate a corresponding cluster index. The length of this array may be equal to the number of channels in the considered tensor. A representative feature channel for a (e.g., each) cluster may be transmitted and / or used by the decoder to reconstruct the tensor in its original shape. Feature channel data for one or more (e.g., all) self-coded channels may be transmitted and / or used by the decoder to reconstruct the tensor in its original shape.

[0166] A mean value associated with an incoming channel may be extracted. The information resulting from the extraction may include the mean value and channel data subtracted by the mean value. If a signal is quantized, the mean value may be replaced by a bin of the distribution of the channel that may have the highest count. This value may be transmitted for an (e.g., each) encoded channel with a higher precision than the rest of centered channel data. A decoder may parse, for a (e.g., each) channel, a mean value and compressed centered data, and sum the mean and each sample value. The result of input channel data subtracted by its mean value (e.g., input channel data minus the mean value) may be referred to herein as a centered channel xc, which may be expressed as the following: xc= x - X, where the mean value may be determined as X = X.i.

[0167] The mean values of one or more (e.g., all) channels may be extracted and coded prior to a clustering operation. For example, prior to the clustering operation, the feature distribution of a (e.g., each)PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT channel (or a histogram associated with the channel if the channel is already quantized) may be centered at zero by subtracting a mean value from the channel. The centered feature channel may be used as an input to the clustering operation to determine a coding mode for the channel (e.g., self-coded or group coded). The mean values of channels (e.g., of every channel) may be separately coded and transmitted (e.g., even if some channels are grouped together over the clustering operation), whereas a computed representative channel may be shared for the grouped channels.

[0168] A decoder may receive, for a (e.g., each) channel, a mean value (e.g., encoded separately) and centered data to add to the mean value. The centered data may be a self-coded centered version of the current channel, or an indication of a representative "centered” channel to use. In both cases, the mean value may be added to the decoded centered data.

[0169] FIG. 12 shows an example decoding process in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. For a (e.g., each) channel, a mean and / or a channel mode of reconstruction may be decoded. The mode may indicate whether a channel is self-coded or inferred from a cluster representative channel. In the latter case, the mode may indicate an index that may enable the decoder to retrieve the corresponding representative channel to use. In the self-coded and / or cluster-coded scenario, a mean (e.g., high precision mean) may be added to a decoded centered signal to reconstruct channel values (e.g., final channel values).

[0170] The example shown in FIG. 12 may enable a (e.g., each) channel to receive a high precision mean that may help preserve the overall accuracy of the split model described herein. A trade-off between bitrate and accuracy may be associated with using the example technique described herein (e.g., due to dependency on the statistical distributions of the channels over feature tensors).

[0171] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with the 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 (transmitted over wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a register, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs). A processor in association with software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

Claims

PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENTClaims1 . A video decoding device comprising: a processor configured to: receive, for a tensor, a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate a plurality of representative channels of a plurality of clusters and a plurality of self-coded channels associated with the tensor; decode the plurality of representative channels and the plurality of self-coded channels based on the channel coding mode indication; and reconstruct the tensor based on the decoded plurality of representative channels and the decoded plurality of self-coded channels.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a number of the plurality of representative channels, wherein the plurality of representative channels are decoded based further on the number of the plurality of representative channels.

3. The device of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a plurality of cluster indices that are associated with the plurality of representative channels based on the channel coding mode indication, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the plurality of cluster indices.

4. The device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor is further configured to: decode a first representative channel associated with a first cluster index; identify a first plurality of channels associated with the first cluster index; reconstruct the first plurality of channels associated with the first cluster index based on the decoded first represented channel; decode a second representative channel associated with a second cluster index; identify a second plurality of channels associated with the second cluster index; and reconstruct the second plurality of channels associated with the second cluster index based on the decoded second represented channel, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the reconstructed first plurality of channels and the reconstructed second plurality of channels.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT5. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a number of the plurality of self-coded channels, wherein the plurality of self-coded channels are decoded based further on the number of the plurality of self-coded channels.

6. The device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a cluster-coded channel or a self-coded channel; based on determining that the first channel is a cluster-coded channel, obtain a cluster index associated with the first channel; identify a representative channel associated with the cluster index; reconstruct the first channel based on the identified representative channel, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the reconstructed first channel.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a second channel is a cluster- coded channel or a self-coded channel; determine that the second channel is a self-coded channel; and decode the second channel based on the determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the decoded second channel.

8. A video encoding device comprising: a processor configured to: determine, for a tensor, a plurality of representative channels of a plurality of clusters and a plurality of self-coded channels associated with the tensor; encode the plurality of representative channels and the plurality of self-coded channels; and include the channel coding mode indication in video data.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a number of the plurality of representative channels, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate the number of the plurality of representative channels.PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT10. The device of any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the processor is further configured to: identify a plurality of cluster-coded channels; determine a plurality of cluster indices that correspond to the plurality of cluster-coded channels, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate the plurality of cluster indices that correspond to the plurality of cluster-coded channels.11 . The device of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a first representative channel associated with a first cluster index; identify a first plurality of channels associated with the first cluster index, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate that the first plurality of channels are associated with the first cluster index; determine a second representative channel associated with a second cluster index; and identify a second plurality of channels associated with the second cluster index, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate that the second plurality of channels are associated with the second cluster index.

12. The device of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a number of the plurality of self-coded channels, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate the number of the plurality of self-coded channels.

13. The device of any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a cluster-coded channel or a self-coded channel; based on determining that the first channel is a cluster-coded channel, obtain a cluster index associated with the first channel; and indicate, in the channel coding mode indication, that the first channel is associated with the cluster index.

14. The device of any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a second channel is a cluster- coded channel or a self-coded channel; determine that the second channel is a self-coded channel; encode the second channel based on the determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel; andPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT indicate, in the channel coding mode indication, that second channel is a self-coded channel.

15. The device of any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a memory operatively connected to the processor.

16. A method for video decoding, the method comprising: receiving, for a tensor, a channel coding mode indication configured to indicate a plurality of representative channels of a plurality of clusters and a plurality of self-coded channels associated with the tensor; decoding the plurality of representative channels and the plurality of self-coded channels based on the channel coding mode indication; and reconstructing the tensor based on the decoded plurality of representative channels and the decoded plurality of self-coded channels.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises: determining a number of the plurality of representative channels, wherein the plurality of representative channels are decoded based further on the number of the plurality of representative channels.

18. The method of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein the method further comprises: obtaining a plurality of cluster indices that are associated with the plurality of representative channels based on the channel coding mode indication, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the plurality of cluster indices.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the method further comprises: decoding a first representative channel associated with a first cluster index; identifying a first plurality of channels associated with the first cluster index; reconstructing the first plurality of channels associated with the first cluster index based on the decoded first represented channel; decoding a second representative channel associated with a second cluster index; identifying a second plurality of channels associated with the second cluster index; andPCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT reconstructing the second plurality of channels associated with the second cluster index based on the decoded second represented channel, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the reconstructed first plurality of channels and the reconstructed second plurality of channels.

20. The method of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the method further comprises: determining a number of the plurality of self-coded channels, wherein the plurality of self-coded channels are decoded based further on the number of the plurality of self-coded channels.21 . The method of any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the method further comprises: determining, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a cluster- coded channel or a self-coded channel; based on determining that the first channel is a cluster-coded channel, obtaining a cluster index associated with the first channel; identifying a representative channel associated with the cluster index; reconstructing the first channel based on the identified representative channel, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the reconstructed first channel.

22. The method of any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the method further comprises: determining, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a second channel is a cluster- coded channel or a self-coded channel; determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel; and decoding the second channel based on the determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel, wherein the tensor is reconstructed based further on the decoded second channel.

23. A method for video encoding, the method comprising: determining, for a tensor, a plurality of representative channels of a plurality of clusters and a plurality of self-coded channels associated with the tensor; encoding the plurality of representative channels and the plurality of self-coded channels; and including the channel coding mode indication in video data.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the method further comprises:PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT determining a number of the plurality of representative channels, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate the number of the plurality of representative channels.

25. The method of any of claims 23 or 24, wherein the method further comprises: identifying a plurality of cluster-coded channels; determining a plurality of cluster indices that correspond to the plurality of cluster-coded channels, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate the plurality of cluster indices that correspond to the plurality of cluster-coded channels.

26. The method of any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the method further comprises: determining a first representative channel associated with a first cluster index; identifying a first plurality of channels associated with the first cluster index, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate that the first plurality of channels are associated with the first cluster index; determining a second representative channel associated with a second cluster index; and identifying a second plurality of channels associated with the second cluster index, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate that the second plurality of channels are associated with the second cluster index.

27. The method of any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the method further comprises: determining a number of the plurality of self-coded channels, wherein the channel coding mode indication is configured to indicate the number of the plurality of self-coded channels.

28. The method of any of claims 23 to 27, wherein the method further comprises: determining, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a first channel is a cluster- coded channel or a self-coded channel; based on determining that the first channel is a cluster-coded channel, obtaining a cluster index associated with the first channel; and indicating, in the channel coding mode indication, that the first channel is associated with the cluster index.

29. The method of any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the method further comprises: determining, based on the channel coding mode indication, whether a second channel is a cluster- coded channel or a self-coded channel;PCT / US24 / 46206 11 September 2024 (11.09.2024)IDVC_2023P00828WO PATENT determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel; encoding the second channel based on the determining that the second channel is a self-coded channel; and indicating, in the channel coding mode indication, that second channel is a self-coded channel.

30. A computer-readable medium comprising medium comprising instructions for causing one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 29.31 . A computer program product which is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium and comprises program code instructions for implementing the steps of a method according to at least one of claims 16 to 29 when executed by a processor.

32. Video data comprising information representative of the coding block encoded according to one of the methods of any of claims 23 to 29.

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