Implicit multiple transform selection for video coding

Implicit transform selection techniques in video coding address inefficiencies by using intra prediction types and classifications to enhance coding efficiency and video quality.

WO2026089839A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-30QUALCOMM INC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-18
Publication Date
2026-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current video coding implementations do not consider various encoding techniques or characteristics of the video data when implicitly selecting transforms, leading to inefficient processing and lower quality decoded video.

Method used

Implicit transform selection techniques that take into account intra prediction types and classifications to select appropriate transforms for video blocks, improving coding efficiency and quality.

Benefits of technology

Enhances coding efficiency, reduces processing power consumption, and improves the quality of decoded video data by considering intra prediction types and classifications during transform selection.

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Abstract

Example methods, devices, and storage media are described. An example device includes one or more memories configured to store video data and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors are configured to determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications. The one or more processors are configured to select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block. The one or more processors are configured to decode the current block using the selected transform.
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Description

IMPLICIT MULTIPLE TRANSFORM SELECTION FOR VIDEO CODING

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 711,038, filed October 23, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to video encoding and video decoding.BACKGROUND

[0003] Digital video capabilities can be incorporated into a wide range of devices, including digital televisions, digital direct broadcast systems, wireless broadcast systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop or desktop computers, tablet computers, e-book readers, digital cameras, digital recording devices, digital media players, video gaming devices, video game consoles, cellular or satellite radio telephones, so-called “smart phones,” video teleconferencing devices, video streaming devices, and the like. Digital video devices implement video coding techniques, such as those described in the standards defined by MPEG-2, MPEG-4, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264 / MPEG-4, Part 10, Advanced Video Coding (AVC), ITU-T H.265 / High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), ITU-T H.266 / Versatile Video Coding (VVC), and extensions of such standards, as well as proprietary video codecs / formats such as AOMedia Video 1 (AVI) that was developed by the Alliance for Open Media. The video devices may transmit, receive, encode, decode, and / or store digital video information more efficiently by implementing such video coding techniques.

[0004] Video coding techniques include spatial (intra-picture) prediction and / or temporal (inter-picture) prediction to reduce or remove redundancy inherent in video sequences. For block-based video coding, a video slice (e.g., a video picture or a portion of a video picture) may be partitioned into video blocks, which may also be referred to as coding tree units (CTUs), coding units (CUs) and / or coding nodes. Video blocks in an intracoded (I) slice of a picture are encoded using spatial prediction with respect to reference samples in neighboring blocks in the same picture. Video blocks in an inter-coded (P or B) slice of a picture may use spatial prediction with respect to reference samples in neighboring blocks in the same picture or temporal prediction with respect to referencesamples in other reference pictures. Pictures may be referred to as frames, and reference pictures may be referred to as reference frames.SUMMARY

[0005] In general, this disclosure describes techniques for implicit transform selection for video coding. Some current implementations of video coders do not consider various encoding techniques or characteristics of the video data when implicitly selecting transforms. This may result in less efficient coding, the use of more processing power, and / or lower quality video than may be desired. The techniques of this disclosure take such factors into account when implicitly selecting transforms, thereby improving efficiency, reducing processing power consumption, and / or improving video quality of decoded video data.

[0006] In one example, a method includes: determining, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; selecting, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decoding the current block using the selected transform.

[0007] In another example, a device for decoding video data includes one or more memories configured to store video data and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode the current block using the selected transform.

[0008] In another example, a device for encoding video data includes one or more memories configured to store the video data; and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode, in a decoding loop of the device, the current block using the selected transform.

[0009] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example video encoding and decoding system that may perform the techniques of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating example implicit transform selection techniques according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example video encoder that may perform the techniques of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example video decoder that may perform the techniques of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for encoding a current block in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for decoding a current block in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In general, this disclosure describes techniques for implicit transform selection for video coding. Some current implementations of video coders (e.g., decoders) do not consider various encoding techniques or characteristics of the video data when implicitly selecting transforms. Such video decoders may decode video data less efficiently, using more processing power, and / or produce lower quality decoded video data than may be desired. The techniques of this disclosure utilize one or more of such factors when implicitly selecting transforms. As such, the techniques of this disclosure may improve coding efficiency, power usage, and / or decoded video quality.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example video encoding and decoding system 100 that may perform the techniques of this disclosure. The techniques of this disclosure are generally directed to coding (encoding and / or decoding) video data. In general, video data includes any data for processing a video. Thus, video data may include raw, unencoded video, encoded video, decoded (e.g., reconstructed) video, and video metadata, such as signaling data.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 includes a source device 102 that provides encoded video data to be decoded and displayed by a destination device 116, in this example. In particular, source device 102 provides the video data to destination device 116 via a computer-readable medium 110. Source device 102 and destination device 116 may be or include any of a wide range of devices, such as desktop computers, notebook (i.e., laptop) computers, mobile devices, tablet computers, set-top boxes, telephone handsets such as smartphones, televisions, cameras, display devices, digital media players, video gaming consoles, video streaming device, broadcast receiver devices, or the like. In some cases, source device 102 and destination device 116 may be equipped for wireless communication, and thus may be referred to as wireless communication devices.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, source device 102 includes video source 104, memory 106, video encoder 200, and output interface 108. Destination device 116 includes input interface 122, video decoder 300, memory 120, and display device 118. In accordance with this disclosure, video encoder 200 of source device 102 and video decoder 300 of destination device 116 may be configured to apply the techniques for implicit multiple transform selection. Thus, source device 102 represents an example of a video encoding device, while destination device 116 represents an example of a video decoding device. In other examples, a source device and a destination device may include other components or arrangements. For example, source device 102 may receive video data from an external video source, such as an external camera. Likewise, destination device 116 may interface with an external display device, rather than include an integrated display device.

[0020] System 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is merely one example. In general, any digital video encoding and / or decoding device may perform techniques for implicit multiple transform selection. Source device 102 and destination device 116 are merely examples of such coding devices in which source device 102 generates coded video data for transmission to destination device 116. This disclosure refers to a “coding” device as a device that performs coding (encoding and / or decoding) of data. Thus, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 represent examples of coding devices, in particular, a video encoder and a video decoder, respectively. In some examples, source device 102 and destination device 116 may operate in a substantially symmetrical manner such that each of source device 102 and destination device 116 includes video encoding and decoding components. Hence, system 100 may support one-way or two-way video transmissionbetween source device 102 and destination device 116, e.g., for video streaming, video playback, video broadcasting, or video telephony.

[0021] In general, video source 104 represents a source of video data (i.e., raw, unencoded video data) and provides a sequential series of pictures (also referred to as “frames”) of the video data to video encoder 200, which encodes data for the pictures. Video source 104 of source device 102 may include a video capture device, such as a video camera, a video archive containing previously captured raw video, and / or a video feed interface to receive video from a video content provider. As a further alternative, video source 104 may generate computer graphics-based data as the source video, or a combination of live video, archived video, and computer-generated video. In each case, video encoder 200 encodes the captured, pre-captured, or computer-generated video data. Video encoder 200 may rearrange the pictures from the received order (sometimes referred to as “display order”) into a coding order for coding. Video encoder 200 may generate a bitstream including encoded video data. Source device 102 may then output the encoded video data via output interface 108 onto computer-readable medium 110 for reception and / or retrieval by, e.g., input interface 122 of destination device 116.

[0022] Memory 106 of source device 102 and memory 120 of destination device 116 represent general purpose memories. In some examples, memories 106, 120 may store raw video data, e.g., raw video from video source 104 and raw, decoded video data from video decoder 300. Additionally or alternatively, memories 106, 120 may store software instructions executable by, e.g., video encoder 200 and video decoder 300, respectively. Although memory 106 and memory 120 are shown separately from video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 in this example, it should be understood that video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may also include internal memories for functionally similar or equivalent purposes. Furthermore, memories 106, 120 may store encoded video data, e.g., output from video encoder 200 and input to video decoder 300. In some examples, portions of memories 106, 120 may be allocated as one or more video buffers, e.g., to store raw, decoded, and / or encoded video data.

[0023] Computer-readable medium 110 may represent any type of medium or device capable of transporting the encoded video data from source device 102 to destination device 116. In one example, computer-readable medium 110 represents a communication medium to enable source device 102 to transmit encoded video data directly to destination device 116 in real-time, e.g., via a radio frequency network or computer-based network. Output interface 108 may modulate a transmission signal including the encoded videodata, and input interface 122 may demodulate the received transmission signal, according to a communication standard, such as a wireless communication protocol. The communication medium may include any wireless or wired communication medium, such as a radio frequency (RF) spectrum or one or more physical transmission lines. The communication medium may form part of a packet-based network, such as a local area network, a wide-area network, or a global network such as the Internet. The communication medium may include routers, switches, base stations, or any other equipment that may be useful to facilitate communication from source device 102 to destination device 116.

[0024] In some examples, source device 102 may output encoded data from output interface 108 to storage device 112. Similarly, destination device 116 may access encoded data from storage device 112 via input interface 122. Storage device 112 may include any of a variety of distributed or locally accessed data storage media such as a hard drive, Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, flash memory, volatile or non-volatile memory, or any other suitable digital storage media for storing encoded video data.

[0025] In some examples, source device 102 may output encoded video data to file server 114 or another intermediate storage device that may store the encoded video data generated by source device 102. Destination device 116 may access stored video data from file server 114 via streaming or download.

[0026] File server 114 may be any type of server device capable of storing encoded video data and transmitting that encoded video data to the destination device 116. File server 114 may represent a web server (e.g., for a website), a server configured to provide a file transfer protocol service (such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol), a content delivery network (CDN) device, a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server, a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) or Enhanced MBMS (eMBMS) server, and / or a network attached storage (NAS) device. File server 114 may, additionally or alternatively, implement one or more HTTP streaming protocols, such as Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), HTTP Dynamic Streaming, or the like.

[0027] Destination device 116 may access encoded video data from file server 114 through any standard data connection, including an Internet connection. This may include a wireless channel (e.g., a Wi-Fi connection), a wired connection (e.g., digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, etc.), or a combination of both that is suitable for accessingencoded video data stored on file server 114. Input interface 122 may be configured to operate according to any one or more of the various protocols discussed above for retrieving or receiving media data from file server 114, or other such protocols for retrieving media data.

[0028] Output interface 108 and input interface 122 may represent wireless transmitters / receivers, modems, wired networking components (e.g., Ethernet cards), wireless communication components that operate according to any of a variety of IEEE 802.11 standards, or other physical components. In examples where output interface 108 and input interface 122 include wireless components, output interface 108 and input interface 122 may be configured to transfer data, such as encoded video data, according to a cellular communication standard, such as 4G, 4G-LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE Advanced, 5G, or the like. In some examples where output interface 108 includes a wireless transmitter, output interface 108 and input interface 122 may be configured to transfer data, such as encoded video data, according to other wireless standards, such as an IEEE 802.11 specification, an IEEE 802.15 specification (e.g., ZigBee™), a Bluetooth™ standard, or the like. In some examples, source device 102 and / or destination device 116 may include respective system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. For example, source device 102 may include an SoC device to perform the functionality attributed to video encoder 200 and / or output interface 108, and destination device 116 may include an SoC device to perform the functionality attributed to video decoder 300 and / or input interface 122.

[0029] The techniques of this disclosure may be applied to video coding in support of any of a variety of multimedia applications, such as over-the-air television broadcasts, cable television transmissions, satellite television transmissions, Internet streaming video transmissions, such as dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH), digital video that is encoded onto a data storage medium, decoding of digital video stored on a data storage medium, or other applications.

[0030] Input interface 122 of destination device 116 receives an encoded video bitstream from computer-readable medium 110 (e.g., a communication medium, storage device 112, file server 114, or the like). The encoded video bitstream may include signaling information defined by video encoder 200, which is also used by video decoder 300, such as syntax elements having values that describe characteristics and / or processing of video blocks or other coded units (e.g., slices, pictures, groups of pictures, sequences, or the like). Display device 118 displays decoded pictures of the decoded video data to a user.Display device 118 may represent any of a variety of display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or another type of display device.

[0031] Although not shown in FIG. 1, in some examples, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may each be integrated with an audio encoder and / or audio decoder (e.g., audio codec), and may include appropriate MUX-DEMUX units, or other hardware and / or software, to handle multiplexed streams including both audio and video in a common data stream. Example audio codecs may include AAC, AC-3, AC-4, ALAC, ALS, AMBE, AMR, AMR-WB (G.722.2), AMR-WB+, aptx (various versions), ATRAC, BroadVoice (BV16, BV32), CELT, Enhanced AC-3 (E-AC-3), EVS, FLAC, G.711, G.722, G.722.1, G.722.2 (AMR-WB). G.723.1, G.726, G.728, G.729, G.729.1, GSM-FR, HE-AAC, iLBC, iSAC, LA Lyra, Monkey's Audio, MP1, MP2 (MPEG-1, 2 Audio Layer II), MP3, Musepack, Nellymoser Asao, OptimFROG, Opus, Sac, Satin, SBC, SILK, Siren 7, Speex, SVOPC, True Audio (TTA), TwinVQ, USAC, Vorbis (Ogg), WavPack, and Windows Media Aud.

[0032] Video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 each may be implemented as any of a variety of suitable encoder and / or decoder circuitry that includes a processing system, such as one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), discrete logic, software, hardware, firmware or any combinations thereof. When the techniques are implemented partially in software, a device may store instructions for the software in a suitable, non-transitory computer-readable medium and execute the instructions in hardware using one or more processors to perform the techniques of this disclosure. Each of video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may be included in one or more encoders or decoders, either of which may be integrated as part of a combined encoder / decoder (CODEC) in a respective device. A device including video encoder 200 and / or video decoder 300 may implement video encoder 200 and / or video decoder 300 in processing circuitry such as an integrated circuit and / or a microprocessor. Such a device may be a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone, or any other type of device described herein.

[0033] Video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may operate according to a video coding standard, such as ITU-T H.265, also referred to as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) or extensions thereto, such as the multi-view and / or scalable video coding extensions. Alternatively, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may operateaccording to other proprietary or industry standards, such as ITU-T H.266, also referred to as Versatile Video Coding (VVC). In other examples, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may operate according to a proprietary video codec / format, such as AOMedia Video 1 (AVI), extensions of AVI, and / or successor versions of AVI (e.g., AV2). In other examples, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may operate according to other proprietary formats or industry standards. The techniques of this disclosure, however, are not limited to any particular coding standard or format. In general, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may be configured to perform the techniques of this disclosure in conjunction with any video coding techniques that use implicit multiple transform selection.

[0034] In general, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may perform block-based coding of pictures. The term “block” generally refers to a structure including data to be processed (e.g., encoded, decoded, or otherwise used in the encoding and / or decoding process). For example, a block may include a two-dimensional matrix of samples of luminance and / or chrominance data. In general, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may code video data represented in a YUV (e.g., Y, Cb, Cr) format. That is, rather than coding red, green, and blue (RGB) data for samples of a picture, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may code luminance and chrominance components, where the chrominance components may include both red hue and blue hue chrominance components. In some examples, video encoder 200 converts received RGB formatted data to a YUV representation prior to encoding, and video decoder 300 converts the YUV representation to the RGB format. Alternatively, pre- and post-processing units (not shown) may perform these conversions.

[0035] This disclosure may generally refer to coding (e.g., encoding and decoding) of pictures to include the process of encoding or decoding data of the picture. Similarly, this disclosure may refer to coding of blocks of a picture to include the process of encoding or decoding data for the blocks, e.g., prediction and / or residual coding. An encoded video bitstream generally includes a series of values for syntax elements representative of coding decisions (e.g., coding modes) and partitioning of pictures into blocks. Thus, references to coding a picture or a block should generally be understood as coding values for syntax elements forming the picture or block.

[0036] HEVC defines various blocks, including coding units (CUs), prediction units (PUs), and transform units (TUs). According to HEVC, a video coder (such as video encoder 200) partitions a coding tree unit (CTU) into CUs according to a quadtreestructure. That is, the video coder partitions CTUs and CUs into four equal, nonoverlapping squares, and each node of the quadtree has either zero or four child nodes. Nodes without child nodes may be referred to as “leaf nodes,” and CUs of such leaf nodes may include one or more PUs and / or one or more TUs. The video coder may further partition PUs and TUs. For example, in HEVC, a residual quadtree (RQT) represents partitioning of TUs. In HEVC, PUs represent inter-prediction data, while TUs represent residual data. CUs that are intra-predicted include intra-prediction information, such as an intra-mode indication.

[0037] As another example, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may be configured to operate according to VVC. According to VVC, a video coder (such as video encoder 200) partitions a picture into a plurality of CTUs. Video encoder 200 may partition a CTU according to a tree structure, such as a quadtree-binary tree (QTBT) structure or Multi-Type Tree (MTT) structure. The QTBT structure removes the concepts of multiple partition types, such as the separation between CUs, PUs, and TUs of HEVC. A QTBT structure includes two levels: a first level partitioned according to quadtree partitioning, and a second level partitioned according to binary tree partitioning. A root node of the QTBT structure corresponds to a CTU. Leaf nodes of the binary trees correspond to CUs.

[0038] In an MTT partitioning structure, blocks may be partitioned using a quadtree (QT) partition, a binary tree (BT) partition, and one or more types of triple tree (TT) (also called ternary tree (TT)) partitions. A triple or ternary tree partition is a partition where a block is split into three sub-blocks. In some examples, a triple or ternary tree partition divides a block into three sub-blocks without dividing the original block through the center. The partitioning types in MTT (e.g., QT, BT, and TT), may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0039] When operating according to the AVI codec, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may be configured to code video data in blocks. In AVI, the largest coding block that can be processed is called a superblock. In AVI, a superblock can be either 128x128 luma samples or 64x64 luma samples. However, in successor video coding formats (e.g., AV2), a superblock may be defined by different (e.g., larger) luma sample sizes. In some examples, a superblock is the top level of a block quadtree. Video encoder 200 may further partition a superblock into smaller coding blocks. Video encoder 200 may partition a superblock and other coding blocks into smaller blocks using square or nonsquare partitioning. Non-square blocks may include N / 2xN, NxN / 2, N / 4xN, and NxN / 4 blocks. Video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may perform separate prediction and transform processes on each of the coding blocks.

[0040] AVI also defines a tile of video data. A tile is a rectangular array of superblocks that may be coded independently of other tiles. That is, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may encode and decode, respectively, coding blocks within a tile without using video data from other tiles. However, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may perform filtering across tile boundaries. Tiles may be uniform or non-uniform in size. Tile-based coding may enable parallel processing and / or multi-threading for encoder and decoder implementations.

[0041] In some examples, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may use a single QTBT or MTT structure to represent each of the luminance and chrominance components, while in other examples, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may use two or more QTBT or MTT structures, such as one QTBT / MTT structure for the luminance component and another QTBT / MTT structure for both chrominance components (or two QTBT / MTT structures for respective chrominance components).

[0042] Video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may be configured to use quadtree partitioning, QTBT partitioning, MTT partitioning, superblock partitioning, or other partitioning structures.

[0043] In some examples, a CTU includes a coding tree block (CTB) of luma samples, two corresponding CTBs of chroma samples of a picture that has three sample arrays, or a CTB of samples of a monochrome picture or a picture that is coded using three separate color planes and syntax structures used to code the samples. A CTB may be an NxN block of samples for some value of N such that the division of a component into CTBs is a partitioning. A component is an array or single sample from one of the three arrays (luma and two chroma) that compose a picture in 4:2:0, 4:2:2, or 4:4:4 color format or the array or a single sample of the array that compose a picture in monochrome format. In some examples, a coding block is an MxN block of samples for some values of M and N such that a division of a CTB into coding blocks is a partitioning.

[0044] The blocks (e.g., CTUs or CUs) may be grouped in various ways in a picture. As one example, a brick may refer to a rectangular region of CTU rows within a particular tile in a picture. A tile may be a rectangular region of CTUs within a particular tile column and a particular tile row in a picture. A tile column refers to a rectangular region of CTUs having a height equal to the height of the picture and a width specified by syntax elements (e.g., such as in a picture parameter set). A tile row refers to a rectangular region of CTUs having a height specified by syntax elements (e.g., such as in a picture parameter set) and a width equal to the width of the picture.

[0045] In some examples, a tile may be partitioned into multiple bricks, each of which may include one or more CTU rows within the tile. A tile that is not partitioned into multiple bricks may also be referred to as a brick. However, a brick that is a true subset of a tile may not be referred to as a tile. The bricks in a picture may also be arranged in a slice. A slice may be an integer number of bricks of a picture that may be exclusively contained in a single network abstraction layer (NAL) unit. In some examples, a slice includes either a number of complete tiles or only a consecutive sequence of complete bricks of one tile.

[0046] This disclosure may use “NxN” and “N by N” interchangeably to refer to the sample dimensions of a block (such as a CU or other video block) in terms of vertical and horizontal dimensions, e.g., 16x16 samples or 16 by 16 samples. In general, a 16x16 CU will have 16 samples in a vertical direction (y = 16) and 16 samples in a horizontal direction (x = 16). Likewise, an NxN CU generally has N samples in a vertical direction and N samples in a horizontal direction, where N represents a nonnegative integer value. The samples in a CU may be arranged in rows and columns. Moreover, CUs need not necessarily have the same number of samples in the horizontal direction as in the vertical direction. For example, CUs may include NxM samples, where M is not necessarily equal to N.

[0047] Video encoder 200 encodes video data for CUs representing prediction and / or residual information, and other information. The prediction information indicates how the CU is to be predicted in order to form a prediction block for the CU. The residual information generally represents sample-by-sample differences between samples of the CU prior to encoding and the prediction block.

[0048] To predict a CU, video encoder 200 may generally form a prediction block for the CU through inter-prediction or intra-prediction. Inter-prediction generally refers to predicting the CU from data of a previously coded picture, whereas intra-prediction generally refers to predicting the CU from previously coded data of the same picture. To perform inter-prediction, video encoder 200 may generate the prediction block using one or more motion vectors. Video encoder 200 may generally perform a motion search to identify a reference block that closely matches the CU, e.g., in terms of differences between the CU and the reference block. Video encoder 200 may calculate a difference metric using a sum of absolute difference (SAD), sum of squared differences (SSD), mean absolute difference (MAD), mean squared differences (MSD), or other such difference calculations to determine whether a reference block closely matches the current CU. Insome examples, video encoder 200 may predict the current CU using uni-directional prediction or bi-directional prediction.

[0049] Some examples of VVC also provide an affine motion compensation mode, which may be considered an inter-prediction mode. In affine motion compensation mode, video encoder 200 may determine two or more motion vectors that represent non-translational motion, such as zoom in or out, rotation, perspective motion, or other irregular motion types.

[0050] To perform intra-prediction, video encoder 200 may select an intra-prediction mode to generate the prediction block. Some examples of VVC provide sixty-seven intraprediction modes, including various directional modes, as well as planar mode and DC mode. In general, video encoder 200 selects an intra-prediction mode that describes neighboring samples to a current block (e.g., a block of a CU) from which to predict samples of the current block. Such samples may generally be above, above and to the left, or to the left of the current block in the same picture as the current block, assuming video encoder 200 codes CTUs and CUs in raster scan order (left to right, top to bottom).

[0051] Video encoder 200 encodes data representing the prediction mode for a current block. For example, for inter-prediction modes, video encoder 200 may encode data representing which of the various available inter-prediction modes is used, as well as motion information for the corresponding mode. For uni-directional or bi-directional inter-prediction, for example, video encoder 200 may encode motion vectors using advanced motion vector prediction (AMVP) or merge mode. Video encoder 200 may use similar modes to encode motion vectors for affine motion compensation mode.

[0052] AVI includes two general techniques for encoding and decoding a coding block of video data. The two general techniques are intra prediction (e.g., intra frame prediction or spatial prediction) and inter prediction (e.g., inter frame prediction or temporal prediction). In the context of AVI, when predicting blocks of a current frame of video data using an intra prediction mode, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 do not use video data from other frames of video data. For most intra prediction modes, video encoder 200 encodes blocks of a current frame based on the difference between sample values in the current block and predicted values generated from reference samples in the same frame. Video encoder 200 determines predicted values generated from the reference samples based on the intra prediction mode.

[0053] Following prediction, such as intra-prediction or inter-prediction of a block, video encoder 200 may calculate residual data for the block. The residual data, such as aresidual block, represents sample by sample differences between the block and a prediction block for the block, formed using the corresponding prediction mode. Video encoder 200 may apply one or more transforms to the residual block, to produce transformed data in a transform domain instead of the sample domain. For example, video encoder 200 may apply a discrete cosine transform (DCT), an integer transform, a wavelet transform, or a conceptually similar transform to residual video data. Additionally, video encoder 200 may apply a secondary transform following the first transform, such as a mode-dependent non-separable secondary transform (MDNSST), a signal dependent transform, a Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT), or the like. Video encoder 200 produces transform coefficients following application of the one or more transforms.

[0054] As noted above, following any transforms to produce transform coefficients, video encoder 200 may perform quantization of the transform coefficients. Quantization generally refers to a process in which transform coefficients are quantized to possibly reduce the amount of data used to represent the transform coefficients, providing further compression. By performing the quantization process, video encoder 200 may reduce the bit depth associated with some or all of the transform coefficients. For example, video encoder 200 may round an zz-bit value down to an m-bit value during quantization, where n is greater than m. In some examples, to perform quantization, video encoder 200 may perform a bitwise right-shift of the value to be quantized.

[0055] Following quantization, video encoder 200 may scan the transform coefficients, producing a one-dimensional vector from the two-dimensional matrix including the quantized transform coefficients. The scan may be designed to place higher energy (and therefore lower frequency) transform coefficients at the front of the vector and to place lower energy (and therefore higher frequency) transform coefficients at the back of the vector. In some examples, video encoder 200 may utilize a predefined scan order to scan the quantized transform coefficients to produce a serialized vector, and then entropy encode the quantized transform coefficients of the vector. In other examples, video encoder 200 may perform an adaptive scan. After scanning the quantized transform coefficients to form the one-dimensional vector, video encoder 200 may entropy encode the one-dimensional vector, e.g., according to context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC). Video encoder 200 may also entropy encode values for syntax elements describing metadata associated with the encoded video data for use by video decoder 300 in decoding the video data.

[0056] To perform CAB AC, video encoder 200 may assign a context within a context model to a symbol to be transmitted. The context may relate to, for example, whether neighboring values of the symbol are zero-valued or not. The probability determination may be based on a context assigned to the symbol.

[0057] Video encoder 200 may further generate syntax data, such as block-based syntax data, picture-based syntax data, and sequence-based syntax data, to video decoder 300, e.g., in a picture header, a block header, a slice header, or other syntax data, such as a sequence parameter set (SPS), picture parameter set (PPS), or video parameter set (VPS). Video decoder 300 may likewise decode such syntax data to determine how to decode corresponding video data.

[0058] In this manner, video encoder 200 may generate a bitstream including encoded video data, e.g., syntax elements describing partitioning of a picture into blocks (e.g., CUs) and prediction and / or residual information for the blocks. Ultimately, video decoder 300 may receive the bitstream and decode the encoded video data.

[0059] In general, video decoder 300 performs a reciprocal process to that performed by video encoder 200 to decode the encoded video data of the bitstream. For example, video decoder 300 may decode values for syntax elements of the bitstream using CAB AC in a manner substantially similar to, albeit reciprocal to, the CABAC encoding process of video encoder 200. The syntax elements may define partitioning information for partitioning of a picture into CTUs, and partitioning of each CTU according to a corresponding partition structure, such as a QTBT structure, to define CUs of the CTU. The syntax elements may further define prediction and residual information for blocks (e.g., CUs) of video data.

[0060] The residual information may be represented by, for example, quantized transform coefficients. Video decoder 300 may inverse quantize and inverse transform the quantized transform coefficients of a block to reproduce a residual block for the block. Video decoder 300 uses a signaled prediction mode (intra- or inter-prediction) and related prediction information (e.g., motion information for inter-prediction) to form a prediction block for the block. Video decoder 300 may then combine the prediction block and the residual block (on a sample-by-sample basis) to reproduce the original block. Video decoder 300 may perform additional processing, such as performing a deblocking process to reduce visual artifacts along boundaries of the block.

[0061] Any of the video encoding or video decoding processes described above may be performed using a neural network (NN). Additionally or alternatively, a neural networkmay be trained to efficiently compress video data without necessarily separately performing prediction and residual coding. Studies have shown that embedding neural networks into the hybrid video coding framework of video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 can improve compression efficiency. Neural networks may be used for intra prediction and inter prediction to improve the prediction efficiency. NN-based in-loop filtering and / or post-filtering have also performed well in heuristic testing.

[0062] For example, video encoder 200 and video decoder may use one or more NN-based filters for existing filters, such as deblocking filters, sample adaptive offset (SAO), and / or adaptive loop filtering (ALF). NN-based filters can also be applied exclusively, where NN-based filters are designed to replace all of the existing filters. Additionally or alternatively, NN-based filters may be designed to supplement, enhance, or replace any or all of the other filters.

[0063] In some examples, an NN-based filter may be a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based filter with multiple layers. An NN-based filtering process may take reconstructed samples as inputs, and may add the intermediate outputs back to the inputs to refine the input samples. The NN-based filter may use all color components (e.g., Y, U, and V, or Y, Cb, and Cr) as inputs to exploit cross-component correlations. Different color components may share the same filters (including network structure and model parameters) or each component may have its own specific filters.

[0064] The filtering process can also be generalized as follows: / ?'(bj) = + NN _filter_residual_ouput(R) Here, R(i, j) represents a reconstructed sample at position (i, j) in the picture, R’(i, j) represents the filtered version of the reconstructed sample, and NN_filter_residaul_output(R) represents the intermediate samples discussed above that are calculated by the NN filter. The model structure and model parameters of NN-based filter(s) can be pre-defined and be stored at video encoder 200 and video decoder 300. The filters can also be signalled in the bitstream.

[0065] In some examples, an NN-based filter may include a series of feature extraction layers, followed by an output convolution. The feature extraction layers may include a 3x3 convolution (conv) layer followed by a parametric rectified linear unit (PReLU) layer. The convolutional layer applies a convolution operation to the input data, which involves a filter or kernel processing the input data (e.g., the reconstruction samples) in a sliding window fashion and computing dot products at each position. The convolution operation essentially captures local patterns within the input data. For example, in thecontext of image processing, these patterns could be edges, textures, or other visual features. The filter or kernel is a small matrix of weights that gets updated during the training process. By sliding this filter across the input data (or feature map from a previous layer) and computing the dot product at each position, the convolutional layer creates a feature map that encodes spatial hierarchies and patterns detected in the input. The output of a convolutional layer is a set of feature maps, each corresponding to one filter, capturing different aspects of the input data. This layer helps the neural network to learn increasingly complex and abstract features as the data passes through deeper layers of the network.

[0066] The PReLU layer is an activation function used in neural networks, and is a variant of the ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit) activation function. As described above, the convolution layer outputs feature maps, each corresponding to one filter, representing detected features in the input. Following the convolution layer, the PReLU layer applies the PReLU activation function to each element of the feature maps produced by the convolution layer. For positive values, the PReLU layer acts like a standard ReLU, passing the value through. For negative values, instead of setting them to zero (e.g., as ReLU does), the PReLU layer allows a small, linear, negative output. This keeps neurons of the NN active and maintains the gradient flow, which can be beneficial for learning in deep networks.

[0067] When NN-based filtering is applied in video coding, the whole video signal (pixel data) may be split into multiple processing units (e.g., 2D blocks), and each processing unit can be processed separately or be combined with other information associated with this block of pixels. For example, a processing unit may be a frame, a slice / tile, a CTU, or any pre-defined or signaled shapes and sizes. Typically, NN-based filtering is performed on reconstructed blocks of video data. Here, reconstructed blocks and samples may refer to both decoded blocks produced by video decoder 300, as well blocks reconstructed in a reconstruction loop of video encoder 200.

[0068] To further improve the performance of NN-based filtering, different types of input data can be processed jointly to produce the filtered output. Input data may include, but is not limited to, reconstruction pixels / samples, prediction pixels / samples, pixels / samples after the loop filter(s), partitioning structure information, deblocking parameters (e.g., boundary strength (BS)), quantization parameter (QP) values, slice or picture types, or a filters applicability or coding modes map. Input data can be provided at different granularities. Luma reconstruction and prediction samples may be provided at theoriginal resolution, whereas chroma samples may be provided at lower resolution, e.g. for 4:2:0 representation, or can be up-sampled to the Luma resolution to achieve per-pixel representation. Similarly, QP, BS, partitioning, or coding mode information can be provided at lower resolution, including cases with a single value per frame, slice or processing block (e.g. QP). In other examples, QP, BS, partitioning, or coding mode information can be expanded (e.g., replicated) to achieve per-pixel / sample representation.

[0069] To further improve the performance of NN-based filtering, multi-mode solutions can be used. For example, for each processing unit, video encoder 200 may select a mode from a set of modes based on rate-distortion optimization and signal the selected mode in the bit-stream. The different modes may include different NN models, different values that may be used as the input information of the NN models, etc. In one example, video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may use an NN-based filtering solution with multiple modes based on a single NN model by using different QP values as input to the NN model for different modes.

[0070] This disclosure may generally refer to “signaling” certain information, such as syntax elements. The term “signaling” may generally refer to the communication of values for syntax elements and / or other data used to decode encoded video data. That is, video encoder 200 may signal values for syntax elements in the bitstream. In general, signaling refers to generating a value in the bitstream. As noted above, source device 102 may transport the bitstream to destination device 116 substantially in real time, or not in real time, such as might occur when storing syntax elements to storage device 112 for later retrieval by destination device 116.

[0071] In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, a method includes: determining, based on an intra-prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; selecting, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decoding the current block using the selected transform.

[0072] In another example, a device includes one or more memories configured to store the video data; and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode the current block using the selected transform.

[0073] In yet another example, a device includes one or more memories configured to store the video data; and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode, in a decoding loop of the device, the current block using the selected transform.

[0074] Video coding standards include ITU-T H.261, ISO / IEC MPEG-1 Visual, ITU-T H.262 or ISO / IEC MPEG-2 Visual, ITU-T H.263, ISO / IEC MPEG-4 Visual (MPEG-4 Part 2), ITU-T H.264 (also known as ISO / IEC MPEG-4 AVC), including its Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and Multiview Video Coding (MVC) extensions, and ITU-T H.265 (also known as ISO / IEC MPEG-4 HEVC) with its extensions. During the April 2018 meeting of the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET), the Versatile Video Coding (VVC) standardization activity (also known as ITU-T H.266) was begun with the evaluation of the video compression technologies submitted to the Call for Proposals.

[0075] Explicit multiple transform selection (explicit MTS) in the Enhanced Compression Model (ECM) is now discussed. Multiple primary transform selection is featured in ECM in two distinct ways: explicitly and implicitly. In explicit MTS, there are multiple choices for transform selection, and the choices are signaled in the bitstream. For example, video encoder 200 may signal an index indicative of a plurality of choices for transform selection in a bitstream to video decoder 300. Video decoder 300 may parse the index to determine which choices are available for selection, e.g., for a given block. The choices are additionally dependent on the transform block shape and intra-prediction mode direction or angle. Currently in ECM, the blocks are classified in 16 different size groups based on their width (W) and height (H), as described below:Table 1Size group ->{ WxH} =0 ->{4x4} 1 {4x8} 2 ->{4x16} 3 ->{4xN}4 ->{8x4} 5 ->{8x8} 6 ->{8x16} 7 ->{8xN}8 ->{16x4} 9 ->{16x8} 10 ->{16x16} 11 ->{16xN}12 ->{Nx4} 13 ->{Nx8} 14 ->{Nxl6} 15 ->{NxN}Where N >=32.

[0076] For each size group, they are further classified in 5 mode-groups based on mode information (e.g., direction or angle). So, in total, 16*5 = 80 groups are considered.Table 2Mode group Intra mode Id0 0 <= intramode <=11 2 <= intramode <=122 13 <= intramode <=233 24 <= intramode <=344 MIP modeThus, given a prediction mode (e.g., direction or angle) and block size, the prediction mode (e.g., direction or angle) and block size corresponds to a particular group.

[0077] Further, the number of choices depends on the sum of absolute level of coefficients, and the value of number of choices can be 1, 4 or 6, where a higher number of choices are provided for a block where the sum of the level of transform coefficients is higher and a lower number of choices are provided for a block where the sum of the level of transform coefficients is lower. For example, video encoder 200 or video decoder 300 may have a higher number of choices for transform selection when the sum of the level of transform coefficients is higher than when the sum of the level of transform coefficients is lower.

[0078] Implicit multiple transform selection (implicit MTS) in ECM is now discussed. Implicit transform selection includes using an implicit way of determining which transform to use without signaling. For example, when implementing implicit MTS, video encoder 200 may not signal identification of transforms in the bitstream and video decoder 300 may implicitly determine the identification of such transforms, rather than receive and parse a syntax element that specifically identifies a transform to use. In VVCZECM, the implicit transform selection uses two distinct transform kernels: DCT2 and DST7, and the selection of a transform from these two choices is size dependent. DST7 is used when the size is in the range of [4, 16], otherwise DCT2 is used. Moreover, for matrix -based intra prediction (MIP), implicit selection is not used, e.g., only DCT2 is used for both directions (horizontal and vertical).

[0079] In C. Bonnineau et al. “AHG12: Improved implicit MTS”, JVET-AI0223, Jul 2024 (hereinafter “JVET-AI0223”), implicit MTS is improved by using a block shapeand intra directional mode dependency. For block shape, the same 16 block shapes are used as those used in explicit MTS (see Table 1 above) and for intra directional mode, 35 different classes (e.g., directions or angles as in Table 2) are considered.

[0080] However, JVET-AI0223 does not consider intra-prediction type, each of which may have different residual characteristics. Examples of intra-predictions types include regular intra-prediction, spatial geometric partition mode (SGPM), decoder-side intra mode derivation (DIMD), template-based intra mode derivation (TIMD), enhanced inter prediction (EIP), etc.). As used herein “intra-prediction type” should not be confused with the different intra mode directions, such as those mentioned above in Table 2. As such, a group of intra mode directions (e.g., mode group 2) should not be considered an intraprediction type. Moreover, JVET-AI0223 does not consider nature of dominant directions of the block (e.g., a current block), or the spatial characteristics of the block (e.g., a textured block versus a smooth block).

[0081] The following aspects can be considered independently or in a combined way (e.g., in any combination thereof). In some examples, multiple classification techniques can be used to derive the implicit transform selection. For example, video decoder 300 may use any of, or any combination of, the classification techniques set forth herein to determine which transform(s) to use when employing implicit MTS.

[0082] Intra prediction type dependent implicit MTS is now described. In this example, blocks are classified based on an intra-prediction type, e.g., whether the block (e.g., a current block) is predicted using regular intra prediction mode, DIMD, TIMD, SGPM, EIP, MIP or intra template matching (IntraTMP) and a classification of a block may be used for implicit transform selection. In general, N different classes may be defined using prediction type. In some examples, N is set to 7 (e.g., one respective class for each intraprediction type).

[0083] For example, video decoder 300 may determine, based on an intra-prediction type used to encode a current block of video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications. Video decoder 300 may select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block. Video decoder 300 may decode the current block using the selected transform.

[0084] Difference between dominant directions-dependent implicit MTS is now described. In this example, blocks are classified based on the difference between two dominant intra prediction directions. The dominant intra-directi on mode(s) can be derived by using a combination of signaled intra-direction mode (if such signaling exists) and / orperforming (e.g., determining) histogram-based gradient statistics (which may be similar to DIMD-based mode derivation) either on the reference neighboring pixels (e.g., reconstructed neighboring pixels) or on the predicted pixels (e.g., of a predicted block) themselves. In some examples, the two dominant intra prediction directions may be the two most probable intra prediction directions based on the histogram gradient statistics. In some examples, the most dominant intra prediction direction may be referred to as the first dominant intra prediction direction or the primary intra prediction direction. In some examples, the second most dominant intra prediction direction may be referred to as the second dominant intra prediction direction or the secondary intra prediction direction. The difference between the two dominant intra prediction directions may be determined and that difference may be classified. The classification of the difference may be used for implicit transform selection. In general, N different classes may be defined using the difference between dominant directions. In some examples, N is set to 7.

[0085] For example, video decoder 300 may determine a first dominant intra prediction direction for the current block. Video decoder 300 may select the transform further based on the first dominant intra prediction direction. For example, video decoder 300 may determine a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block. Video decoder 300 may determine a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction. Video decoder 300 may determine, based on the difference, a classification. Video decoder 300 may select, based on the classification, a transform for the current block. Video decoder 300 may apply the selected transform to the current block.

[0086] Spatial characteristics-dependent implicit MTS is now described. In this example, blocks are classified based on the average or maximum gradient of the neighboring reconstructed pixels or the predicted pixels and the classification of a block is used for implicit transform selection. In general, N different classes may be defined using the average or maximum gradient of the block.

[0087] For example, video decoder 300 may determine an average gradient of neighboring reconstructed pixels or predicted pixels of the current block or a maximum gradient of the neighboring reconstructed pixels or the predicted pixels. Video decoder 300 may determine, based on the average gradient or the maximum gradient, a classification. Video decoder 300 may select, based on the classification, a transform for the current block. Video decoder 300 may apply the selected transform to the current block.

[0088] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating example implicit transform selection techniques according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Video decoder 300 may determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications (150). For example, video decoder 300 may determine whether the intra prediction type used to encode the current block is a regular intra prediction mode, a decoder-side intra mode derivation mode, a template-based intra mode derivation mode, a spatial geometric partition mode, an enhanced inter prediction mode, a matrix-based intra prediction mode, or an intra template matching mode. Each intra prediction type may be associated with one of the plurality of classifications. Again, as mentioned above, it should be understood that an intra prediction type should not be confused with a group of intra prediction directions or angles (e.g., mode group 2 in Table 2), although the regular intra prediction mode may itself be an intra prediction type.

[0089] Video decoder 300 may select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block (152). For example, video decoder 300 may look up the classification in memory (e.g., in a look-up table) to determine a subset of transforms that may be used and select the transform to use from the subset of transforms.

[0090] Video decoder 300 may decode the current block using the selected transform (154). For example, video decoder 300 may apply the selected transform, which may be an inverse transform, when decoding the current block. The decoding process is further described hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0091] In some examples, video decoder 300 may determine a first dominant intra prediction direction for the current block. Video decoder 300 may select the transform further based on the first dominant intra prediction direction.

[0092] In some examples, video decoder 300 may determine a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block. Video decoder 300 may determine a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction. Video decoder 300 may select the transform further based on the difference.

[0093] In some examples, video decoder 300 may determine a histogram of gradients based on reference neighboring pixels or predicted pixels for the current block. Video decoder 300 may determine at least one of the first dominant intra prediction direction or the second dominant intra prediction direction based on the histogram of gradients. In some examples, the predicted pixels include or are a predicted block.

[0094] In some examples, a total number of the plurality of classifications is predetermined. In some examples, the total number of the plurality of classifications is 7.

[0095] In some examples, video decoder 300 may select the transform further based on block shape.

[0096] In some examples, the intra prediction type includes a regular intra prediction mode, a decoder-side intra mode derivation mode, a template-based intra mode derivation mode, a spatial geometric partition mode, an enhanced inter prediction mode, a matrixbased intra prediction mode, or an intra template matching mode.

[0097] In some examples, video decoder 300 may implicitly select the transform without receiving a syntax element that specifies the transform for the current block.

[0098] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example video encoder 200 that may perform the techniques of this disclosure. FIG. 3 is provided for purposes of explanation and should not be considered limiting of the techniques as broadly exemplified and described in this disclosure. For purposes of explanation, this disclosure describes video encoder 200 according to the techniques of VVC and HEVC. However, the techniques of this disclosure may be performed by video encoding devices that are configured to other video coding standards and video coding formats, such as AVI and successors to the AVI video coding format.

[0099] In the example of FIG. 3, video encoder 200 includes video data memory 230, mode selection unit 202, residual generation unit 204, transform processing unit 206, quantization unit 208, inverse quantization unit 210, inverse transform processing unit 212, reconstruction unit 214, filter unit 216, decoded picture buffer (DPB) 218, and entropy encoding unit 220. Any or all of video data memory 230, mode selection unit 202, residual generation unit 204, transform processing unit 206, quantization unit 208, inverse quantization unit 210, inverse transform processing unit 212, reconstruction unit 214, filter unit 216, DPB 218, and entropy encoding unit 220 may be implemented in one or more processors or in processing circuitry. For instance, the units of video encoder 200 may be implemented as one or more circuits or logic elements as part of hardware circuitry, or as part of a processor, ASIC, or FPGA. Moreover, video encoder 200 may include additional or alternative processors or processing circuitry to perform these and other functions.

[0100] Video data memory 230 is an example of a memory system that may store video data to be encoded by the components of video encoder 200. Video encoder 200 may receive the video data stored in video data memory 230 from, for example, video source104 (FIG. 1). DPB 218 is an example of a memory system that may act as a reference picture memory that stores reference video data for use in prediction of subsequent video data by video encoder 200. Video data memory 230 and DPB 218 may each be formed by any of a variety of one or more memory devices or memory units, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), including synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), or other types of memory devices. Video data memory 230 and DPB 218 may be provided by the same memory device or separate memory devices. In various examples, video data memory 230 may be on-chip with other components of video encoder 200, as illustrated, or off-chip relative to those components.

[0101] In this disclosure, reference to video data memory 230 should not be interpreted as being limited to memory internal to video encoder 200, unless specifically described as such, or memory external to video encoder 200, unless specifically described as such. Rather, reference to video data memory 230 should be understood as reference memory that stores video data that video encoder 200 receives for encoding (e.g., video data for a current block that is to be encoded). Memory 106 of FIG. 1 may also provide temporary storage of outputs from the various units of video encoder 200.

[0102] The various units of FIG. 3 are illustrated to assist with understanding the operations performed by video encoder 200. The units may be implemented as fixed-function circuits, programmable circuits, or a combination thereof. Fixed-function circuits refer to circuits that provide particular functionality, and are preset on the operations that can be performed. Programmable circuits refer to circuits that can be programmed to perform various tasks, and provide flexible functionality in the operations that can be performed. For instance, programmable circuits may execute software or firmware that cause the programmable circuits to operate in the manner defined by instructions of the software or firmware. Fixed-function circuits may execute software instructions (e.g., to receive parameters or output parameters), but the types of operations that the fixed-function circuits perform are generally immutable. In some examples, one or more of the units may be distinct circuit blocks (fixed-function or programmable), and in some examples, one or more of the units may be integrated circuits.

[0103] Video encoder 200 may include arithmetic logic units (ALUs), elementary function units (EFUs), digital circuits, analog circuits, and / or programmable cores, formed from programmable circuits. In examples where the operations of video encoder 200 are performed using software executed by the programmable circuits, memory 106(FIG. 1) may store the instructions (e.g., object code) of the software that video encoder 200 receives and executes, or another memory within video encoder 200 (not shown) may store such instructions.

[0104] Video data memory 230 is configured to store received video data. Video encoder 200 may retrieve a picture of the video data from video data memory 230 and provide the video data to residual generation unit 204 and mode selection unit 202. Video data in video data memory 230 may be raw video data that is to be encoded.

[0105] Mode selection unit 202 includes a motion estimation unit 222, a motion compensation unit 224, and an intra-prediction unit 226. Mode selection unit 202 may include additional functional units to perform video prediction in accordance with other prediction modes. As examples, mode selection unit 202 may include a palette unit, an intra-block copy unit (which may be part of motion estimation unit 222 and / or motion compensation unit 224), an affine unit, a linear model (LM) unit, or the like.

[0106] Mode selection unit 202 generally coordinates multiple encoding passes to test combinations of encoding parameters and resulting rate-distortion values for such combinations. The encoding parameters may include partitioning of CTUs into CUs, prediction modes for the CUs, transform types for residual data of the CUs, quantization parameters for residual data of the CUs, and so on. Mode selection unit 202 may ultimately select the combination of encoding parameters having rate-distortion values that are better than the other tested combinations.

[0107] Video encoder 200 may partition a picture retrieved from video data memory 230 into a series of CTUs, and encapsulate one or more CTUs within a slice. Mode selection unit 202 may partition a CTU of the picture in accordance with a tree structure, such as the MTT structure, QTBT structure, superblock structure, or the quad-tree structure described above. As described above, video encoder 200 may form one or more CUs from partitioning a CTU according to the tree structure. Such a CU may also be referred to generally as a “video block” or “block.”

[0108] In general, mode selection unit 202 also controls the components thereof (e.g., motion estimation unit 222, motion compensation unit 224, and intra-prediction unit 226) to generate a prediction block for a current block (e.g., a current CU, or in HEVC, the overlapping portion of a PU and a TU). For inter-prediction of a current block, motion estimation unit 222 may perform a motion search to identify one or more closely matching reference blocks in one or more reference pictures (e.g., one or more previously coded pictures stored in DPB 218). In particular, motion estimation unit 222 may calculate avalue representative of how similar a potential reference block is to the current block, e.g., according to sum of absolute difference (SAD), sum of squared differences (SSD), mean absolute difference (MAD), mean squared differences (MSD), or the like. Motion estimation unit 222 may generally perform these calculations using sample-by-sample differences between the current block and the reference block being considered. Motion estimation unit 222 may identify a reference block having a lowest value resulting from these calculations, indicating a reference block that most closely matches the current block.

[0109] Motion estimation unit 222 may form one or more motion vectors (MVs) that defines the positions of the reference blocks in the reference pictures relative to the position of the current block in a current picture. Motion estimation unit 222 may then provide the motion vectors to motion compensation unit 224. For example, for unidirectional inter-prediction, motion estimation unit 222 may provide a single motion vector, whereas for bi-directional inter-prediction, motion estimation unit 222 may provide two motion vectors. Motion compensation unit 224 may then generate a prediction block using the motion vectors. For example, motion compensation unit 224 may retrieve data of the reference block using the motion vector. As another example, if the motion vector has fractional sample precision, motion compensation unit 224 may interpolate values for the prediction block according to one or more interpolation filters. Moreover, for bi-directional inter-prediction, motion compensation unit 224 may retrieve data for two reference blocks identified by respective motion vectors and combine the retrieved data, e.g., through sample-by-sample averaging or weighted averaging.

[0110] When operating according to the AV 1 video coding format, motion estimation unit 222 and motion compensation unit 224 may be configured to encode coding blocks of video data (e.g., both luma and chroma coding blocks) using translational motion compensation, affine motion compensation, overlapped block motion compensation (OBMC), and / or compound inter-intra prediction.[OHl] As another example, for intra-prediction, or intra-prediction coding, intraprediction unit 226 may generate the prediction block from samples neighboring the current block. For example, for directional modes, intra-prediction unit 226 may generally mathematically combine values of neighboring samples and populate these calculated values in the defined direction across the current block to produce the prediction block. As another example, for DC mode, intra-prediction unit 226 maycalculate an average of the neighboring samples to the current block and generate the prediction block to include this resulting average for each sample of the prediction block.

[0112] When operating according to the AVI video coding format, intra-prediction unit 226 may be configured to encode coding blocks of video data (e.g., both luma and chroma coding blocks) using directional intra prediction, non-directional intra prediction, recursive filter intra prediction, chroma-from-luma (CFL) prediction, intra block copy (IBC), and / or color palette mode. Mode selection unit 202 may include additional functional units to perform video prediction in accordance with other prediction modes.

[0113] Mode selection unit 202 provides the prediction block to residual generation unit 204. Residual generation unit 204 receives a raw, unencoded version of the current block from video data memory 230 and the prediction block from mode selection unit 202. Residual generation unit 204 calculates sample-by-sample differences between the current block and the prediction block. The resulting sample-by-sample differences define a residual block for the current block. In some examples, residual generation unit 204 may also determine differences between sample values in the residual block to generate a residual block using residual differential pulse code modulation (RDPCM). In some examples, residual generation unit 204 may be formed using one or more subtractor circuits that perform binary subtraction.

[0114] In examples where mode selection unit 202 partitions CUs into PUs, each PU may be associated with a luma prediction unit and corresponding chroma prediction units. Video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may support PUs having various sizes. As indicated above, the size of a CU may refer to the size of the luma coding block of the CU and the size of a PU may refer to the size of a luma prediction unit of the PU. Assuming that the size of a particular CU is 2Nx2N, video encoder 200 may support PU sizes of 2Nx2N or NxN for intra prediction, and symmetric PU sizes of 2Nx2N, 2NxN, Nx2N, NxN, or similar for inter prediction. Video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may also support asymmetric partitioning for PU sizes of 2NxnU, 2NxnD, nLx2N, and nRx2N for inter prediction.

[0115] In examples where mode selection unit 202 does not further partition a CU into PUs, each CU may be associated with a luma coding block and corresponding chroma coding blocks. As above, the size of a CU may refer to the size of the luma coding block of the CU. The video encoder 200 and video decoder 300 may support CU sizes of 2Nx2N, 2NxN, orNx2N.

[0116] For other video coding techniques such as an intra-block copy mode coding, an affine-mode coding, and linear model (LM) mode coding, as some examples, mode selection unit 202, via respective units associated with the coding techniques, generates a prediction block for the current block being encoded. In some examples, such as palette mode coding, mode selection unit 202 may not generate a prediction block, and instead generate syntax elements that indicate the manner in which to reconstruct the block based on a selected palette. In such modes, mode selection unit 202 may provide these syntax elements to entropy encoding unit 220 to be encoded.

[0117] As described above, residual generation unit 204 receives the video data for the current block and the corresponding prediction block. Residual generation unit 204 then generates a residual block for the current block. To generate the residual block, residual generation unit 204 calculates sample-by-sample differences between the prediction block and the current block.

[0118] Transform processing unit 206 applies one or more transforms to the residual block to generate a block of transform coefficients (referred to herein as a “transform coefficient block”). Transform processing unit 206 may apply various transforms to a residual block to form the transform coefficient block. For example, transform processing unit 206 may apply a discrete cosine transform (DCT), a directional transform, a Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT), or a conceptually similar transform to a residual block. In some examples, transform processing unit 206 may perform multiple transforms to a residual block, e.g., a primary transform and a secondary transform, such as a rotational transform. In some examples, transform processing unit 206 does not apply transforms to a residual block. In some examples, transform processing unit 206 determines a transform to apply to a residual block using any of, or any combination of, the implicit transform selection techniques of this disclosure.

[0119] When operating according to AVI, transform processing unit 206 may apply one or more transforms to the residual block to generate a block of transform coefficients (referred to herein as a “transform coefficient block”). Transform processing unit 206 may apply various transforms to a residual block to form the transform coefficient block. For example, transform processing unit 206 may apply a horizontal / vertical transform combination that may include a discrete cosine transform (DCT), an asymmetric discrete sine transform (ADST), a flipped ADST (e.g., an ADST in reverse order), and an identity transform (IDTX). When using an identity transform, the transform is skipped in one ofthe vertical or horizontal directions. In some examples, transform processing may be skipped.

[0120] Quantization unit 208 may quantize the transform coefficients in a transform coefficient block, to produce a quantized transform coefficient block. Quantization unit 208 may quantize transform coefficients of a transform coefficient block according to a quantization parameter (QP) value associated with the current block. Video encoder 200 (e.g., via mode selection unit 202) may adjust the degree of quantization applied to the transform coefficient blocks associated with the current block by adjusting the QP value associated with the CU. Quantization may introduce loss of information, and thus, quantized transform coefficients may have lower precision than the original transform coefficients produced by transform processing unit 206.

[0121] Inverse quantization unit 210 and inverse transform processing unit 212 may apply inverse quantization and inverse transforms to a quantized transform coefficient block, respectively, to reconstruct a residual block from the transform coefficient block. In some examples, inverse transform processing unit 212 determines a transform to apply to a quantized transform coefficient block using any of, or any combination of, the implicit transform selection techniques of this disclosure.

[0122] Reconstruction unit 214 may produce a reconstructed block corresponding to the current block (albeit potentially with some degree of distortion) based on the reconstructed residual block and a prediction block generated by mode selection unit 202. For example, reconstruction unit 214 may add samples of the reconstructed residual block to corresponding samples from the prediction block generated by mode selection unit 202 to produce the reconstructed block.

[0123] Filter unit 216 may perform one or more filter operations on reconstructed blocks. For example, filter unit 216 may perform deblocking operations to reduce blockiness artifacts along edges of CUs. Operations of filter unit 216 may be skipped, in some examples.

[0124] When operating according to AVI, filter unit 216 may perform one or more filter operations on reconstructed blocks. For example, filter unit 216 may perform deblocking operations to reduce blockiness artifacts along edges of CUs. In other examples, filter unit 216 may apply a constrained directional enhancement filter (CDEF), which may be applied after deblocking, and may include the application of non-separable, non-linear, low-pass directional filters based on estimated edge directions. Filter unit 216 may alsoinclude a loop restoration filter, which is applied after CDEF, and may include a separable symmetric normalized Wiener filter or a dual self-guided filter.

[0125] Video encoder 200 stores reconstructed blocks in DPB 218. For instance, in examples where operations of filter unit 216 are not performed, reconstruction unit 214 may store reconstructed blocks to DPB 218. In examples where operations of filter unit 216 are performed, filter unit 216 may store the filtered reconstructed blocks to DPB 218. Motion estimation unit 222 and motion compensation unit 224 may retrieve a reference picture from DPB 218, formed from the reconstructed (and potentially filtered) blocks, to inter-predict blocks of subsequently encoded pictures. In addition, intra-prediction unit 226 may use reconstructed blocks in DPB 218 of a current picture to intra-predict other blocks in the current picture.

[0126] In general, entropy encoding unit 220 may entropy encode syntax elements received from other functional components of video encoder 200. For example, entropy encoding unit 220 may entropy encode quantized transform coefficient blocks from quantization unit 208. As another example, entropy encoding unit 220 may entropy encode prediction syntax elements (e.g., motion information for inter-prediction or intramode information for intra-prediction) from mode selection unit 202. Entropy encoding unit 220 may perform one or more entropy encoding operations on the syntax elements, which are another example of video data, to generate entropy-encoded data. For example, entropy encoding unit 220 may perform a context-adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC) operation, a CABAC operation, a variable-to-variable (V2V) length coding operation, a syntax-based context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (SB AC) operation, a Probability Interval Partitioning Entropy (PIPE) coding operation, an Exponential-Golomb encoding operation, or another type of entropy encoding operation on the data. In some examples, entropy encoding unit 220 may operate in bypass mode where syntax elements are not entropy encoded.

[0127] Video encoder 200 may output a bitstream that includes the entropy encoded syntax elements needed to reconstruct blocks of a slice or picture. In particular, entropy encoding unit 220 may output the bitstream.

[0128] In accordance with AVI, entropy encoding unit 220 may be configured as a symbol -to- symbol adaptive multi-symbol arithmetic coder. A syntax element in AVI includes an alphabet of N elements, and a context (e.g., probability model) includes a set of N probabilities. Entropy encoding unit 220 may store the probabilities as n-bit (e.g., 15-bit) cumulative distribution functions (CDFs). Entropy encoding unit 220 mayperform recursive scaling, with an update factor based on the alphabet size, to update the contexts.

[0129] The operations described above are described with respect to a block. Such description should be understood as being operations for a luma coding block and / or chroma coding blocks. As described above, in some examples, the luma coding block and chroma coding blocks are luma and chroma components of a CU. In some examples, the luma coding block and the chroma coding blocks are luma and chroma components ofaPU.

[0130] In some examples, operations performed with respect to a luma coding block need not be repeated for the chroma coding blocks. As one example, operations to identify a motion vector (MV) and reference picture for a luma coding block need not be repeated for identifying a MV and reference picture for the chroma blocks. Rather, the MV for the luma coding block may be scaled to determine the MV for the chroma blocks, and the reference picture may be the same. As another example, the intra-prediction process may be the same for the luma coding block and the chroma coding blocks.

[0131] Video encoder 200 represents an example of a device configured to encode video data including one or more memory configured to store video data, and one or more processing units operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to determine, based on an intra-prediction type used to encoder a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode, in a decoding loop of the device, the current block using the selected transform.

[0132] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example video decoder 300 that may perform the techniques of this disclosure. FIG. 4 is provided for purposes of explanation and is not limiting on the techniques as broadly exemplified and described in this disclosure. For purposes of explanation, this disclosure describes video decoder 300 according to the techniques of VVC and HEVC. However, the techniques of this disclosure may be performed by video coding devices that are configured to other video coding standards.

[0133] In the example of FIG. 4, video decoder 300 includes coded picture buffer (CPB) memory 320, entropy decoding unit 302, prediction processing unit 304, inverse quantization unit 306, inverse transform processing unit 308, reconstruction unit 310, filter unit 312, and DPB 314. Any or all of CPB memory 320, entropy decoding unit 302,prediction processing unit 304, inverse quantization unit 306, inverse transform processing unit 308, reconstruction unit 310, filter unit 312, and DPB 314 may be implemented in one or more processors or in processing circuitry. For instance, the units of video decoder 300 may be implemented as one or more circuits or logic elements as part of hardware circuitry, or as part of a processor, ASIC, or FPGA. Moreover, video decoder 300 may include additional or alternative processors or processing circuitry to perform these and other functions.

[0134] Prediction processing unit 304 includes motion compensation unit 316 and intraprediction unit 318. Prediction processing unit 304 may include additional units to perform prediction in accordance with other prediction modes. As examples, prediction processing unit 304 may include a palette unit, an intra-block copy unit (which may form part of motion compensation unit 316), an affine unit, a linear model (LM) unit, or the like. In other examples, video decoder 300 may include more, fewer, or different functional components.

[0135] When operating according to AVI, motion compensation unit 316 may be configured to decode coding blocks of video data (e.g., both luma and chroma coding blocks) using translational motion compensation, affine motion compensation, OBMC, and / or compound inter-intra prediction, as described above. Intra-prediction unit 318 may be configured to decode coding blocks of video data (e.g., both luma and chroma coding blocks) using directional intra prediction, non-directional intra prediction, recursive filter intra prediction, CFL, IBC, and / or color palette mode, as described above.

[0136] CPB memory 320 is an example of a memory system that may store video data, such as an encoded video bitstream, to be decoded by the components of video decoder 300. The video data stored in CPB memory 320 may be obtained, for example, from computer-readable medium 110 (FIG. 1). CPB memory 320 may include a CPB that stores encoded video data (e.g., syntax elements) from an encoded video bitstream. Also, CPB memory 320 may store video data other than syntax elements of a coded picture, such as temporary data representing outputs from the various units of video decoder 300. DPB 314 is an example of a memory system that generally stores decoded pictures, which video decoder 300 may output and / or use as reference video data when decoding subsequent data or pictures of the encoded video bitstream. CPB memory 320 and DPB 314 may each be formed by any of a variety of memory devices or memory units, such as DRAM, including SDRAM, MRAM, RRAM, or other types of memory devices. CPB memory 320 and DPB 314 may be provided by the same memory device or separatememory devices. In various examples, CPB memory 320 may be on-chip with other components of video decoder 300, or off-chip relative to those components.

[0137] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, video decoder 300 may retrieve coded video data from memory 120 (FIG. 1). That is, memory 120 may store data as discussed above with CPB memory 320. Likewise, memory 120 may store instructions to be executed by video decoder 300, when some or all of the functionality of video decoder 300 is implemented in software to be executed by processing circuitry of video decoder 300.

[0138] The various units shown in FIG. 4 are illustrated to assist with understanding the operations performed by video decoder 300. The units may be implemented as fixed-function circuits, programmable circuits, or a combination thereof. Similar to FIG. 3, fixed-function circuits refer to circuits that provide particular functionality, and are preset on the operations that can be performed. Programmable circuits refer to circuits that can be programmed to perform various tasks, and provide flexible functionality in the operations that can be performed. For instance, programmable circuits may execute software or firmware that cause the programmable circuits to operate in the manner defined by instructions of the software or firmware. Fixed-function circuits may execute software instructions (e.g., to receive parameters or output parameters), but the types of operations that the fixed-function circuits perform are generally immutable. In some examples, one or more of the units may be distinct circuit blocks (fixed-function or programmable), and in some examples, one or more of the units may be integrated circuits.

[0139] Video decoder 300 may include ALUs, EFUs, digital circuits, analog circuits, and / or programmable cores formed from programmable circuits. In examples where the operations of video decoder 300 are performed by software executing on the programmable circuits, on-chip or off-chip memory may store instructions (e.g., object code) of the software that video decoder 300 receives and executes.

[0140] Entropy decoding unit 302 may receive encoded video data from the CPB and entropy decode the video data to reproduce syntax elements. Prediction processing unit 304, inverse quantization unit 306, inverse transform processing unit 308, reconstruction unit 310, and filter unit 312 may generate decoded video data based on the syntax elements extracted from the bitstream.

[0141] In general, video decoder 300 reconstructs a picture on a block-by-block basis. Video decoder 300 may perform a reconstruction operation on each block individually(where the block currently being reconstructed, i.e., decoded, may be referred to as a “current block”).

[0142] Entropy decoding unit 302 may entropy decode syntax elements defining quantized transform coefficients of a quantized transform coefficient block, as well as transform information, such as a quantization parameter (QP) and / or transform mode indication(s). Inverse quantization unit 306 may use the QP associated with the quantized transform coefficient block to determine a degree of quantization and, likewise, a degree of inverse quantization for inverse quantization unit 306 to apply. Inverse quantization unit 306 may, for example, perform a bitwise left-shift operation to inverse quantize the quantized transform coefficients. Inverse quantization unit 306 may thereby form a transform coefficient block including transform coefficients.

[0143] After inverse quantization unit 306 forms the transform coefficient block, inverse transform processing unit 308 may apply one or more inverse transforms to the transform coefficient block to generate a residual block associated with the current block. For example, inverse transform processing unit 308 may apply an inverse DCT, an inverse integer transform, an inverse Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT), an inverse rotational transform, an inverse directional transform, or another inverse transform to the transform coefficient block. In some examples, inverse transform processing unit 308 determines a transform (e.g., an inverse transform) to apply to a quantized transform coefficient block using any of, or any combination of, the implicit transform selection techniques of this disclosure.

[0144] Furthermore, prediction processing unit 304 generates a prediction block according to prediction information syntax elements that were entropy decoded by entropy decoding unit 302. For example, if the prediction information syntax elements indicate that the current block is inter-predicted, motion compensation unit 316 may generate the prediction block. In this case, the prediction information syntax elements may indicate a reference picture in DPB 314 from which to retrieve a reference block, as well as a motion vector identifying a location of the reference block in the reference picture relative to the location of the current block in the current picture. Motion compensation unit 316 may generally perform the inter-prediction process in a manner that is substantially similar to that described with respect to motion compensation unit 224 (FIG. 3).

[0145] As another example, if the prediction information syntax elements indicate that the current block is intra-predicted, intra-prediction unit 318 may generate the predictionblock according to an intra-prediction mode indicated by the prediction information syntax elements. Again, intra-prediction unit 318 may generally perform the intraprediction process in a manner that is substantially similar to that described with respect to intra-prediction unit 226 (FIG. 3). Intra-prediction unit 318 may retrieve data of neighboring samples to the current block from DPB 314.

[0146] Reconstruction unit 310 may reconstruct the current block using the prediction block and the residual block. For example, reconstruction unit 310 may add samples of the residual block to corresponding samples of the prediction block to reconstruct the current block.

[0147] Filter unit 312 may perform one or more filter operations on reconstructed blocks. For example, filter unit 312 may perform deblocking operations to reduce blockiness artifacts along edges of the reconstructed blocks. Operations of filter unit 312 are not necessarily performed in all examples.

[0148] Video decoder 300 may store the reconstructed blocks in DPB 314. For instance, in examples where operations of filter unit 312 are not performed, reconstruction unit 310 may store reconstructed blocks to DPB 314. In examples where operations of filter unit 312 are performed, filter unit 312 may store the filtered reconstructed blocks to DPB 314. As discussed above, DPB 314 may provide reference information, such as samples of a current picture for intra-prediction and previously decoded pictures for subsequent motion compensation, to prediction processing unit 304. Moreover, video decoder 300 may output decoded pictures (e.g., decoded video) from DPB 314 for subsequent presentation on a display device, such as display device 118 of FIG. 1.

[0149] In this manner, video decoder 300 represents an example of a video decoding device including one or more memories configured to store video data; and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode the current block using the selected transform.

[0150] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for encoding a current block in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. The current block may be or include a current CU. Although described with respect to video encoder 200 (FIGS. 1 and 3), it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform a method similar to that of FIG. 5.

[0151] In this example, video encoder 200 initially predicts the current block (400). For example, video encoder 200 may form a prediction block for the current block. Video encoder 200 may then calculate a residual block for the current block (402). To calculate the residual block, video encoder 200 may calculate a difference between the original, unencoded block and the prediction block for the current block. Video encoder 200 may then transform the residual block and quantize transform coefficients of the residual block (404). For example, video encoder 200 may apply any of the transform selection techniques of this disclosure, or any combination thereof, to select a transform to use to transform the residual block. Next, video encoder 200 may scan the quantized transform coefficients of the residual block (406). During the scan, or following the scan, video encoder 200 may entropy encode the transform coefficients (408). For example, video encoder 200 may encode the transform coefficients using CAVLC or CABAC. Video encoder 200 may then output the entropy encoded data of the block (410).

[0152] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for decoding a current block of video data in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. The current block may be or include a current CU. Although described with respect to video decoder 300 (FIGS.1 and 4), it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform a method similar to that of FIG. 6.

[0153] Video decoder 300 may receive entropy encoded data for the current block, such as entropy encoded prediction information and entropy encoded data for transform coefficients of a residual block corresponding to the current block (500). Video decoder 300 may entropy decode the entropy encoded data to determine prediction information for the current block and to reproduce transform coefficients of the residual block (502). Video decoder 300 may predict the current block (504), e.g., using an intra- or interprediction mode as indicated by the prediction information for the current block, to calculate a prediction block for the current block. Video decoder 300 may then inverse scan the reproduced transform coefficients (506), to create a block of quantized transform coefficients. Video decoder 300 may then inverse quantize the transform coefficients and apply an inverse transform to the transform coefficients to produce a residual block (508). For example, video decoder 300 may apply any of the transform selection techniques of this disclosure, or any combination thereof, to select a transform (e.g., an inverse transform) to use to inverse transform the transform coefficients. Video decoder 300 may ultimately decode the current block by combining the prediction block and the residual block (510).

[0154] The following numbered clauses illustrate one or more aspects of the devices and techniques described in this disclosure.

[0155] Aspect 1A. A method of coding video data, the method comprising: determining, based on an intra-prediction type of a current block of the video data, a classification; selecting, based on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and coding the current block using the selected transform.

[0156] Aspect 2A. A method of coding video data, the method comprising: determining a first dominant intra prediction direction for a current block of the video data; determining a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block; determining a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction; determining, based on the difference, a classification; selecting, based on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and coding the current block using the selected transform.

[0157] Aspect 3 A. A method of coding video data, the method comprising: determining an average gradient of neighboring reconstructed pixels or predicted pixels of a current block of the video data or a maximum gradient of the neighboring reconstructed pixels or the predicted pixels; determining, based on the average gradient or the maximum gradient, a classification; selecting, based on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and coding the current block using the selected transform.

[0158] Aspect 4A. The method of any of aspects 1A-3A, wherein a number of classifications is equal to seven.

[0159] Aspect 5A. The method of any of aspects 1A-4A, wherein coding comprises decoding.

[0160] Aspect 6A. The method of any of aspects 1A-5A, wherein coding comprises encoding.

[0161] Aspect 7A. A device for coding video data, the device comprising one or more means for performing the method of any of aspects 1 A-6A.

[0162] Aspect 8A. The device of aspect 7A, wherein the one or more means comprise one or more processors implemented in circuitry.

[0163] Aspect 9A. The device of any of aspects 7A-8A, further comprising a memory to store the video data.

[0164] Aspect 10 A. The device of any of aspects 7A-9A, further comprising a display configured to display decoded video data.

[0165] Aspect 11 A. The device of any of aspects 7A-10A, wherein the device comprises one or more of a camera, a computer, a mobile device, a broadcast receiver device, or a set-top box.

[0166] Aspect 12A. The device of any of aspects 7A-11A, wherein the device comprises a video decoder.

[0167] Aspect 13A. The device of any of aspects 7A-12A, wherein the device comprises a video encoder.

[0168] Aspect 14 A. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the method of any of aspects 1A-6A.

[0169] Aspect IB. A method of decoding video data, the method comprising: determining, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; selecting, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decoding the current block using the selected transform.

[0170] Aspect 2B. The method of aspect IB, further comprising determining a first dominant intra prediction direction for the current block, wherein the selecting the transform is further based on the first dominant intra prediction direction.

[0171] Aspect 3B. The method of aspect 2B, further comprising: determining a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block; determining a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction, wherein the selecting the transform is further based on the difference.

[0172] Aspect 4B. The method of any of aspects 2B-3B, further comprising: determining a histogram of gradients based on reference neighboring pixels or predicted pixels for the current block; and determining at least one of the first dominant intra prediction direction or the second dominant intra prediction direction based on the histogram of gradients.

[0173] Aspect 5B. The method of aspect 4B, wherein the predicted pixels comprise a predicted block.

[0174] Aspect 6B. The method of any of aspects 1B-5B, wherein a total number of the plurality of classifications is predetermined.

[0175] Aspect 7B. The method of aspect 6B, wherein the total number is seven.

[0176] Aspect 8B. The method of any of aspects 1B-7B, wherein the selecting the transform is further based on block shape.

[0177] Aspect 9B. The method of any of aspects 1B-8B, wherein the intra prediction type comprises a regular intra prediction mode, a decoder-side intra mode derivation mode, a template-based intra mode derivation mode, a spatial geometric partition mode, an enhanced inter prediction mode, a matrix-based intra prediction mode, or an intra template matching mode.

[0178] Aspect 10B. The method of any of aspects 1B-9B, wherein selecting the transform comprises implicitly selecting the transform without receiving a syntax element that specifies the transform for the current block.

[0179] Aspect 1 IB. A device for decoding video data, the device comprising: one or more memories configured to store the video data; and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode the current block using the selected transform.

[0180] Aspect 12B. The device of aspect 11B, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a first dominant intra prediction direction for the current block, wherein one or more processors are configured to select the transform further based on the first dominant intra prediction direction.

[0181] Aspect 13B. The device of aspect 12B, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block; and determine a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction, wherein one or more processors are configured to select the transform further based on the difference.

[0182] Aspect 14B. The device of any of aspects 12B-13B, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine a histogram of gradients based on reference neighboring pixels or predicted pixels for the current block; and determine at least one of the first dominant intra prediction direction or the second dominant intra prediction direction based on the histogram of gradients.

[0183] Aspect 15B. The device of aspect 14B, wherein the predicted pixels comprise a predicted block.

[0184] Aspect 16B. The device of any of aspects 11B-15B, wherein a total number of the plurality of classifications is predetermined.

[0185] Aspect 17B. The device of any of aspects 11B-16B, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to selecting the transform further based on block shape.

[0186] Aspect 18B. The device of any of aspects 11B-17B, wherein the intra prediction type comprises a regular intra prediction mode, a decoder-side intra mode derivation mode, a template-based intra mode derivation mode, a spatial geometric partition mode, an enhanced inter prediction mode, a matrix-based intra prediction mode, or an intra template matching mode.

[0187] Aspect 19B. The device of any of aspects 11B-18B, wherein the one or more processors are configured to implicitly select the transform without receiving a syntax element that specifies the transform for the current block.

[0188] Aspect 20B. A device for encoding video data, the device comprising: one or more memories configured to store the video data; and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications; select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; and decode, in a decoding loop of the device, the current block using the selected transform.

[0189] It is to be recognized that depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the techniques described herein can be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the techniques). Moreover, in certain examples, acts or events may be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi -threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0190] In one or more examples, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media, or communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g., according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readablemedia generally may correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storage media which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. Data storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code and / or data structures for implementation of the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium.

[0191] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include one or more of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. It should be understood, however, that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transitory media, but are instead directed to non-transitory, tangible storage media. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0192] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more DSPs, general purpose microprocessors, ASICs, FPGAs, or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the terms “processor” and “processing circuitry,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules configured for encoding and decoding, or incorporated in a combined codec. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0193] The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including a wireless handset, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g.,a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a codec hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and / or firmware.

[0194] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of decoding video data, the method comprising:determining, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications;selecting, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; anddecoding the current block using the selected transform.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a first dominant intra prediction direction for the current block, wherein the selecting the transform is further based on the first dominant intra prediction direction.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:determining a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block; anddetermining a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction,wherein the selecting the transform is further based on the difference.

4. The method of any of claims 2-3, further comprising:determining a histogram of gradients based on reference neighboring pixels or predicted pixels for the current block; anddetermining at least one of the first dominant intra prediction direction or the second dominant intra prediction direction based on the histogram of gradients.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the predicted pixels comprise a predicted block.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein a total number of the plurality of classifications is predetermined.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the total number is seven.

8. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the selecting the transform is further based on block shape.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein the intra prediction type comprises a regular intra prediction mode, a decoder-side intra mode derivation mode, a templatebased intra mode derivation mode, a spatial geometric partition mode, an enhanced inter prediction mode, a matrix-based intra prediction mode, or an intra template matching mode.

10. The method of any of claims 1-9, wherein selecting the transform comprises implicitly selecting the transform without receiving a syntax element that specifies the transform for the current block.

11. A device for decoding video data, the device comprising:one or more memories configured to store the video data; andone or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to:determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications;select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; anddecode the current block using the selected transform.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a first dominant intra prediction direction for the current block, wherein one or more processors are configured to select the transform further based on the first dominant intra prediction direction.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:determine a second dominant intra prediction direction for the current block; and determine a difference between the first dominant intra prediction direction and the second dominant intra prediction direction,wherein one or more processors are configured to select the transform further based on the difference.

14. The device of any of claims 12-13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:determine a histogram of gradients based on reference neighboring pixels or predicted pixels for the current block; anddetermine at least one of the first dominant intra prediction direction or the second dominant intra prediction direction based on the histogram of gradients.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the predicted pixels comprise a predicted block.

16. The device of any of claims 11-15, wherein a total number of the plurality of classifications is predetermined.

17. The device of any of claims 11-16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to selecting the transform further based on block shape.

18. The device of any of claims 11-17, wherein the intra prediction type comprises a regular intra prediction mode, a decoder-side intra mode derivation mode, a templatebased intra mode derivation mode, a spatial geometric partition mode, an enhanced inter prediction mode, a matrix-based intra prediction mode, or an intra template matching mode.

19. The device of any of claims 11-18, wherein the one or more processors are configured to implicitly select the transform without receiving a syntax element that specifies the transform for the current block.

20. A device for encoding video data, the device comprising:one or more memories configured to store the video data; andone or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to:determine, based on an intra prediction type used to encode a current block of the video data, a classification of a plurality of classifications;select, based at least in part on the classification, a transform from a plurality of transforms for the current block; anddecode, in a decoding loop of the device, the current block using the selected transform.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Intra-mode dependent multiple transform selection for video coding

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Cited By

  • Adaptive transform selection using primary and secondary characteristics in video coding

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