Adaptive Weighting Parameter Selection in Scalable Video Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The H.264 standard for scalable video coding does not specify which set of weights to use for the enhancement layer when inter-layer prediction modes are used, leading to inefficiencies in weighted prediction processes.
Innovation Solution
A scalable video encoder and decoder that adaptively select weighting parameters for the enhancement layer from either the lower layer or the enhancement layer, ensuring that the enhancement layer reference picture corresponds to the lower layer reference picture, allowing for improved coding performance, especially in cases of localized intensity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the H.264 standard uses a fixed weighting parameter inheritance approach for enhancement layers, then device complexity is reduced, but coding efficiency deteriorates due to inability to handle localized intensity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of weighting parameters for enhancement layer blocks based on local intensity variation detection. The system transitions from static inheritance to adaptive selection, where the weighting parameter application is dynamically adjusted according to the characteristics of each block, thereby improving coding efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different weighting parameter strategies to different regions of the video content. By detecting localized intensity changes in specific blocks and applying appropriate weighting parameters only where needed, the system achieves region-specific optimization rather than uniform processing, improving overall coding efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the H.264 standard specifies explicit weighting parameters for each layer, then prediction accuracy improves, but bitrate increases due to additional parameter transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter transmission strategy by conditionally transmitting weighting parameters only when necessary. Instead of always transmitting explicit parameters for enhancement layers, the system transmits parameters only when local intensity variations are detected or when inter-layer prediction is used, thereby maintaining prediction accuracy where needed while reducing overall bitrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies explicit weighting parameter transmission partially, only for blocks that require it based on local characteristics. Rather than applying explicit parameters universally across all blocks, the system uses selective transmission for specific regions where it provides benefit, reducing the total bitrate overhead while maintaining accuracy where necessary.
3Loss of information
If the H.264 standard uses implicit weighting derivation based on reference picture distance, then bitrate efficiency is improved, but prediction accuracy deteriorates for localized intensity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the implicit weighting approach by detecting local intensity variations in specific blocks and applying explicit weighting parameters only to those regions. This local enhancement allows the system to maintain bitrate efficiency for most blocks while improving prediction accuracy specifically where localized changes occur, achieving a balanced solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between implicit and explicit weighting approaches based on content characteristics. For blocks with localized intensity changes, the system transitions from implicit distance-based derivation to explicit parameter application, thereby dynamically optimizing prediction accuracy while maintaining overall bitrate efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided methods and apparatus for weighted prediction in scalable video encoding and decoding. A scalable video encoder includes an encoder (100) for encoding a block in an enhancement layer of a picture by applying a weighting parameter to an enhancement layer reference picture. The weighting parameter used to encode the block in the enhancement layer is adaptively selected from between a weighting parameter applied to a lower layer reference picture to encode a block in the lower layer of the picture and a different weighting parameter applicable in the enhancement layer. The block in the enhancement layer corresponds to the block in the lower layer. The enhancement layer reference picture corresponds to the lower layer reference picture.