Aspect-Ratio Directional Intra-Prediction for Rectangular Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing QTBT partitioning framework in video coding standards does not adequately account for the asymmetry of rectangular blocks, leading to inefficient handling of directional intra-prediction modes due to the same number of reference samples being used along both shorter and longer sides, regardless of aspect ratio or availability.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that extend the set of directional intra-prediction modes based on the aspect ratio of a block, enabling or disabling modes based on reference sample availability, and signaling these modes through mode mapping and a one-bit flag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the same number of reference samples are used along both shorter and longer sides of rectangular blocks, then the implementation is simple, but the coding efficiency is reduced due to not accounting for block asymmetry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidcoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by differentiating the handling of reference samples based on block aspect ratio. For rectangular blocks, different numbers of reference samples are used along the shorter side versus the longer side, matching the actual geometric asymmetry of the block and improving prediction accuracy without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by adapting the prediction mode set locally according to the specific aspect ratio of each block. Different directional intra-prediction modes are enabled or disabled based on the local geometric characteristics of each rectangular block, allowing optimal prediction for each region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the set of directional intra-prediction modes is extended to account for block asymmetry, then coding efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidintra-prediction apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the set of available directional intra-prediction modes dynamic rather than static. The apparatus selectively enables or disables specific prediction modes based on the aspect ratio of the current block, adapting the complexity to the actual need rather than always maintaining the maximum mode set

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying which prediction modes are available based on the aspect ratio parameter of the block. This conditional parameter change allows the system to improve coding efficiency for rectangular blocks while avoiding unnecessary complexity for square blocks where the extended modes would not provide benefit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3806463B1An intra-prediction apparatus for extending a set of predetermined directional intra-prediction modes
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3806463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3806463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3806463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an intra-prediction apparatus (100) for extending a set of predetermined directional intra-prediction modes of a rectangular video coding block. The intra-prediction apparatus (100) comprises an aspect ratio determining unit (101) configured to determine an aspect ratio of the rectangular video coding block, a complementary angle range determining unit (103) configured to determine a complementary angle range upon the basis of the aspect ratio, a directional intra-prediction mode extending unit (105) configured to select a complementary direction within the complementary directional range, and to add an extension directional intra-prediction mode being associated with the complementary direction to the set of predetermined directional intra-prediction modes, and an intra-prediction unit (107) configured to intra-predict pixel values of pixels of the rectangular video coding block on the basis of the extension directional intra-prediction mode.