Arithmetic Bitstream Entry Points for Parallel Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arithmetic decoding processes, such as context-based adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC), are highly sequential and cannot be effectively parallelized, limiting decoding speed.

Innovation Solution

An encoding and decoding concept that allows for parallel decoding by providing entry point information in the bitstream, enabling multiple decoders to operate on different parts of the bitstream simultaneously, and includes an arithmetic encoder and decoder that renormalize internal parameters and use subintervals based on probability estimates to resume decoding from a predetermined point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sequential arithmetic decoding is used to maintain accuracy, then decoding precision is improved, but decoding speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding precisionVSAvoiddecoding speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bitstream into multiple segments with entry points, allowing multiple decoders to work on different segments simultaneously. Each segment is processed independently from its entry point, enabling parallel decoding while maintaining the sequential processing integrity within each segment. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by transforming a single sequential process into multiple parallel sequential processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary encoding actions to create a bitstream with embedded entry point information and state data. During decoding, the preliminary setup allows decoders to jump directly to entry points without processing preceding data, effectively performing the necessary preparatory work in advance to enable parallel processing while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If parallel decoding is implemented to increase speed, then decoding speed is improved, but decoding complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding speedVSAvoiddecoding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bitstream is segmented into independent processing units with clear entry points and state information. Each segment can be decoded by a separate decoder instance with identical logic, reducing the complexity of individual decoders while enabling parallel execution. The segmentation provides clear boundaries and state restoration points that simplify the parallel decoding architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple copies of the decoder logic, each initialized with state information from specific entry points in the bitstream. Instead of creating a single complex sequential decoder, multiple simpler decoder copies operate in parallel, each handling a specific segment. This copying approach reduces individual decoder complexity while achieving overall speed improvement through parallelism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If entry point information is added to the bitstream to enable parallel processing, then decoding efficiency is improved, but bitstream complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding efficiencyVSAvoidbitstream structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Entry point information and associated state data are embedded into the bitstream during the encoding phase. This preliminary action prepares the bitstream with the necessary markers and state information that enable parallel decoding without adding complex runtime processing requirements. The complexity is shifted to the encoding stage, simplifying the decoding stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The entry point information acts as an intermediary structure within the bitstream that facilitates parallel processing. These markers serve as synchronization points that allow multiple decoders to independently locate and process specific segments without requiring complex inter-decoder communication or coordination mechanisms, thus improving efficiency with minimal structural overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12549198B2Arithmetic encoder for arithmetically encoding and arithmetic decoder for arithmetically decoding a sequence of information values, methods for arithmetically encoding and decoding a sequence of information values and computer program for implementing these methods

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

An encoding scheme is provided for arithmetically encoding a sequence of information values into an arithmetic coded bitstream by providing the bitstream with entry point information, allowing for resuming arithmetic decoding of the bitstream from a predetermined entry point onward. A respective decoding scheme is also provided. These encoding and decoding schemes provide more efficient encoding in view of the decoding speed.