Bitstream POC Alignment Control via Indication Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-layer video coding, the existing POC alignment methods fail to ensure compatibility with the H.265/HEVC Version 1 standard, leading to issues with decoding BL bitstreams and maintaining consistent POC values within Access Units (AUs).

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves writing indication and control information into the bitstream to determine whether to perform POC alignment on the entire bitstream or specific parts, allowing for partial or complete disabling of POC alignment operations. This is achieved by using flag bits and position information within various fields of the bitstream, such as parameter sets, SEI messages, and system/file descriptors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If POC alignment operation is performed on the entire bitstream, then consistent POC values within Access Units are maintained, but flexibility in bitstream control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePOC value consistencyVSAvoidbitstream control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bitstream into different sections (entire bitstream or specific parts) and allows independent POC alignment control for each section. The indication information can specify whether POC alignment applies to the whole bitstream or only specific portions, enabling segmented control that maintains consistency where needed while providing flexibility where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control through indication information that can be configured differently for different bitstream sections. The POC alignment operation can be enabled or disabled based on the specific section being processed, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than applying a fixed global setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If POC alignment operation is disabled, then bitstream control flexibility is improved, but consistent POC values within Access Units cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebitstream control flexibilityVSAvoidPOC value consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different POC alignment behaviors for different sections of the bitstream. The indication information enables selective POC alignment where needed (maintaining consistency) and selective disabling where flexibility is required, creating locally optimized quality rather than uniform global treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If indication and control information is written into the bitstream to control POC alignment, then flexibility in bitstream control is enhanced, but bitstream complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebitstream control flexibilityVSAvoidbitstream structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the indication information multi-functional by integrating it into existing bitstream structures (parameter sets, SEI messages, system descriptors) that already serve other purposes. This allows the POC alignment control function to be added without requiring entirely new separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The indication information acts as an intermediary element that carries control instructions within the bitstream. By embedding this control information in existing structural elements, the patent uses the bitstream's own structure to mediate the complexity management, allowing flexible control without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3713242B1Bitstream generation method and apparatus, bitstream processing method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 ZTE CORP
  • EP3713242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3713242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3713242B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a bitstream generation method and apparatus, a bitstream processing method and apparatus, and a system. The bitstream generation method includes that: it is judged whether it is needed to execute a Picture Order Count (POC) alignment operation on an entire bitstream and/or a part of the bitstream according to an application requirement; and identification and control information is written into the bitstream according to a judgment result, wherein the identification and control information includes: information indicating whether to execute the POC alignment operation on the entire bitstream and/or a part of the bitstream. The flexibility in bitstream control can be improved.