Block Type Signaling in Video Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video encoding techniques face limitations in efficiently signaling and decoding bi-directional prediction, particularly in using separate syntax elements for partition size and prediction direction, which can hinder flexibility and coding efficiency when dealing with larger video block sizes or new partition sizes.

Innovation Solution

The use of separate syntax elements for signaling partition size, first prediction direction, and second prediction direction allows for independent encoding and transmission, enhancing flexibility and coding efficiency by enabling easier extension to larger video block sizes and improved entropy coding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate syntax elements are used for signaling partition size and prediction direction, then flexibility and coding efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the block type signaling into separate syntax elements: one for partition size and another for prediction direction. This segmentation allows independent encoding and transmission of partition size information and prediction direction information, enabling flexible adaptation to different video block sizes and prediction modes without requiring complex joint encoding schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If separate syntax elements are used for signaling partition size and prediction direction, then coding efficiency is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation by using separate syntax elements with specific bit allocations. The partition size is signaled using a dedicated element that adapts to different block sizes, while prediction direction uses another element that specifies the reference list configuration. This parameter separation enables more efficient entropy coding while preserving all necessary information for accurate reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate syntax elements are used for signaling partition size and prediction direction, then adaptability to new video block sizes is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to new video block sizesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the signaling into separate elements for partition size and prediction direction, the patent enables independent modification and extension for new video block sizes without affecting the prediction direction encoding. This segmentation makes the system more adaptable to future standards while maintaining straightforward decoding operations through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2537344B1Block type signalling in video coding
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2537344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2537344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2537344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one example, this disclosure describes video encoding and decoding techniques applicable to bi-directional prediction. For signaling from an encoder to a decoder a block type for a video block, an encoder can transmit to the decoder two or more separate syntax elements, where one of the two or more separate syntax elements identifies a partition size for the video block and another of the two or more separate syntax elements identifies a prediction direction for a partition of the video block. The separate syntax elements can be individually encoded and transmitted from the encoder to the decoder.