Cross-Component Adaptive Loop Filtering for Chroma-Aware Video Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies face inefficiencies in bandwidth and processing power usage due to inadequate utilization of chroma samples and lack of adaptive filtering techniques, leading to suboptimal coding quality.

Innovation Solution

Implementing adaptive loop filters (ALF) and cross-component ALF (CCALF) that utilize chroma samples as input, applying scaling techniques to enhance filtering and improve coding efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional video coding techniques are used, then device complexity is reduced, but coding quality is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoding qualityVSAvoidfiltering technique complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adaptive loop filtering where filter coefficients are dynamically adjusted based on block characteristics and chroma sample utilization. The system adapts filtering strength and type according to local image content, transitioning between different filtering modes to optimize quality while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes filtering parameters by utilizing chroma samples as input to the adaptive loop filter, adjusting filter coefficients based on chroma information, and modifying filtering behavior based on block type and characteristics. This parameter adaptation enables improved coding quality without requiring a complete redesign of the filtering architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If adaptive loop filtering is applied, then coding quality is improved, but processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoding qualityVSAvoidprocessing power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial filtering by selectively applying adaptive loop filtering only to certain blocks based on their characteristics, and by utilizing chroma samples only when beneficial. This partial application reduces overall processing power requirements while maintaining high coding quality for the most important regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality enhancement by applying different filtering strengths and types to different blocks based on their specific characteristics. Blocks with higher importance or more complex content receive stronger filtering, while simpler blocks use lighter filtering, optimizing the balance between quality improvement and processing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If chroma samples are utilized in CCALF, then coding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidfiltering algorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the chroma sample utilization universal by applying the same CCALF mechanism across different block types and configurations. The filter handles various chroma sample arrangements (4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4) through a unified approach, improving coding efficiency without requiring separate specialized algorithms for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by having the filter automatically adapt to different chroma sample configurations without external intervention. The CCALF process self-adjusts based on the input chroma sample characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If scaling techniques are applied to enhance filtering, then coding efficiency is improved, but bandwidth requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic scaling where the filtering strength and scaling factors are adjusted based on block characteristics and coding conditions. The system dynamically scales the filtering operation to match the actual needs of each block, improving coding efficiency while minimizing unnecessary bandwidth consumption in cases where strong filtering is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250324046A1Adaptive loop filter (ALF) and/or cross-component ALF for video coding

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Example methods, devices, and computer-readable media are described. An example device for coding video data includes one or more memories configured to store the video data. The device includes one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors are configured to reconstruct a current block of the video data. The one or more processors are configured to apply a cross component adaptive loop filter (CCALF) to an input to generate a filtered pixel. The input includes one or more chroma samples of a current pixel of the current block. The one or more processors are configured to generate a filtered block based on the current block, the filtered block including the filtered pixel.