Entropy Coding Mode Switching for Decoder Complexity Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media codecs face challenges in achieving a balance between coding complexity and efficiency, particularly in entropy coding of syntax elements, which affects their scalability and performance in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A decoder and encoder system that incorporates a mode switch to activate either a low-complexity mode or a high-efficiency mode, utilizing an entropy decoding/encoding engine that selects from multiple schemes based on the activated mode, with each scheme employing arithmetic decoding/encoding and varying probability estimates to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If arithmetic coding schemes are used for entropy coding, then coding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between CABAC (arithmetic coding) and CAVLC (variable length coding) based on processing conditions. The entropy decoding engine can select different decoding schemes adaptively, allowing the system to transition between high-efficiency/complex and low-efficiency/simple modes depending on resource availability and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the entropy decoding engine by selecting different probability estimation models and decoding schemes. By adjusting parameters such as the probability model complexity and coding scheme selection, the system can optimize the balance between coding efficiency and device complexity for different application scenarios.
2Productivity
If main profile conform decoders are used to support arithmetic coding, then coding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the entropy decoding engine to perform multiple functions by supporting both CABAC and CAVLC decoding schemes within a single unified architecture. This multi-functional design allows the decoder to handle different profile requirements (baseline and main profiles) without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each coding scheme, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining coding efficiency options.
3Productivity
If context adaptive binary arithmetic coding is used, then coding efficiency is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of decoding modes where the system can switch between complex CABAC decoding and simpler CAVLC decoding based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability makes the system easier to operate by allowing users to select appropriate modes based on their specific needs without being forced to always use the most complex scheme.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changing operational parameters such as the entropy decoding mode and probability model complexity to match different application scenarios. By adjusting these parameters, the system becomes more adaptable and easier to operate across diverse conditions, from resource-constrained environments to high-performance applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A decoder for decoding a data stream into which media data is coded has a mode switch configured to activate a low-complexity mode or a high-efficiency mode depending on the data stream, an entropy decoding engine configured to retrieve each symbol of a sequence of symbols by entropy decoding using a selected one of a plurality of entropy decoding schemes, a desymbolizer configured to desymbolize the sequence of symbols to obtain a sequence of syntax elements, a reconstructor configured to reconstruct the media data based on the sequence of syntax elements, selection depending on the activated low-complexity mode or the high-efficiency mode. In another aspect, a desymbolizer is configured to perform desymbolization such that the control parameter varies in accordance with the data stream at a first rate in case of the high-efficiency mode being activated and the control parameter is constant irrespective of the data stream or changes depending on the data stream, but at a second lower rate in case of the low-complexity mode being activated.