Depth Single-Layer Encoding Without Texture Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies are unable to efficiently encode and decode depth information of video pictures as a single-layer bitstream, requiring the encoding and transmission of texture information, which limits their use in scenarios where only depth information is needed.

Innovation Solution

A method for encoding depth image sequences into a single-layer bitstream, including obtaining depth representation information, coding the depth image sequence based on this information, and encoding the depth map sequence and representation information in the bitstream, allowing for independent decoding and processing of depth information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If existing technologies encode depth information, then depth data can be transmitted, but texture information must also be encoded which increases processing complexity and data size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information transmissionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and encodes only the depth map sequence from the depth image sequence, separating it from texture information. This allows depth data to be transmitted independently without requiring texture information, directly resolving the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary data transmission while maintaining depth information integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the encoding process into distinct components: depth map extraction, depth map sequence encoding, and separate transmission channels. By dividing the original unified encoding process into separate segments for depth and texture, the system reduces overall processing complexity while ensuring complete depth information transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-layer encoding is used for depth information, then comprehensive data is transmitted, but it requires both depth and texture information which is not suitable for depth-only applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic encoding that adapts to application requirements. The system can selectively encode and transmit only depth map sequences when depth-only applications are detected, or combine with texture information when needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the same encoding framework to serve multiple application types while optimizing data transmission volume for each specific use case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4564819A1Depth single-layer encoding/decoding
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4564819A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4564819A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4564819A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method (200) of decoding depth image sequence from a single-layer bitstream, wherein the method comprises: - decoding (210) a depth map sequence from the single-layer bitstream; and - decoding (220) from the single-layer bitstream, depth representation information defining information used to obtain depth image sequence based on decoded depth map sequence.