Dynamic Internal Bit Depth Adjustment in Video Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video coding standards face inefficiencies with increased internal bit depth, particularly in 10-bit arithmetic, which is slower than 8-bit arithmetic using SIMD instructions, and lead to increased memory bandwidth requirements, making it less desirable for both software and hardware implementations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically adjusting the internal bit depth by using signaling information from the encoded bitstream, specifically the sequence parameter set (SPS), to adjust the bit depth for luma and chroma arrays, allowing for different operational bit depths for various modules within a video codec, thereby optimizing processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 10-bit internal data is used in SIMD instructions, then processing precision is improved, but processing speed deteriorates (10-bit arithmetic is roughly 2× slower than 8-bit arithmetic)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit depth precisionVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bit depth adjustment where the internal processing bit depth can be changed based on the content requirements. The system switches between 8-bit and 10-bit internal data modes dynamically, using 10-bit only when necessary for high-precision requirements and 8-bit for standard content to maintain high processing speed. This is achieved through configurable parameters that allow the codec to adapt its internal precision on-the-fly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different bit depths to different processing contexts and modules within the codec. Instead of uniformly using 10-bit throughout the entire system, it selectively applies higher precision only to specific modules or processing stages where it is truly needed, while using 8-bit for other portions. This localized approach to precision optimization balances quality requirements with processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If 10-bit internal data is used, then coding gain is improved, but memory bandwidth requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding gainVSAvoidmemory bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of internal buffer bit depths based on the actual coding requirements. The system can switch between 8-bit and 10-bit buffer configurations, allocating higher precision memory resources only when the content demands improved coding gain. This dynamic resource allocation optimizes the balance between coding performance and memory bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different internal bit depths to different modules and buffers within the codec architecture. Instead of uniformly increasing memory bandwidth capacity throughout the system, it selectively enhances precision in specific modules where coding gain is most beneficial, while maintaining standard precision in other areas. This modular approach to precision optimization reduces overall memory bandwidth requirements while preserving essential coding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If increased internal bit depth is used, then processing precision is improved, but device complexity increases (increase of various internal buffers and memory bandwidth)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal processing precisionVSAvoidinternal buffers and memory bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically configurable bit depth architecture where the internal processing precision and buffer sizes can be adjusted based on operational requirements. The system can transition between 8-bit and 10-bit modes, adapting its complexity level to match the task at hand. This dynamic complexity management allows the device to maintain high precision when needed while reducing resource consumption during standard operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies increased precision selectively to specific processing modules and buffers rather than uniformly throughout the entire system. By identifying and enhancing only the critical paths where higher bit depth provides measurable benefit, the patent avoids the proportional increase in overall device complexity that would result from system-wide precision enhancement. This targeted approach maintains essential processing quality while minimizing additional hardware requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11375219B2Coding method and system with improved dynamic internal bit depth
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 TENCENT AMERICA LLC
  • US11375219B2 patent drawing
  • US11375219B2 patent drawing
  • US11375219B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A video decoding method includes obtaining an encoded bitstream of an original video content, and obtaining signaling information associated with the encoded bitstream. The signaling information includes at least a sequence parameter set (SPS), which includes a parameter bit_depth_luma_minus8, which specifies a bit depth of samples of a luma array and a value of a luma quantization parameter range offset; and a parameter bit_depth_chroma_minus8, which specifies a bit depth of samples of a chroma array and a value of a chroma quantization parameter range offset. The method also includes determining an internal bit-depth K for adjusting the bit depth specified by the bit_depth_luma_minus8 and the bit depth specified by the bit_depth_chroma_minus8; performing a decoding process on the encoded bitstream, based the signaling information and using the bit_depth_luma_minus8 and the bit_depth_chroma_minus8, together with the internal bit-depth K, to recover the original video content; and presenting the original video content.