Encoder and Decoder VPS Signaling for Conditional Inter-Layer Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies face challenges in efficiently compressing video data across limited bandwidth networks without sacrificing picture quality, particularly in scenarios involving multiple layers with inter-layer prediction, leading to increased bitrate due to unnecessary signaling of inter-layer prediction elements.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining a sequence parameter set (SPS) level syntax element to specify whether a video parameter set (VPS) is referenced, and if not, disabling the signaling of inter-layer enabled syntax elements, thereby reducing bitrate by omitting inter-layer prediction when only one layer is present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If inter-layer prediction elements are signaled in multi-layer video coding, then prediction accuracy is improved, but bitrate increases due to unnecessary signaling when only one layer is present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidbitrate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the signaling of inter-layer prediction elements conditional on the actual presence of multiple layers. When only one layer is present, the inter-layer prediction syntax elements are not signaled, avoiding unnecessary bitrate consumption. When multiple layers are present, the syntax elements are signaled to enable accurate inter-layer prediction. This conditional signaling approach optimizes the bitrate-quality tradeoff by adapting the signaling behavior to the local structural characteristics of the video data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of syntax element signaling based on the layer configuration. By detecting whether multiple layers are present and adjusting the signaling behavior accordingly (signaling when multiple layers exist, omitting when only one layer exists), the system dynamically adapts the bitrate consumption to the actual prediction needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining prediction accuracy and minimizing bitrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If video data is compressed to reduce data size for network transmission, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but picture quality may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidpicture quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively signaling only the necessary inter-layer prediction elements based on the layer configuration. Instead of always signaling all possible prediction elements (excessive action), the system signals only when needed (when multiple layers are present), achieving partial signaling that matches the actual requirements. This approach maintains picture quality by enabling prediction when necessary while improving bandwidth efficiency by omitting unnecessary signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If inter-layer prediction is always enabled, then prediction flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to processing unnecessary syntax elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the inter-layer prediction functionality dynamic rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts whether to signal and process inter-layer prediction elements based on the runtime detection of layer configuration. When only one layer is present, the system disables inter-layer prediction processing; when multiple layers are present, it enables the processing. This dynamic adaptation reduces device complexity by avoiding unnecessary processing while maintaining prediction flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4026337B1An encoder, a decoder and corresponding methods
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4026337B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4026337B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4026337B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of decoding a coded video bitstream is provided, the method comprising: obtaining a sequence parameter set (SPS) -level syntax element from the bitstream, wherein that the SPS-level syntax element equals to a preset value specifies that no video parameter set (VPS) is referred to by a SPS, and the SPS-level syntax element greater than the preset value specifies that the SPS refers to a VPS; obtaining, as the SPS-level syntax element is greater than the preset value, an inter-layer enabled syntax element specifying whether one or more inter-layer reference pictures (ILRPs) are enabled to be used for the inter prediction of one or more coded pictures; and predicting one or more coded pictures based on the value of the inter-layer enabled syntax element.