Frame Interpolation Quantization Signaling for Video Bitstreams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding systems face inefficiencies in bandwidth usage and video quality due to the fixed signaling or derivation of quantization parameters, which can be improved by conditionally signaling these parameters based on frame-level interpolation modes.

Innovation Solution

Implement methods for conditionally signaling and deriving quantization parameters based on whether a frame-level interpolation mode is active, allowing for improved accuracy and reduced bandwidth usage by adjusting the signaling of quantization parameters in video bitstreams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If quantization parameters are always signaled explicitly in the video bitstream, then accuracy of quantization parameter handling is improved, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates due to increased number of bits signaled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of quantization parameter handlingVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two quantization parameter handling modes based on the activation status of frame-level interpolation prediction mode. When the interpolation mode is active, the system derives quantization parameters from reference frames without explicit signaling. When the interpolation mode is inactive, the system signals quantization parameters explicitly. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between accuracy and bandwidth efficiency according to the current coding context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the handling method of quantization parameters based on the interpolation mode status. In interpolation mode, quantization parameters are derived using a different approach (from reference frames) compared to non-interpolation mode (explicit signaling). This parameter change allows the system to achieve both high accuracy when interpolation is used and bandwidth efficiency when it is not, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If quantization parameters are always derived at the decoder, then bandwidth efficiency is improved by reducing the number of bits signaled, but accuracy deteriorates compared to explicit signaling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidaccuracy of quantization parameter handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between derivation and explicit signaling based on the interpolation mode status. When frame-level interpolation prediction mode is active, derivation is used to maximize bandwidth efficiency. When the mode is inactive, explicit signaling is used to ensure accuracy. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate method in the appropriate context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the quantization parameter acquisition method based on the interpolation mode. In interpolation mode, parameters are derived from reference frames with a different weighting scheme. In non-interpolation mode, parameters are obtained through explicit signaling. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both bandwidth efficiency and accuracy under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If frame-level interpolation mode is active and quantization parameters are derived from reference frames, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional derivation logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of quantization parameter handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing reference frames and their quantization parameters to derive the quantization parameters for the current frame when interpolation mode is active. This self-service approach avoids the need for separate quantization parameter signaling and reduces bandwidth consumption. The derivation logic leverages already-available data structures, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving bandwidth efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12634523B2Systems and methods for signaling and derivation of quantization parameters for a frame-level interpolation prediction mode

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 TENCENT AMERICA LLC

AI summary

An example method of video coding includes receiving a video bitstream for a plurality of encoded pictures. The method also includes deriving, using frame interpolation, a reconstruction picture for an encoded picture of the plurality of encoded pictures. The method further includes determining, based on a signaled indicator in the video bitstream, whether one or more quantization parameters for the encoded picture are signaled in the video bitstream. When the signaled indicator indicates that the one or more quantization parameters are signaled in the video bitstream, the one or more quantization parameters are parsed from the video bitstream. When the signaled indicator indicates that the one or more quantization parameters are not signaled in the video bitstream, the one or more quantization parameters are derived at the decoder.