Geometric Partitioning Line Selection in Video Encoder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video coding techniques face inefficiencies in encoding and decoding due to high coding loads associated with geometric partitioning, particularly in handling side-information for block partitioning in video frames, which increases computational requirements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an encoder and decoder that reduce signaled side-information by generating geometric partitioning parameters based on neighbor block information, using a partitioning unit to determine candidate GP lines and select the optimal GP line that minimizes rate-distortion cost, and encoding these parameters efficiently to minimize the amount of information needed for decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If geometric partitioning is used to partition blocks in video frames, then the partitioning flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the coding load and computational requirements increase due to additional side-information signaling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartitioning flexibilityVSAvoidcoding load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the partitioning structure of a neighbor block as a template or copy to generate the partitioning structure for the current block. Instead of independently determining the partitioning line parameters for each block, the encoder copies the neighbor block's partitioning information and applies it to the current block, significantly reducing the side-information that needs to be signaled while maintaining partitioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed partitioning parameters are signaled for each block, then the partitioning precision is improved, but the amount of side-information and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartitioning precisionVSAvoidside-information amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder copies partitioning parameters from a neighbor block to the current block, avoiding the need to signal complete partitioning information for each block independently. This copying approach maintains partitioning precision where needed while reducing the overall side-information burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The current block's partitioning structure is determined using information from its neighbor block, making the system self-sufficient by leveraging already-encoded neighboring information. This eliminates the need for redundant signaling and reduces processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional partitioning methods are used, then the encoding process is simple, but the processing speed and efficiency are reduced due to higher computational requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding simplicityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By copying partitioning information from neighbor blocks, the encoder avoids complex calculations for determining partitioning lines. This simple copying operation maintains encoding simplicity while dramatically improving processing speed and reducing computational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The neighbor block's partitioning information is determined and available before encoding the current block. This preliminary determination of partitioning parameters eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations during current block encoding, thereby improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3632106B1Encoder, decoder, computer program and computer program product for processing a frame of a video sequence
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3632106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3632106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3632106B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present invention provides an encoder for encoding a frame of a video sequence and a corresponding decoder. The encoder comprises a partitioning unit and an entropy coding unit, the partitioning unit is configured to receive a current block of the frame, obtain a list including line information representing one or more candidate geometric partitioning, GP, lines, wherein each of the one or more candidate GP lines is generated based on information of one or more candidate neighbor blocks of the current block, determine a final GP line that partitions the current block into two segments, select a GP line from the list of the one or more GP lines to obtain a selected GP line, and generate a GP parameter for the current block, wherein the GP parameter includes an offset information indicating an offset between the final GP line and the selected GP line; the entropy coding unit is configured to encode the GP parameter.