Hierarchical Data Hiding in Video Coding Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data hiding methods in video compression, such as the ITU-T H.265/HEVC standard, face interference issues when multiple hiding operations are performed on the same set of target values, potentially resulting in undecodable bit-streams due to modifications not accounting for previous hiding operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for encoding and decoding data in a hierarchically layered coding unit using a layered stack of decoupled data hiding patterns, where each pattern has a check function to hide values without interference, ensuring that modifications do not affect previously hidden data, and allowing for multiple hiding operations without causing undecodability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple data hiding operations are performed on the same set of target values using conventional methods, then data hiding capacity is increased, but the bit-stream becomes undecodable due to interference between operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data hiding process into multiple independent layers, where each layer operates on a distinct subset of target values. This segmentation prevents interference between hiding operations by ensuring that modifications in one layer do not affect the target values used by other layers, thereby maintaining decodability while increasing overall data hiding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the data hiding process by organizing hiding operations into multiple layers with different scopes. Each layer operates at a different hierarchical level (e.g., transform unit level, coding unit level), allowing multiple operations to coexist without interference by distributing them across different dimensional levels of the data structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If data hiding operations modify target values without considering previous operations, then encoding simplicity is maintained, but interference occurs resulting in undecodable bit-streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the layer structure and target value assignments before executing data hiding operations. Each layer's target values are determined in advance based on hierarchical relationships, ensuring that modifications in one layer do not interfere with other layers. This preliminary organization maintains encoding simplicity while guaranteeing decodability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the target values into disjoint subsets for different layers, where each subset is independently processed. This segmentation allows each hiding operation to work on its own isolated set of values without affecting others, maintaining simplicity while preventing interference that would compromise decodability.
3Productivity
If a single data hiding operation uses all available target values, then hiding efficiency is maximized, but multiple operations cannot be performed without causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by adding a hierarchical dimension to the data hiding structure. Instead of competing for the same target values in a single dimension, multiple hiding operations are distributed across different hierarchical layers. Each layer can efficiently use its allocated target values while the hierarchical structure enables multiple operations to coexist, thereby achieving both high hiding efficiency and multi-operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the target values across multiple layers, with each layer receiving a specific portion of the available values. This segmentation allows each operation to maintain high efficiency by working with dedicated values, while the overall system achieves versatility by supporting multiple independent hiding operations across the hierarchical structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods for hiding values of a hierarchically layered coding unit in other values comprised by the coding unit is provided (encoding methods). Furthermore, the invention also relates to methods for reconstructing hidden data from an encoded coding unit (decoding method). The invention is also related to the implementation of these encoding and/or decoding methods in an apparatus and on a (non-transitory) computer readable medium. According to the invention, data are hidden in values of different layers of a hierarchically structured coding unit.