IBC Predictor Candidate List Sizing for Video Decoding Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies face inefficiencies in motion vector prediction, particularly in intra block copy mode, leading to suboptimal compression ratios and decoding performance.

Innovation Solution

The method and apparatus enhance video decoding by constructing an intra block copy (IBC) predictor candidate list with a size determined by the number of IBC predictor candidates, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in selecting block vector predictors, thereby improving decoding accuracy and compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed-size predictor candidate list is used in IBC mode, then the decoding process is simple and fast, but the compression efficiency and decoding accuracy are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding efficiencyVSAvoidcompression efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the predictor candidate list size variable rather than fixed. The list size is dynamically adjusted based on the number of available IBC predictor candidates, allowing the system to adapt between minimum size M and maximum size N, thereby optimizing compression efficiency while maintaining decoding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of candidate list size from a fixed value to a variable range [M, N]. By signaling the actual list size to the decoder and allowing it to vary according to available candidates, the system achieves better compression efficiency without significantly increasing decoding complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If more IBC predictor candidates are included in the candidate list, then the prediction accuracy and video quality improve, but the signaling overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by including only the necessary number of IBC predictor candidates in the candidate list, rather than all possible candidates. The list size is set to max(M, min(AvailableCandidates, N)), which means including candidates only up to the maximum N or the available number, whichever is smaller, thereby balancing prediction accuracy with processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the candidate list size based on the number of available IBC predictors. When fewer than M candidates are available, the list is padded to size M; when between M and N candidates are available, the actual number is used; when more than N candidates are available, the list is limited to N. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between prediction accuracy and processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3967033B1Method and apparatus for signaling predictor candidate list size
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TENCENT AMERICA LLC
  • EP3967033B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967033B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3967033B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of video decoding includes receiving a coded video bitstream including a current picture. The method further includes- determining whether a current block included in the current picture is coded in intra block copy ( IBC) mode. The method further includes, in response to the current block being coded in the IBC mode, determining a number of IBC predictor candidates associated with the current block. The method further includes constructing an IBC predictor candidate list having a. size corresponding to the number of IBC predictor candidates. The method further includes selecting a block vector predictor from the IBC predictor candidate list. The method farther includes decoding a block vector associated with the current block, using the block vector predictor. The method further includes decoding the current block in accordance with the block vector.