Image Decoding Hierarchical Partition Information Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image coding methods, such as H.26x and MPEG-x, face inefficiencies in transmitting partition information due to the increased number of block-size types, leading to inefficient encoding and decoding of partitioned shapes in video signals.
Innovation Solution
An image coding method that determines a partitioning pattern hierarchically, generates partition information including maximum and minimum used hierarchy depths, and optionally omits information for unpartitioned blocks, to reduce coding overhead, and uses predicted partitioning patterns to further minimize coding requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of block-size types is increased to support various partitioning patterns, then the adaptability of the coding system is improved, but the complexity of transmitting partition information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition information transmission is segmented into two hierarchical levels: macroblock type information (coarse level) and sub-macroblock type information (fine level). This segmentation allows the system to first establish broad partitioning categories and then provide detailed specifications only where needed, reducing overall transmission complexity while maintaining support for multiple block-size types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to partition information transmission by organizing block-size types into nested levels (macroblock → sub-macroblock). This dimensional organization transforms the flat complexity of transmitting all possible block-size combinations into a structured hierarchy, where information is transmitted in stages from general to specific
2Manufacturing precision
If hierarchical partitioning with multiple block-size types is implemented, then the coding precision is improved, but the amount of partition information to be transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting sub-macroblock type information selectively rather than universally. Sub-macroblock partitioning information is transmitted only for macroblocks that require further partitioning, avoiding the transmission of redundant information for macroblocks that are already adequately represented at the coarser level, thus maintaining precision while reducing information volume
3Measurement precision
If detailed sub-macroblock partition information is transmitted for all macroblocks, then the decoding accuracy is improved, but the coding overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of partition information detail for different macroblocks based on their specific characteristics. Some macroblocks receive detailed sub-macroblock partition information while others use only the coarser macroblock type information, optimizing the balance between decoding accuracy and coding overhead for each local region
Data Source
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AI summary
An image coding method according to the present invention partitions as input image signal (120) into processing units, and codes the partitioned image to generate a code sequence (140), the image coding method including: determining a partitioning pattern for hierarchically partitioning the input image signal (120) in order starting from a largest unit of the processing units; generating partition information (131) indicative of the partitioning pattern; and coding partition information (131), wherein the partition information (131) includes maximum used hierarchy depth information (used_max_depth) indicative of a maximum used hierarchy depth which is a hierarchy depth of a deepest processing unit of the processing units included in the partitioning pattern.