Image Decoding Using Reference Region Texture Copying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image encoding and decoding methods, such as H.264 AVC and HEVC, face limitations in reducing bit rate for texture regions with high spatial variability, leading to inefficient encoding and decoding processes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves applying a low-quality coding mode to target regions by determining reference regions, extracting specific texture features, and changing pixel values to match those of the reference regions, using machine learning models like CNNs to enhance image quality and reduce bit usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional image encoding methods (H.264 AVC, HEVC) are used, then encoding compatibility and broad support are maintained, but bit rate reduction for texture regions is insufficient and encoding efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding efficiencyVSAvoidtexture detail loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent copies texture features from reference regions to target regions using machine learning models. Instead of encoding all texture details traditionally, the system captures essential texture characteristics from reference areas and reconstructs them in target areas, achieving efficient compression while preserving visual quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms image data from spatial domain to frequency domain using DCT, and applies machine learning models that operate on transformed parameters rather than raw pixel values. This parameter transformation enables more efficient encoding by focusing on perceptually important features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If machine learning models are used to enhance image quality, then image quality and texture fidelity improve, but computational complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image into reference regions and target regions, applying machine learning processing only where needed. By segmenting the processing scope, the system achieves quality improvement in critical areas without uniformly applying complex computations across the entire image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs DCT transformation and texture feature extraction in advance before the main encoding process. This preliminary processing prepares data in a form that is more amenable to machine learning operations, reducing the computational burden during actual encoding and decoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If low-quality coding mode is applied to reduce bit rate, then bit rate and storage requirements decrease, but image quality and texture fidelity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary components between the low-quality encoded data and the final reconstructed image. These models act as smart mediators that interpret compressed data and reconstruct high-quality visual output, bridging the gap between low bit rate and high quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines traditional compression techniques (DCT, quantization) with machine learning-based texture synthesis to create a hybrid encoding system. This composite approach leverages the strengths of both methods: efficient compression from traditional techniques and quality preservation from machine learning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3672243B1Method and device for encoding image according to low-quality coding mode, and method and device for decoding image
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3672243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3672243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method of decoding an image, the method including determining at least one reference region to be referenced by a target region in the image to which a low-quality coding mode is applied; extracting a certain type of information from the determined at least one reference region; and changing pixel values of the target region, based on the extracted type of information.