Image Encoding via Invertible Neural Network Latent Transformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video coding technologies face challenges in efficiently compressing image data due to limited network bandwidth, necessitating the development of high-level video coding techniques.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an image encoding method that utilizes an invertible neural network to transform an image block into a first latent representation, followed by transformation into a second latent representation using a non-invertible neural network. This method estimates a probability distribution of the first latent representation based on the second latent representation and performs entropy encoding accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional image compression methods are used, then network bandwidth is consumed, but compression efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms image data through neural networks to change its representation parameters, converting the image into latent representations with different statistical properties that enable more efficient compression while maintaining quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression algorithms with neural network-based transformation, using learned representations to achieve superior compression efficiency and reduce bandwidth requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If lossless compression is achieved, then data quality is maintained, but compression ratio is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata qualityVSAvoidcompression ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the compression process into multiple stages: first transforming the image through an invertible neural network to latent representations, then applying additional transformation through a non-invertible neural network, finally performing entropy encoding. This multi-stage segmentation enables both lossless compression and high compression ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the image from its original pixel dimension to a latent representation dimension through neural network transformations, creating a new dimensional space where compression can be achieved more efficiently while maintaining data quality through the invertible transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If neural network transformation is applied, then compression ratio increases, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary transformation of the image through neural networks before the actual compression encoding. By pre-transforming the image into latent representations with favorable statistical properties, the subsequent compression steps become more efficient and less computationally intensive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250150640A1Apparatus and method for image encoding and decoding
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250150640A1 patent drawing
  • US20250150640A1 patent drawing
  • US20250150640A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provide an image encoding method including transforming an image block into a first latent representation based on an invertible neural network, transforming the first latent representation into a second latent representation based on a non-invertible neural network, estimating a probability distribution of the first latent representation, and performing entropy encoding on the first latent representation based on the probability distribution by using an entropy encoder.