Image Encoding Sublayer Determination Based on Inter-Layer Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for high-resolution and high-quality images, such as HD and UHD images, leads to a significant increase in the amount of transmitted and stored information, resulting in higher transmission and storage costs. There is a need for high-efficient image compression technology to address this challenge.

Innovation Solution

An image encoding/decoding method and apparatus that determines inter-layer direct reference and the number of sublayers of a current layer based on inter-layer direct reference, improving encoding/decoding efficiency by optimizing the compression process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-resolution and high-quality images are transmitted and stored, then image quality is improved, but transmission cost and storage cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidamount of transmitted information
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data into multiple layers (base layer and enhancement layers) with different resolution and quality characteristics. The base layer contains essential information at lower resolution, while enhancement layers add detailed information at higher resolutions. This segmentation allows selective transmission and processing of data based on requirements, reducing overall data volume while maintaining quality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested layer structure where enhancement layers are built upon the base layer. The base layer serves as the foundation, and enhancement layers are progressively added to provide additional detail. This nested arrangement enables efficient compression by allowing the base layer to be transmitted independently, with enhancement layers added only when higher quality is required, thereby reducing total transmission data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If inter-layer reference is enabled for compression efficiency, then encoding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic determination of the number of sublayers based on inter-layer reference conditions. Rather than using a fixed layer structure, the system adapts the number of enhancement layers according to the available reference information and processing capabilities. This dynamic adjustment optimizes compression efficiency while controlling processing complexity by only creating necessary layers when reference data is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of sublayer count based on inter-layer reference availability. When inter-layer reference is enabled, the system determines an appropriate number of sublayers to maximize compression. When reference is not available, the system adjusts this parameter to avoid unnecessary processing complexity. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between encoding efficiency and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250168386A1Image encoding/decoding method and apparatus for determining sublayer on basis of whether or not to make reference between layers, and method for transmitting bitstream
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20250168386A1 patent drawing
  • US20250168386A1 patent drawing
  • US20250168386A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image encoding/decoding method and apparatus is provided. The image decoding method performed by the image decoding apparatus may comprise determining inter-layer direct reference and determining the number of sublayers of a current layer based on the inter-layer direct reference.