Image Processing Apparatus Reference Relation Restriction Alleviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing methods according to existing standards, such as H.264/MPEG-4 AVC and HEVC, are prone to errors due to inconsistencies in the reference relation between pictures, leading to decoding issues.

Innovation Solution

An image processing method that obtains a parameter indicating the restriction on the reference relation between pictures and performs restriction alleviation processing to correct the reference relation, allowing for proper decoding by applying a less strict NAL unit type to alleviate inconsistencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strict reference relation restrictions are imposed on picture encoding, then encoding correctness is improved, but decoding flexibility and error resilience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding correctnessVSAvoiddecoding flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference relation restrictions adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically adapt the strictness level of reference restrictions based on decoding conditions, allowing flexible switching between strict mode (for correctness) and relaxed mode (for flexibility and error resilience), thus resolving the contradiction between encoding correctness and decoding flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of reference relation restriction strictness from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By modifying this parameter based on different decoding scenarios and error conditions, the system can optimize both encoding correctness and decoding flexibility, transforming a static restriction into an adaptive parameter that balances both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If reference relation restrictions are strictly enforced, then picture decoding accuracy is improved, but error suppression capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicture decoding accuracyVSAvoiderror suppression capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing multiple decoding modes with different reference relation strictness levels in advance. When errors are detected or anticipated, the system can switch to a more tolerant decoding mode that has been pre-configured, cushioning against the impact of errors while maintaining the ability to achieve high decoding accuracy under normal conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor decoding conditions and adjust reference relation restrictions accordingly. When errors are detected or decoding conditions change, the system receives feedback and modifies the strictness level, creating a closed-loop system that balances decoding accuracy with error suppression capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9979964B2Image processing method and image processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.22 SUN PATENT TRUST
  • US9979964B2 patent drawing
  • US9979964B2 patent drawing
  • US9979964B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing method with which occurrence of an error is suppressed is an image processing method for processing an image signal generated by encoding a plurality of pictures. The method includes: obtaining, from the image signal, a parameter indicating restriction on a reference relation between at least one of the plurality of pictures and an other one of the plurality of pictures in the encoding; and performing restriction alleviation processing for alleviating the restriction on the reference relation indicated by the parameter.