360-Degree Image Decoding with Motion-Vector Prediction Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle with the massive data volume and performance inefficiencies in encoding and decoding 360-degree images for virtual and augmented reality applications, particularly in handling high-resolution and ultra-high-definition images.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding 360-degree images that enhance compression performance by partitioning and resizing image layers, applying tree-based block forms, and utilizing inter-prediction techniques to optimize data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional image encoding/decoding methods are used for 360-degree images, then the processing can be performed with standard algorithms, but the compression performance is insufficient and the processing efficiency is low due to massive data volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The 360-degree image is divided into multiple partition units based on projection format characteristics. This segmentation allows independent processing of different regions, reducing the computational complexity and improving processing efficiency while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the entire image data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If high-resolution and ultra-high-definition images are processed, then the image quality is improved, but the amount of data generated increases massively and the processing performance becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different encoding parameters and processing strategies are applied to different partition units based on their local characteristics. This allows optimization of image quality in critical regions while using more efficient compression in less critical areas, balancing overall quality with processing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the image encoding/decoding process is optimized for compression, then the data transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the encoding/decoding apparatus increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

Image partitioning and preliminary processing steps are performed before the main encoding/decoding operation. This preliminary action organizes the data in a way that facilitates more efficient compression without requiring complex real-time processing during the main encoding/decoding phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4387232B1Image data encoding/decoding method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 INST OF IMAGE TECH INC
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AI summary

Disclosed is an image data encoding/decoding method and apparatus. A method for decoding a 360-degree image comprises the steps of: receiving a bitstream obtained by encoding a 360-degree image; generating a prediction image by making reference to syntax information obtained from the received bitstream; combining the generated prediction image with a residual image obtained by dequantizing and inverse-transforming the bitstream, so as to obtain a decoded image; and reconstructing the decoded image into a 360-degree image according to a projection format. Here, the step of generating the prediction image comprises the steps of: obtaining, from motion information included in the syntax information, a motion vector candidate group including a motion vector of a block adjacent to a current block to be decoded; deriving a prediction motion vector from the motion vector candidate group, on the basis of selection information extracted from the motion information; and determining a prediction block for the current block to be decoded, using a fmal motion vector derived by adding the prediction motion vector to a differential motion vector extracted from the motion information.