Inter-Intra Prediction Blending Masks for Accurate Video Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video coding systems use a shared blending mask for wedge inter-intra and inter-inter prediction modes, which is suboptimal due to the different characteristics of inter and intra predictors, leading to inaccuracies in video reconstruction.

Innovation Solution

Implement separate blending masks for wedge inter-intra and inter-inter prediction modes, allowing for asymmetric designs that improve coding accuracy and reduce artifacts in decoded video.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a shared blending mask is used for both wedge inter-intra and inter-inter prediction modes, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but video coding accuracy and reconstruction quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblending mask structureVSAvoidvideo reconstruction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the previously unified blending mask into separate blending masks for different prediction modes. Specifically, it creates a first blending mask for wedge inter-intra prediction mode and a second blending mask for wedge inter-inter prediction mode, allowing each mask to be optimized for its specific mode's characteristics without compromising overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different blending mask designs to different prediction modes based on their specific requirements. The first blending mask is optimized for inter-intra mode characteristics while the second blending mask is optimized for inter-inter mode characteristics, ensuring each mode receives the appropriate quality of blending treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a shared blending mask is used for both prediction modes, then ease of operation is improved, but artifacts in decoded video increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblending mask applicationVSAvoidvideo artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the blending operation into mode-specific processes by maintaining separate blending masks for wedge inter-intra and inter-inter prediction modes. This segmentation allows each mask to be designed without artifacts introduced by the other mode's requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures each prediction mode receives a blending mask specifically tailored to its characteristics, preventing the introduction of artifacts that would occur with a generic shared mask. The first blending mask addresses inter-intra specific needs while the second addresses inter-inter specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If separate blending masks are used for wedge inter-intra and inter-inter prediction modes, then video coding accuracy and reconstruction quality improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo block reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidblending mask structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation by creating distinct blending mask structures for different prediction modes. The first blending mask structure is designed for wedge inter-intra mode and the second for wedge inter-inter mode, with each structure optimized for its specific mode while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embraces asymmetry by allowing the first and second blending masks to have different structures and properties. This asymmetric design enables each mask to be perfectly suited for its specific prediction mode, with the first mask optimized for inter-intra characteristics and the second for inter-inter characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Object-generated harmful factors

If separate blending masks are used for different prediction modes, then artifacts in decoded video are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoded video artifactsVSAvoidblending mask implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the blending functionality into separate, mode-specific masking operations. By dividing the blending process into distinct first and second blending mask operations for different prediction modes, it eliminates cross-mode artifact contamination while keeping each individual mask implementation relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by providing each prediction mode with a blending mask specifically designed for its characteristics. This localized optimization prevents artifacts in each mode without requiring a complete redesign of the entire blending system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12542900B2Systems and methods for blending inter-intra predictions
Publication Date: 2026.02.03 TENCENT AMERICA LLC
  • US12542900B2 patent drawing
  • US12542900B2 patent drawing
  • US12542900B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The various implementations described herein include methods and systems for encoding and decoding video. In one aspect, a method of video decoding includes receiving video data that includes a first block that is partitioned into a first section and a second section, from a video bitstream. The method further includes identifying a prediction mode for the first block from a syntax element of the video bitstream. In accordance with the prediction mode being a partition-based inter-intra prediction mode wherein the first section is associated with an inter prediction mode and the second section is associated with an intra prediction mode, the first section is blended using a first blending mask and the second section is blended using a second blending mask, the second blending mask being different than the first blending mask. The method also includes decoding the first block using the blended first and second sections.