Intra Block Copy Error Handling in HEVC Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) systems, decoded block vectors pointing to unavailable areas due to transmission errors or incorrect encoding can lead to undefined decoder behavior, particularly in Intra Block Copy (IntraBC) mode, especially during multiple tile or slice processing.
Innovation Solution
Methods are introduced to handle such errors by padding unavailable pixels, using previous decoded pixels, or setting pixels to a pre-defined value when a reference block overlaps with an unavailable area, and determining the use of integer motion vectors based on previous coded slices or pictures, while also implementing adaptive color transform at the pixel level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IntraBC mode is used for video coding, then coding efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to undefined decoder behavior when block vectors point to unavailable areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by defining default behavior for decoding block vectors before errors occur. When a block vector points to an unavailable area, the decoder uses predetermined default values (e.g., zero vectors or vectors pointing to alternative locations) rather than exhibiting undefined behavior. This pre-established error handling mechanism ensures reliable decoding even when transmission errors occur, resolving the contradiction between maintaining coding efficiency through IntraBC mode and ensuring decoder reliability.
2Reliability
If error handling mechanisms are added to handle block vectors pointing to unavailable areas, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the block vector parameters directly rather than adding complex error handling structures. When an error is detected (block vector points to unavailable area), the decoder changes the vector parameters to default values or alternative valid values. This approach improves reliability through simple parameter modification rather than complex mechanical error handling mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If padding or default value methods are used for unavailable pixels, then manufacturing precision is improved by ensuring valid reference data, but loss of information increases due to artificial pixel values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies blessing in disguise by converting the harmful effect of unavailable reference pixels into a beneficial outcome. Instead of allowing decoding to fail or produce severe artifacts, the method uses padding or default values to create plausible reference data that maintains decoding continuity. While some information is lost due to artificial pixel values, this approach prevents worse outcomes and maintains overall video quality, resolving the contradiction between ensuring reference block validity and minimizing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to overcome the issue caused by a decoded block vector (BV) pointing to a reference block overlapping with an unavailable area, various methods are disclosed. According to one method, if the reference block overlaps with an unavailable area, the reference pixels in the unavailable area are generated for IntraBC prediction of the current block by padding from neighboring available pixels. The padding can be done in the horizontal direction and then the vertical direction. The padding may also done in the vertical direction first and then horizontal direction. In another method, if the reference block overlaps with an unavailable area, the reference pixels in the unavailable area are generated for IntraBC prediction of the current block by using previous decoded pixels in the unavailable area. A pre-defined value may also be used for the unavailable area.


