Multi-Layer Video Bitstream Layer Pruning for Coding Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies suffer from inefficiencies due to the inclusion of unnecessary layers in multi-layer bitstreams, leading to increased data volume and reduced coding efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing techniques that disallow unnecessary layers by ensuring every layer in an output layer set is either an output layer or a direct or indirect reference layer, thereby optimizing the coding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If unnecessary layers are included in multi-layer video bitstreams, then the bitstream can accommodate future scalability and adaptability, but the data volume increases and coding efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebitstream scalabilityVSAvoidcoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary layers from the multi-layer bitstream structure. By identifying layers that are neither output layers nor reference layers, the system extracts these redundant elements and eliminates them, thereby reducing data volume while maintaining the essential scalability of the bitstream through the retained necessary layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the bitstream by modifying the layer configuration. It adjusts the number and arrangement of layers based on actual needs, transforming the bitstream from a structure with excessive layers to one optimized for both scalability and coding efficiency through parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If more layers are included in the bitstream to provide higher quality options, then user experience can be improved, but the quantity of data increases and network bandwidth is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo qualityVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary layers required for delivering various quality levels, removing redundant layers that do not contribute to quality enhancement. This extraction process reduces data volume while preserving the multi-quality options needed for different user experience requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by including only the sufficient number of layers needed to meet quality requirements, rather than including all possible layers. This partial inclusion strategy provides adequate quality options without the excessive data volume that would result from including every potential layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If extraneous information is retained in the coding process to maintain completeness, then all possible video configurations are preserved, but coding efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidcoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes extraneous information corresponding to unnecessary layers from the bitstream. By identifying and extracting these redundant elements, the system maintains completeness of essential information while eliminating coding overhead associated with unnecessary layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent discards unnecessary layer information that does not contribute to video quality or scalability, while recovering and preserving the essential information needed for effective video coding and decoding. This selective discarding and recovering process optimizes coding efficiency without losing critical information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4589948A1Disallowing unnecessary layers in multi-layer video bitstreams
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4589948A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4589948A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4589948A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of decoding is provided. The method includes receiving, by the video decoder, a video bitstream including a video parameter set (VPS) and a plurality of layers, where no layer is neither an output layer of at least one OLS nor a direct reference layer of any other layer; and decoding, by the video decoder, a picture from one of the plurality of layers. A method of encoding is also provided. The method includes generating, by the video encoder, a plurality of layers and a VPS specifying one or more output layer sets (OLSs), where no layer is neither an output layer of at least one OLS nor a direct reference layer of any other layer; encoding, by the video encoder, the plurality of layers and the VPS into a video bitstream; and storing, by the video encoder, the video bitstream for communication toward a video decoder.