Multilayer Video Coding Syntax for Arbitrary Decoder Layer Output

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies face challenges in improving coding efficiency, enhancing image quality, reducing processing amounts, and circuit scales, as well as appropriately selecting elements or operations such as filters, blocks, motion vectors, and reference pictures.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a configuration and method that allows decoders to arbitrarily specify layers in a multi-layer video bitstream, enabling flexible decoding by setting a syntax element to a value indicating that any layer can be output, thereby improving coding efficiency and reducing processing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed layer output mode is used in multi-layer video coding, then decoding complexity is reduced, but decoding flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding complexityVSAvoiddecoding flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the layer output configuration flexible rather than fixed. The encoder can dynamically select and signal different output layer modes (all layers, highest layer only, or specific layers) based on the decoder's capabilities and transmission conditions, allowing the system to adapt between complexity and flexibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of layer output configuration from a fixed state to a variable state. By introducing syntax elements that can take different values (indicating different output layer modes), the system can adjust the decoding behavior to match different application scenarios, resolving the contradiction between fixed complexity and flexible adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If all layers are output in multi-layer video coding, then adaptability is improved, but processing amount increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding adaptabilityVSAvoidprocessing amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different output layer configurations for different scenarios. Instead of always outputting all layers, the system can selectively output only the necessary layers (e.g., highest layer only, or specific layers) based on the decoder's capabilities and transmission conditions, reducing processing amount while maintaining adaptability where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by outputting only the necessary layers rather than all layers. The encoder can signal to output a subset of layers (e.g., highest layer only or specific layers) when full layer output is not required, reducing processing amount while maintaining sufficient adaptability for the given application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If layer output is arbitrarily specified by decoder, then decoding flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding flexibilityVSAvoiddecoder complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the encoder pre-configure and signal the layer output mode in the bitstream. The decoder receives these pre-configured instructions (vps_output_layer_mode and OutputLayerFlag) and follows them, which maintains decoding flexibility while reducing decoder complexity by eliminating the need for complex decision-making logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces syntax elements (vps_output_layer_mode and OutputLayerFlag) as intermediaries that carry layer output configuration information from encoder to decoder. These intermediaries enable flexible layer output specification while simplifying the decoder's task by providing clear instructions, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If coding efficiency is improved through multiple layer output modes, then image quality is enhanced, but circuit scale increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional syntax element structure that can handle multiple layer output modes (all layers, highest layer only, specific layers) using the same basic mechanism. This universal approach enables improved coding efficiency and image quality through flexible layer selection without proportionally increasing circuit scale, as the same framework serves multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4030757B1Coding device, decoding device, coding method, and decoding method

Publication Date: 2025.08.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(f)
Figure 3~4

AI summary

An encoder (100) includes: circuitry and memory coupled to the circuitry. In the encoder (100), in operation, the circuitry: upon generating an encoded bitstream that includes a multi-layer structure, when it is allowed to arbitrarily specify by a decoder a layer to be output by the decoder, sets a syntax element for specifying a layer that is allowed to be output by the decoder, to a value indicating that it is allowed to arbitrarily specify the layer to be output; and generates the encoded bitstream that includes the multi-layer structure.