Palette Coding Transpose Flag Signaling for Video Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing palette coding methods are inefficient when the palette size is zero or all pixels in a block are escape pixels, leading to redundancy and duplication in signaling, similar to Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM) mode, which hampers coding efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Conditional signaling of the palette transpose flag based on the maximum index value or palette size, with specific syntax elements and flag inferences to optimize palette coding, such as omitting unnecessary signaling and updating processes when palette size is zero or less than a threshold, and invoking PCM mode when palette size equals zero.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If palette coding is used with palette size equal to zero or all pixels being escape pixels, then the coding method can handle edge cases, but redundancy and duplication in signaling occur leading to reduced coding efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling edge cases (palette size zero or all escape pixels)VSAvoidcoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of palette size to zero to invoke PCM mode, transforming the coding approach from palette-based to direct pixel value coding. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to edge cases where palette coding would be inefficient, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and coding efficiency by dynamically switching coding modes based on content characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If conditional signaling of palette transpose flag is implemented, then unnecessary signaling is reduced, but complexity in determining when to signal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveredundant signalingVSAvoidsignaling control logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic signaling where the palette transpose flag is conditionally signaled based on the relationship between current and previous palette sizes. When the palette size changes, the flag is signaled; otherwise, it is inferred. This dynamic approach reduces redundant signaling while maintaining simplicity by using a clear conditional rule based on palette size comparison

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If palette size is explicitly signaled, then decoder can accurately determine palette dimensions, but additional bits are required in the bitstream

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepalette size information accuracyVSAvoidbitstream data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent signals palette size information partially - only when necessary for decoder reconstruction. By using conditional signaling based on palette size changes and invoking PCM mode when palette size is zero, the patent provides exactly the right amount of information needed without excessive signaling, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and data volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3007442B1Method of pulse-code modulation and palette coding for video coding
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 HFI INNOVATION INC
  • EP3007442B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3007442B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3007442B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Methods for coding a block of video data using palette coding in a video coding are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the palette transpose flag is signaled conditionally depending on the maximum index value or the palette size. If the maximum index value or the palette size is equal to or greater than a threshold size, the palette transpose flag is signaled at an encoder side or parsed at a decoder side. Otherwise, the palette transpose flag is not signaled or parsed. In another embodiment, the last palette and the last palette size are updated by the current palette with the current palette size conditionally. For example, updating the last palette and the last palette size by the current palette with the current palette size is skipped if the current coding unit is coded using a pulse-coded modulation (PCM) mode or the current palette size is zero.