Predicted Quantization Parameter Setting for Image Coding Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image compression methods, such as MPEG2 and H.264, face limitations in achieving high compression rates, especially for large image frames like UHD, and dynamic quantization parameters increase information complexity during image compression.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that sets a predicted quantization parameter for a current coding unit using surrounding coding units, calculates a difference quantization parameter, and transmits this information to improve coding efficiency by reducing the amount of quantization parameter data needed for encoding and decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If dynamic quantization parameters are used for image compression, then image quality can be optimized, but the amount of information and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidinformation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the quantization parameter from the upper neighboring coding unit as a prediction value for the current coding unit. This copying approach allows the decoder to reconstruct the quantization parameter without transmitting it explicitly, thereby reducing information complexity while maintaining image quality optimization through dynamic quantization parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the quantization parameter of a neighboring coding unit serves as a prediction base. The actual quantization parameter is derived by adding a differential value to this prediction, allowing indirect transmission of parameter information and reducing the overall information burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If quantization parameters are transmitted for each coding unit, then decoding accuracy improves, but transmission data volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidtransmission data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for quantization parameter reconstruction. Instead of transmitting complete quantization parameters for every coding unit, it transmits only the differential values, removing redundant information while preserving decoding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing prediction values from neighboring coding units before actual transmission. The decoder uses these pre-established prediction values to reconstruct quantization parameters, ensuring accurate decoding while minimizing the data that needs to be transmitted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If compression rate is increased for large image frames, then transmission efficiency improves, but coding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidcoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image into coding units and processes each unit's quantization parameter independently using local neighboring information. This segmentation approach allows efficient parallel processing and reduces overall coding complexity while maintaining high compression rates for large image frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2685723B1Image processing device and method
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2685723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2685723B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2685723B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This technique relates to an image processing apparatus and a method for improving the coding efficiency for a quantization parameter. Provided are a predicted quantization parameter setting unit for setting a predicted quantization parameter for a current coding unit by using multiple quantization parameters which are set for multiple surrounding coding units located around the current coding unit which is target of coding processing, and a difference quantization parameter setting unit for setting a difference quantization parameter indicating a difference value between the quantization parameter which is set for the current coding unit and the predicted quantization parameter which is set by the predicted quantization parameter setting unit. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an image processing apparatus.