Reference Picture List Management in Video Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video coding technologies face challenges in efficiently managing reference picture lists for inter prediction, particularly in handling different schemes and optimizing compression ratios without compromising picture quality, especially with limited network resources and increasing demands for higher video quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding video sequences that utilize a reference picture list (RPL) syntax element to determine the presence of syntax elements related to reference picture lists in the bitstream, allowing for efficient construction and management of reference picture lists using either reference picture list methods or sliding window methods, enabling flexible reference picture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reference picture list management is implemented using complex syntax elements, then picture quality is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reference picture list management into multiple independent syntax elements (RPL syntax element, reference picture list syntax structure, active picture marker syntax structure) that can be selectively processed. This segmentation allows the decoder to handle only the necessary parts of the reference picture list configuration, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reference picture list management where the syntax elements can be selectively present or absent in the bitstream based on the specific coding scenario. The RPL syntax element dynamically indicates whether the full reference picture list syntax structure is present, allowing the system to adapt between simple and complex management modes depending on the coding requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reference picture list syntax elements are always present in the bitstream, then reference picture management flexibility is improved, but bitstream size and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for reference picture list management into a separate RPL syntax element that indicates whether the full reference picture list syntax structure is present. This extraction allows the bitstream to include only the necessary syntax elements for the specific coding scenario, reducing bitstream size while maintaining the flexibility to implement complex reference picture management when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The RPL syntax element serves multiple functions: it indicates the presence of reference picture list syntax structure, enables selective decoding of reference picture management modes (RPL mode or sliding window mode), and provides flexibility for different video coding standards. This multi-functionality reduces the need for redundant syntax elements in the bitstream.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reference picture list schemes are supported, then adaptability to different video coding standards is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the RPL syntax element indicate in advance whether the full reference picture list syntax structure is present in the bitstream. This preliminary indication allows the decoder to prepare for the appropriate processing mode (RPL mode or sliding window mode) before actually processing the reference picture list, reducing processing time by avoiding unnecessary parsing of absent syntax elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different reference picture list management schemes (RPL mode and sliding window mode) based on the presence indication from the RPL syntax element. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to quickly switch processing methods depending on the coding scenario, maintaining compatibility with multiple video coding standards while optimizing processing time for each specific case.
Data Source
AI summary
Reference picture management scheme is provided in the context of video coding. A method of decoding an encoded video sequence, comprising obtaining a value of a reference picture list (RPL) syntax element from a bitstream of the encoded video sequence, the RPL syntax element specifying whether syntax elements related to reference picture lists are present in the bitstream, when the RPL syntax element specifies that the syntax elements related to the reference picture lists are present in the bitstream, obtaining, from the bitstream, values of the syntax elements related to the reference picture lists; and constructing at least one reference picture list for inter prediction using the obtained values of the syntax elements related to the reference picture lists.