Reference Picture List Configuration for Sub-Picture Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image encoding/decoding technologies face challenges in efficiently managing reference pictures, particularly in determining shared reference picture lists across sub-pictures, which affects the compression and transmission of high-definition images.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring a reference picture list for a target sub-picture and determining whether it shares a reference picture list with additional sub-pictures based on information from the picture and slice headers, allowing for efficient encoding and decoding by grouping sub-pictures with shared or distinct reference lists.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each sub-picture uses a separate reference picture list, then decoding accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidreference picture list management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the picture into multiple sub-pictures and allows flexible configuration of reference picture lists at different hierarchical levels (picture level, sub-picture level, slice level). This segmentation enables each sub-picture to have its own reference picture list when needed, improving decoding accuracy while avoiding unnecessary complexity through selective application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration mechanisms where the reference picture list sharing decision is not fixed but can be adaptively determined based on picture characteristics, sub-picture characteristics, and slice characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between accuracy and complexity on a per-picture basis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If reference picture lists are shared across multiple sub-pictures, then device complexity is reduced, but decoding accuracy and adaptability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference picture list management complexityVSAvoiddecoding accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal reference picture list configuration that can serve multiple sub-pictures when appropriate, reducing complexity through sharing. The same reference picture list structure can be universally applied across different sub-pictures and slices, providing a simplified baseline that improves efficiency without sacrificing necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows different quality levels of reference picture list configuration at different locations. Some sub-pictures may share reference lists (lower complexity) while others have dedicated lists (higher accuracy), with the decision made locally based on specific picture and sub-picture characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If reference picture sharing is determined at picture header level, then processing efficiency is improved, but adaptability to specific sub-pictures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsub-picture specific adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds hierarchical dimensions to the reference picture list configuration, operating at multiple levels (picture header, sub-picture header, slice header). This multi-dimensional approach allows efficient picture-level decisions while preserving sub-picture-level adaptability when needed, resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Loss of energy

If multiple sub-pictures use identical reference picture lists, then compression efficiency is improved, but image quality consistency across different regions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic parameter changes in reference picture list configuration based on local image characteristics. By adjusting reference picture selection and list composition according to specific sub-picture content requirements, the system maintains compression efficiency while ensuring image quality consistency across different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11778169B2Method, apparatus and storage medium for image encoding/decoding using reference picture

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a method, apparatus and storage medium for image encoding/decoding using a reference picture. A picture is divided into multiple sub-pictures. The sub-pictures of the picture share a reference picture list. In order to determine sub-pictures that share the reference picture list, specific information is signaled from an encoding apparatus to a decoding apparatus. For each sub-picture that does not share a reference picture list for an additional sub-picture, a reference picture list for the sub-picture is separately configured.