Video Coding Block Partitioning with Depth Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies face challenges in reducing complexity while maintaining coding efficiency, particularly in the use of flexible block partition types and Inter modes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves partitioning the current block into multiple final sub-blocks using one or more stages of sub-tree partition, excluding ternary tree partition if the current sub-tree depth exceeds a certain threshold, and employing a restricted coding-tree structure or modified Inter tools based on specific test conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ternary tree partition is applied to all blocks regardless of depth, then partitioning flexibility and coding efficiency are improved, but computational complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartitioning flexibilityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different partitioning strategies to different regions of the video block based on local characteristics. Ternary tree partition is applied selectively to specific blocks where it provides benefit, while other blocks use simpler partitioning methods, achieving local optimization of both flexibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a depth parameter threshold that controls when ternary tree partition is applied. By changing the parameter (depth threshold) dynamically based on block characteristics, the system adapts the partitioning complexity to match the actual need, reducing unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining flexibility where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If complex Inter tools are used for all blocks, then coding precision is improved, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying complex Inter tools to all blocks, the patent applies them partially only to blocks where they provide measurable benefit. By evaluating block characteristics first and applying advanced tools selectively, the system achieves sufficient precision without the excessive processing time that would result from universal application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the video processing into different stages: initial evaluation of block characteristics, selective application of complex Inter tools to specific blocks, and simpler processing for other blocks. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision where needed while maintaining efficient processing overall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If fine-grained block partitioning is applied throughout, then coding efficiency is improved, but device complexity and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic block partitioning where the granularity of partitioning is adjusted based on local video content characteristics and depth thresholds. Rather than applying uniform fine-grained partitioning, the system dynamically adapts the partitioning level to match actual coding needs, achieving high efficiency where required while reducing processing load in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3763128B1Method and apparatus of optimized splitting structure for video coding
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3763128B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3763128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3763128B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In one method, the current block is partitioned into multiple final sub-blocks using one or more stages of sub-tree partition comprising ternary tree partition and at least one other-type partition, where ternary partition tree is excluded from the sub-tree partition if a current sub-tree depth associated with a current sub-block is greater than a first threshold and the first threshold is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In another method, if a test condition is satisfied, the current block is encoded or decoded using a current Inter mode selected from a modified group of Inter tools, where the modified group of Inter tools is derived from an initial group of Inter tools by removing one or more first Inter tools from the initial group of Inter tools, replacing one or more second Inter tools with one or more complexity-reduced Inter tools, or both.