Video Coding Intra Prediction Mode Subset for Complexity Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing video coding schemes, such as those based on the AV1 standard, face substantial complexity when employing multiple reference lines for intra prediction, as they include all available intra prediction modes, leading to increased video coding complexity.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method limits the number of intra prediction modes for each non-zero reference line by defining an allowed intra prediction mode set (AIPM) that includes angular modes with nominal angles and either SMOOTH_V or SMOOTH_H modes, while excluding non-angular modes, thereby reducing video coding complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If all available intra prediction modes are included for multiple reference lines, then prediction accuracy is improved, but video coding complexity increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidvideo coding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the set of intra prediction modes into different categories (angular modes with nominal angles, smooth modes, and non-angular modes) and applies different reference line configurations to each category. Specifically, angular modes are allowed on all reference lines while non-angular modes are restricted to only the zero reference line, creating a structured division that manages complexity while preserving accuracy where needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality levels of mode availability to different reference lines based on their importance. The zero reference line (immediately adjacent to the current block) receives the full set of intra prediction modes including non-angular modes, while non-zero reference lines receive a restricted set with only angular modes. This local differentiation maintains prediction accuracy for critical references while reducing complexity for less critical ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reference lines are applied with all intra prediction modes, then coding flexibility is improved, but the number of bits required to signal modes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding flexibilityVSAvoidbit rate increase
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by not including all intra prediction modes on all reference lines. Instead of providing the complete mode set uniformly, it selectively applies angular modes (which are more predictive for most content) on non-zero reference lines and reserves non-angular modes for only the zero reference line, achieving sufficient coding flexibility without the excessive bit cost of full mode availability everywhere

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If non-angular intra prediction modes are included for non-zero reference lines, then prediction accuracy is improved, but video coding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidvideo coding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-determining which intra prediction modes are appropriate for each reference line type before the actual prediction process. Non-angular modes are pre-assigned only to the zero reference line, while angular modes are pre-assigned to all reference lines. This preliminary classification eliminates the need for complex real-time decisions about mode applicability, reducing video coding complexity while maintaining prediction accuracy where it matters most

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250184528A1Method and system of video coding using a subset of available intra prediction modes for multiple reference lines
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 TENCENT AMERICA LLC
  • US20250184528A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184528A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184528A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An example video decoding method includes obtaining a video bitstream that includes a plurality of encoded blocks including a current block. When a multiple reference line intra prediction (MRLP) mode is enabled for the current block and a non-adjacent reference line is used for the current block, a first allowed intra prediction mode (AIPM) set is determined for the current block. The first AIPM includes a set of one or more intra prediction modes of neighboring blocks of the current block, The first AIPM also includes a set of one or more intra prediction modes derived based on a signaled nominal angular mode and an angle delta value. The method further includes reconstructing the current block using an intra prediction mode from the first AIPM set.