Video Coding Quantization Parameter Prediction for Transcoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video coding technologies, such as HEVC, face challenges in transcoding between sequential and parallel modes, especially when the quantization parameter varies across blocks, leading to inefficiencies in compression and decoding processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for coding and decoding that allows error-free transcoding between sequential and parallel block sets by predicting quantization parameter values from the last sub-block of the previous line, enabling efficient statistical learning and improved prediction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If sequential coding mode is used with variable quantization parameters, then compression performance is improved, but transcoding to parallel mode becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidtranscoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the quantization parameter for the first block of each line based on the last block of the previous line during the encoding phase. This advance preparation eliminates the need for complex runtime calculations during transcoding, allowing seamless conversion between sequential and parallel modes while maintaining compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If parallel processing is implemented, then processing speed is improved, but prediction efficiency decreases due to loss of statistical learning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprediction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the quantization parameter from the last processed block as the basis for determining the quantization parameter of the first block in the next line. This creates a statistical learning mechanism that maintains prediction efficiency even in parallel processing mode, as each line benefits from the statistical information of the previous line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If quantization parameter varies across blocks, then compression adaptability is improved, but waiting time for parameter determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression adaptabilityVSAvoidparameter determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates waiting time by pre-determining the quantization parameter for the first block of each line during the encoding process. Instead of calculating it in real-time during decoding or transcoding, the value is prepared in advance, allowing immediate use without introducing any delay to the processing pipeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2932714B1Method of coding and decoding images, device for coding and decoding and computer programs corresponding thereto
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 ORANGE SA
  • EP2932714B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2932714B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2932714B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method of coding an image comprising the steps of partitioning (C1, C2) the image into a plurality of blocks (CTU1, CTU2, …, CTUi,…, CTUS) able to contain symbols belonging to a predetermined set of symbols, of entropy coding of a current block on the basis of at least one probability of symbol occurrence and of predictive coding of a compression parameter (QP) associated with said current block. In the case where the current block is the first block to be coded of a considered set of consecutive blocks to be coded, the following steps are carried out: determination (C40a)), during said step of entropy coding, of probabilities of symbol occurrence for said first current block, based on the probabilities determined on completion of the coding and decoding of the last block of another set of blocks immediately preceding said considered set in the order of coding of the blocks; and assignment (C41a)), during said predictive coding step, of a compression parameter prediction value which is independent of the compression parameter value associated with said last block.