Video Encoding Device Hierarchical Layer Flag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video encoding devices struggle to separately process video data where only frames belonging to upper hierarchical layers are encoded, as they require the inclusion of a basic hierarchical layer, limiting scalable decoding capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A video encoding device with a variable length encoding unit that encodes a basic hierarchical layer existence flag, allowing for scalable encoding and decoding by determining the presence of the basic hierarchical layer within the sequence, enabling separate processing of upper hierarchical layer frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a basic hierarchical layer is required to be included in the sequence, then decoding compatibility is maintained, but the ability to separately process upper hierarchical layer frames is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The video sequence is segmented into different hierarchical layers (basic hierarchical layer and upper hierarchical layers), allowing independent processing of each layer. The encoding device can selectively encode only upper hierarchical layer frames when needed, while the decoding device can process them separately without requiring basic hierarchical layer frames, thus achieving scalable decoding capability with flexible processing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms including a basic hierarchical layer existence flag and reference picture list management that allow the encoding and decoding system to adaptively adjust whether basic hierarchical layer frames are present. This dynamic approach enables the system to switch between different operational modes: full scalable mode with basic layer present, and upper-layer-only mode when basic layer is absent, thereby resolving the contradiction between decoding compatibility and processing flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If all hierarchical layers are decoded, then high quality video is obtained, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables partial decoding where the decoding device can selectively decode only the necessary hierarchical layers based on requirements. When only upper hierarchical layer frames are encoded, the decoder processes only those layers to achieve sufficient quality without the overhead of processing all layers, thus reducing decoding time while maintaining acceptable video quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the form of hierarchical layer identifiers and reference picture list configurations to control the decoding process. By changing the active hierarchical layer parameters, the system can quickly switch between decoding different quality levels without reprocessing all data, thereby reducing decoding time while maintaining the ability to produce high quality video when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Since time hierarchically encoded video data needs to include video data of a basic hierarchical layer, and video data cannot be generated in which a frame belonging to an upper hierarchical layer is only encoded, even in a case in which only a part of frames is processed, a basic hierarchical layer frame is needed to be included, and thus, there has been a problem that video data in which only the frame belonging to the upper hierarchical layer is encoded cannot be separately processed. In the present invention, a variable length encoding unit is disposed which encodes, for each sequence, a basic hierarchical layer existence flag showing whether or not a basic hierarchical layer is included in the sequence.