Video Frame Reordering Constraints for Low-Latency Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video encoding and decoding technologies introduce unacceptably high latency in real-time communication scenarios, disrupting the responsiveness of applications such as remote desktop conferencing and video telephony.
Innovation Solution
Implementing syntax elements that constrain frame reordering latency, allowing decoders to determine when reconstructed frames are ready for output, thereby reducing unnecessary delays in the encoding and decoding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If frame reordering is performed to improve rate-distortion performance, then video quality is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frame reordering constraint adjustable and adaptive. The system dynamically configures the degree of frame reordering based on application requirements, allowing the encoder to adapt between high-quality mode (more reordering) and low-latency mode (less reordering). This is achieved through configurable parameters that control the maximum reordering depth and conditional logic that adjusts behavior based on scene complexity and motion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing configurable constraints on frame reordering depth and timing. Instead of always performing extensive frame reordering to maximize compression efficiency, the system modifies the reordering parameters based on latency requirements. This includes setting maximum reordering depths, configuring timing constraints, and adjusting when reordering operations are applied, thereby trading off some compression efficiency for reduced latency when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If encoding time is increased to improve compression efficiency, then rate-distortion performance is improved, but overall delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing frame reordering operations selectively rather than universally. The system evaluates whether extensive reordering is necessary for each frame or scene, applying full reordering only when it provides significant quality improvement. In other cases, reduced or no reordering is applied, thereby reducing overall encoding time and delay while maintaining acceptable quality. This selective approach avoids the excessive action of always performing maximum reordering.
3Manufacturing precision
If decoders wait for all referenced frames before outputting current frame, then decoding accuracy is improved, but playback smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frame reordering and preparation operations in advance during the encoding phase. Frames are pre-ordered and organized according to the configured constraints before decoding begins. This preliminary organization allows the decoder to output frames more quickly without waiting for all referenced frames to be fully processed, thereby improving playback smoothness while maintaining decoding accuracy through the pre-established frame relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and tools for reducing latency in video encoding and decoding by constraining latency due to reordering of video frames, and by indicating the constraint on frame reordering latency with one or more syntax elements that accompany encoded data for the video frames. For example, a real-time communication tool with a video encoder sets a syntax element that indicates a constraint on frame reordering latency, which is consistent with inter-frame dependencies between multiple frames of a video sequence, then outputs the syntax element. A corresponding real-time communication tool with a video decoder receives the syntax element that indicates the constraint on frame reordering latency, determines the constraint on frame reordering latency based on the syntax element, and uses the constraint on frame reordering latency to determine when a reconstructed frame is ready for output (in terms of output order).