Virtual Boundary Signaling for Video Filtering Blur Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video encoding/decoding methods suffer from blurring artifacts due to the use of in-loop filters, which deteriorate picture quality, and there is a need for improved compression efficiency and methods to reduce blurring at virtual boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A video encoding/decoding method and apparatus implement signaling of virtual boundaries using, which includes deriving and reconstructing the current picture based on the position of a virtual boundary, and encoding/decoding information on whether filtering is performed on a boundary, and signaling the number and position of virtual boundaries through sequence parameter sets and picture headers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-loop filter is used to reduce blocking artifact, then blocking artifact is reduced, but blurring is caused at boundaries resulting in deterioration of picture quality
Solution Approach 1:
The video picture is divided into multiple regions separated by virtual boundaries. These virtual boundaries are positioned at specific locations where in-loop filtering should be applied. By segmenting the picture into regions with designated boundary locations, the system can selectively apply filtering only where needed to reduce blocking artifacts while avoiding excessive filtering that causes blurring.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the video picture are treated differently based on their proximity to virtual boundaries. The in-loop filter is applied with different characteristics or only in specific regions adjacent to virtual boundaries, while other regions may use standard filtering or no filtering. This local differentiation allows optimization of artifact reduction without causing widespread blurring.
2Productivity
If video is divided into different regions for encoding, then compression efficiency is improved, but blurring is caused by in-loop filter at boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual boundaries are pre-defined at specific locations before the encoding process. These virtual boundaries guide the placement of actual block boundaries and determine where in-loop filtering should be applied. By establishing these boundary locations in advance, the system can organize the encoding process to achieve good compression efficiency while controlling blurring through predetermined filtering regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual boundaries act as intermediary structures that mediate between the encoding process and the filtering process. They provide a framework for organizing blocks into regions and for determining where in-loop filtering should be applied, thus mediating the conflict between achieving compression efficiency through region division and avoiding blurring through excessive filtering.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If virtual boundary signaling is implemented, then blurring is reduced and picture quality is improved, but bitstream complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The essential information about virtual boundary locations and filtering requirements is extracted and signaled separately in the bitstream. By taking out this boundary information as a distinct component, the system can provide precise control over where filtering occurs to reduce blurring, while organizing the bitstream structure to minimize overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual boundary signaling uses parameter-based representation where boundary locations and filtering characteristics are encoded as a set of parameters rather than explicit detailed information. This parameter approach allows for efficient signaling that reduces blurring through precise boundary control while keeping the bitstream complexity manageable through compact parameter representation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a video encoding/decoding method and apparatus. The video decoding method according to the present invention includes: obtaining information on whether filtering is performed on a virtual boundary for a current picture from a bitstream; decoding information on the number of virtual boundaries based on the information on whether filtering is performed on a virtual boundary; decoding information on a position of a virtual boundary based on the information on the number of virtual boundaries; and reconstructing the current picture based on the information on the position of the virtual boundary.