3D Volumetric Coding Syntax for Multi-Codec Bitstream Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional immersive video systems, such as 3DoF and current V3C frameworks, fail to optimize encoding and decoding for 6DoF experiences due to limitations in accommodating various codec types beyond V-PCC, leading to inefficiencies and increased data overhead.

Innovation Solution

A flexible syntax is introduced for encoding and decoding 3D volumetric data that supports multiple codec types, including point-cloud-based, mesh-based, and depth-image-based codecs, by tailoring syntax functions to relevant parameters, reducing unnecessary data inclusion, and using implicit decoding to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standardized V3C framework is used for volumetric coding, then a unified coding structure is established, but optimization for non V-PCC codec types is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecodec type compatibilityVSAvoidencoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The syntax structure is made dynamic and adaptive by introducing codec-type-specific syntax functions that are selectively activated based on the identified codec type. The system transitions from a static, one-size-fits-all syntax to a dynamic structure that adapts its parameters and functions to match the specific requirements of V-PCC, V-DMC, or MIV codecs, thereby optimizing encoding efficiency for each type while maintaining framework unity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes parameters by introducing conditional syntax elements that are enabled or disabled based on the codec type identification. Different sets of syntax parameters are activated for different codec types (e.g., V-DMC specific parameters for mesh-based coding), allowing the system to optimize its operational parameters according to the specific codec being used, thus resolving the contradiction between universality and optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If all syntax parameters are included in the bitstream for all codec types, then comprehensive coding support is provided, but bitstream size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecodec support coverageVSAvoidbitstream size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and separates codec-specific syntax parameters from the universal syntax structure. By identifying the active codec type, the system extracts only the relevant syntax parameters needed for that specific codec type and excludes unnecessary parameters. This extraction process reduces bitstream size by eliminating redundant data while maintaining comprehensive codec support through the selective inclusion of appropriate parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of including all possible syntax parameters for all codec types (excessive action), the system applies partial action by including only the necessary subset of parameters required for the identified codec type. This partial inclusion strategy reduces bitstream overhead while still providing full functionality for the specific codec being used, effectively balancing comprehensiveness with efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If codec-specific syntax functions are added for different codec types, then coding optimization is improved, but syntax complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding efficiencyVSAvoidsyntax structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The syntax structure is segmented into modular components: a universal base syntax applicable to all codec types and codec-specific syntax extensions for V-PCC, V-DMC, and MIV. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple core structure while adding optimization capabilities through optional modules. The segmented approach reduces overall complexity by organizing syntax elements hierarchically and enabling only the necessary segments based on the identified codec type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4712028A1High-level syntax for mesh coding
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • EP4712028A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4712028A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4712028A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for encoding and decoding of 3D volumetric data. Volumetric data is encoded and/or decoded using a syntax that allows for different codec types, such as a point-cloud-based codec type (e.g.. V-PCC), a mesh-based codec type (e.g. V-DMC), and a depth-image-based codec type (e.g. MIV). Example encoding and decoding techniques improve bitrates by allowing for syntax functions that are specific to different codec types, such as syntax functions related to atlas coding, to be tailored to signal only parameters that are relevant to the corresponding codec type that is is used for the volumetric coding.