GEOMETRIC PARTITIONS WITH SWITCHABLE INTERPOLATION FILTER

Abstract
Information for a switchable interpolation filter (SIF) is used independently for separate partitions in geometric merge mode, such as in Versatile Video Coding. The SIF information can be used in a prediction stage, stored in a geometric partition mode field, and to define the Adaptive Motion Vector Resolution precision of the geometric partition coded coding unit. In one embodiment, predictors from a candidate list are inherited from a SIF flag or from other candidates.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

At least one of the present embodiments generally relates to a method or an apparatus for video encoding or decoding, compression or decompression.


BACKGROUND

To achieve high compression efficiency, image and video coding schemes usually employ prediction, including motion vector prediction, and transform to leverage spatial and temporal redundancy in the video content. Generally, intra or inter prediction is used to exploit the intra or inter frame correlation, then the differences between the original image and the predicted image, often denoted as prediction errors or prediction residuals, are transformed, quantized, and entropy coded. To reconstruct the video, the compressed data are decoded by inverse processes corresponding to the entropy coding, quantization, transform, and prediction.


SUMMARY

At least one of the present embodiments generally relates to a method or an apparatus for video encoding or decoding, and more particularly, to a method or an apparatus for using geometric partitions (GEO) with switchable interpolation filters (SIF), in coding standards, such as the VVC (Versatile Video Coding or H.266) standard.


According to a first aspect, there is provided a method. The method comprises steps for inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit; storing said SIF flag in a motion field; setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used; and, encoding said coding unit using GEO mode.


According to a second aspect, there is provided another method. The method comprises steps for inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit; storing said SIF flag in a motion field; setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used; and, decoding said coding unit using GEO mode.


According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a processor. The processor can be configured to encode a block of a video or decode a bitstream by executing any of the aforementioned methods.


According to another general aspect of at least one embodiment, there is provided a device comprising an apparatus according to any of the decoding embodiments; and at least one of (i) an antenna configured to receive a signal, the signal including the video block, (ii) a band limiter configured to limit the received signal to a band of frequencies that includes the video block, or (iii) a display configured to display an output representative of a video block.


According to another general aspect of at least one embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium containing data content generated according to any of the described encoding embodiments or variants.


According to another general aspect of at least one embodiment, there is provided a signal comprising video data generated according to any of the described encoding embodiments or variants.


According to another general aspect of at least one embodiment, a bitstream is formatted to include data content generated according to any of the described encoding embodiments or variants.


According to another general aspect of at least one embodiment, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out any of the described decoding embodiments or variants.


These and other aspects, features and advantages of the general aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 illustrates a coding tree unit and coding tree concepts to represent a compressed HEVC picture.



FIG. 2 illustrates the division of a coding tree unit into coding units, prediction units and transform units.



FIG. 3 illustrates geometric split description.



FIG. 4 illustrates an example geometric partition with angle 12 and distance between 0 and 3.



FIG. 5 illustrates angles proposed for GEO mode with their corresponding width:height ratio.



FIG. 6 illustrates uni-prediction motion vector (MV) selection for GEO partition mode.



FIG. 7 illustrates a standard, generic, video compression scheme.



FIG. 8 illustrates a standard, generic, video decompression scheme.



FIG. 9 illustrates a processor based system for encoding/decoding under the general described aspects.



FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a method under the described aspects.



FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of a method under the described aspects.



FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus under the described aspects.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described here are in the field of video compression and generally relate to video compression and video encoding and decoding more specifically aims at improving compression efficiency compared to existing video coding systems.


To achieve high compression efficiency, image and video coding schemes usually employ prediction, including motion vector prediction, and transform to leverage spatial and temporal redundancy in the video content. Generally, intra or inter prediction is used to exploit the intra or inter frame correlation, then the differences between the original image and the predicted image, often denoted as prediction errors or prediction residuals, are transformed, quantized, and entropy coded. To reconstruct the video, the compressed data are decoded by inverse processes corresponding to the entropy coding, quantization, transform, and prediction.


In the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video compression standard, motion compensated temporal prediction is employed to exploit the redundancy that exists between successive pictures of a video.


To do, a motion vector is associated to each prediction unit (PU), which is introduced now. Each CTU (Coding Tree Unit) is represented by a Coding Tree in the compressed domain. This is a quad-tree division of the CTU, where each leaf is called a Coding Unit (CU), see FIG. 1.


Each CU is then given some Intra or Inter prediction parameters (Prediction Info). To do so, it is spatially partitioned into one or more Prediction Units (PUs), each PU being assigned some prediction information. The Intra or Inter coding mode is assigned on the CU level, see FIG. 2.


Exactly one Motion Vector is assigned to each PU in HEVC. This motion vector is used for motion compensated temporal prediction of the considered PU.


In the Versatile Video Codec (VVC) developed by the JVET (Joint Video Exploration Team) group, a CU is no more divided into PU or TU, and some motion data is directly assigned to each CU. In this new codec design, a CU can be divided into sub-CU with a motion vector computed for each sub-CU.


Geometric Merge Mode

In WC, a geometric merge mode (GEO) is supported with 32 angles and 5 distances. The angle φi is quantized from between 0 and 360 degrees with a step equal to 11.25 degree. In total 32 angles as shown in FIG. 3. The description of a geometric split with angle φi and distance ρi is depicted in FIG. 3.


Distance ρi is quantized from the largest possible distance ρmax with a fixed step, it indicates a distance from the center of the block. For distance ρi=0, only the first half of the angles are available as splits are symmetric in this case. The results of geometric partitioning using angle 12 and distance between 0 to 3 is depicted in FIG. 4.


For a distance ρi equal to 0, symmetrical angles 16 to 31 are removed because they correspond to same splits as 0-15. Angles 0 and 8 are also excluded because they are similar to binary split of CUs, leaving only 14 angles for distance 0. So, a maximum of 142 split modes may be used by geometric partitioning (14+32*4=142).


To simplify the GEO partitioning process, the angles in GEO are replaced with the angles which have powers of 2 as tangent. Since the tangent of the proposed angles is a power-of-2 number, most of multiplications can be replaced by bit-shifting. With the proposed angles, one row or column is needed to store per block size and per partition mode, as depicted in FIG. 5.


Uni-Prediction Candidate List Construction for GEO

The GEO uni-prediction candidate list is derived directly from the merge candidate list constructed according to the extended merge prediction process. Denote n as the index of the uni-prediction motion in the GEO uni-prediction candidate list. The LX motion vector of the n-th extended merge candidate, with X equal to the parity of n, is used as the n-th uni-prediction motion vector for GEO partition mode. These motion vectors are marked with “x” in FIG. 6. In case a corresponding LX motion vector of the n-th extended merge candidate does not exist, the L(1−X) motion vector of the same candidate is used instead as the uni-prediction motion vector for GEO partition mode.


There are up to 5 uni-prediction candidates and an encoder has to test all the combinations of candidates (one for each partition) with the splitting directions and offsets.


Blending Along the Geometric Partitioning Edge

After predicting each part of a geometric partition using its own motion, blending is applied to the two prediction signals to derive samples around geometric partition edge. The blending weight for each position of the CU are derived based on the distance between individual position and the partition edge depending on the angle φi and distance ρi as depicted in FIG. 3.


Motion Field Storage for Geometric Partitioning Mode

MV1 from the first part of the geometric partition, Mv2 from the second part of the geometric partition and a combined Mv of Mv1 and Mv2 are stored in the motion field of a geometric partitioning mode coded CU.


If the motion field is part of partition 0 (white part of FIG. 3) or 1 (black part of FIG. 3), Mv1 or Mv2 are stored in the corresponding motion field, otherwise if the motion field belongs to the blended part (grey part of FIG. 3), a combined Mv from Mv1 and Mv2 is stored. The combined Mv is generated using the following process:

    • 1) If Mv1 and Mv2 are from different reference picture lists (one from L0 and the other from L1), then Mv1 and Mv2 are simply combined to form the bi-prediction motion vectors.
    • 2) Otherwise, if Mv1 and Mv2 are from the same list, only uni-prediction motion Mv2 is stored.


The Adaptive Interpolation Filter (SIF)

The AMVR (Adaptive Motion Vector Resolution) coding tool of WC allows adjusting the motion vector accuracy (or precision, or resolution) levels. Furthermore, a SIF information indicates if half-pel precision is used in which case a 6-tap interpolation filter is used instead of the regular 8-tap filter.


A CU-level information (AMVR index) indicates the resolution of the CU's MV information, and a motion field level information (SIF flag) indicates if half-pel precision is used.


The described embodiments aim at considering SIF information of each partition in the geometric merge mode to improve its efficiency. Currently, SIF information is not considered in the geometric merge mode.


The described embodiments aim at considering the SIF information of each partition independently in the geometric merge mode. This can include:

    • Using the SIF information in the prediction stage,
    • Storing the SIF information in GEO motion field,
    • Defining the AMVR precision of the GEO CU.


The impacted codec module is coding module 170 of FIG. 7 and 275 of FIG. 8.


In regular merge mode, the predictors from the candidate list inherit from the SIF flag (from the spatial neighbors or from the HMVP (History-Based Motion Vector Prediction) candidates). When the SIF flag of a predictor is true, the AMVR index of the current CU is set to half pel so that the motion compensation process can use the 6-tap interpolation filter instead of the regular 8-tap one. This SIF flag is then stored in the motion field of this CU for following inheritance purpose.


SIF Considered in GEO Merge Mode

In the GEO merge mode, the uni-prediction candidate list is constructed based on the regular merge list as described in the section on Motion Field Storage for geometric partitioning mode and FIG. 6. The SIF flag can also be inherited from the regular merge candidate in addition to the motion vector and reference index so that each uni-predictor of a GEO CU can have its own SIF flag.


The motion compensation process of a GEO CU is performed in three steps:

    • 1) The CU is motion compensated with the motion information of the first partition predictor,
    • 2) Then the CU is motion compensated with the motion information of the second partition predictor,
    • 3) Finally, the blending process of the section Adaptive Interpolation Filter (SIF) is applied.


When the SIF flag of the first partition predictor is true, the AMVR index of the CU is temporarily set to half pel so that the corresponding motion compensation can use the 6-tap interpolation filter, then it is reset to default value. The same process is applied with the second partition predictor. During the blending process, the compensated values are picked from these two independent motion compensated CUs to construct the GEO predicted CU.


In this way, each partition of a GEO CU can hold a different SIF flag.


SIF Flag Storage

As in regular merge mode, the SIF flag is stored in the motion field of the GEO CUs.


As described in the section on Motion Field Storage for geometric partitioning mode, either motion information of each predictor or a combination is stored in the motion field. If the motion field is part of partition 0 (white part of FIG. 3) or 1 (black part of FIG. 3), Mv1 and associated SIF1 flag or Mv2 and associated SIF2 flag are stored in the corresponding motion field, otherwise if the motion field belongs to the blended part (grey part of FIG. 3), a combined Mv from Mv1 and Mv2 as well as a combined SIF flag from SIF1 and SIF2 flags are stored. The combined My and SIF flag are generated using the following process:

    • 1) If Mv1 and Mv2 are from different reference picture lists (one from L0 and the other from L1), then Mv1 and Mv2 are simply combined to form the bi-prediction motion vectors, the SIF flag is defined by applying an “AND” or an “OR” operation between the input SIF1 and SIF2 flags.
    • 2) Otherwise, if Mv1 and Mv2 are from the same list, only uni-prediction motion Mv2 and associated SIF2 flag are stored.


AMVR Index of the CU

The AMVR index of the CU is set adaptively depending on the partition predictor SIF flag during the motion compensation process, but it has to be defined for the CU (for following usage). It can:

    • Remain at the default value,
    • Be set to the value defined by the SIF flag of the blended part
    • Be set to the value defined by applying an “AND” or an “OR” operation between the two uni-predictor SIF flags (whatever the reference picture lists used).


In one preferred embodiment, the SIF flag is inherited from the regular merge list predictors as described in SIF Considered in GEO Merge mode section.


The SIF flag is stored in the motion field as described in the section SIF Flag Storage with the “OR” operation used in the blended part.


And the AMVR index of a GEO CU is set to the value defined by applying an “OR” operation between the two uni-predictor SIF flags (whatever the reference picture lists used).


Extension to LIC

The predictors used in the GEO merge mode that come from the regular merge candidate list can also have their own LIC (Local Illumination Compensation) flags. All the described principles can then be applied also to the LIC flag as for the SIF flag.


One embodiment of a method 1000 under the general aspects described here is shown in FIG. 10. The method commences at start block 1001 and control proceeds to block 1010 for inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit. Control proceeds from block 1010 to block 1020 for storing said SIF flag in a motion field. Control proceeds from block 1020 to block 1030 for setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used. Control proceeds from block 1030 to block 1040 for encoding said coding unit using GEO mode.


One embodiment of a method 1100 under the general aspects described here is shown in FIG. 11. The method commences at start block 1101 and control proceeds to block 1110 for inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit. Control proceeds from block 1110 to block 1120 for storing said SIF flag in a motion field. Control proceeds from block 1120 to block 1130 for setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used. Control proceeds from block 1130 to block 1140 for decoding said coding unit using GEO mode.



FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of an apparatus 1200 for encoding, decoding, compressing or decompressing video data using simplifications of coding modes based on neighboring samples dependent parametric models. The apparatus comprises Processor 1210 and can be interconnected to a memory 1220 through at least one port. Both Processor 1210 and memory 1220 can also have one or more additional interconnections to external connections.


Processor 1210 is also configured to either insert or receive information in a bitstream and, either compressing, encoding or decoding using any of the described aspects.


The embodiments described here include a variety of aspects, including tools, features, embodiments, models, approaches, etc. Many of these aspects are described with specificity and, at least to show the individual characteristics, are often described in a manner that may sound limiting. However, this is for purposes of clarity in description, and does not limit the application or scope of those aspects. Indeed, all of the different aspects can be combined and interchanged to provide further aspects. Moreover, the aspects can be combined and interchanged with aspects described in earlier filings as well.


The aspects described and contemplated in this application can be implemented in many different forms. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 provide some embodiments, but other embodiments are contemplated and the discussion of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 does not limit the breadth of the implementations. At least one of the aspects generally relates to video encoding and decoding, and at least one other aspect generally relates to transmitting a bitstream generated or encoded. These and other aspects can be implemented as a method, an apparatus, a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions for encoding or decoding video data according to any of the methods described, and/or a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a bitstream generated according to any of the methods described.


In the present application, the terms “reconstructed” and “decoded” may be used interchangeably, the terms “pixel” and “sample” may be used interchangeably, the terms “image,” “picture” and “frame” may be used interchangeably. Usually, but not necessarily, the term “reconstructed” is used at the encoder side while “decoded” is used at the decoder side.


Various methods are described herein, and each of the methods comprises one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. Unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the method, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified or combined.


Various methods and other aspects described in this application can be used to modify modules, for example, the intra prediction, entropy coding, and/or decoding modules (160, 360, 145, 330), of a video encoder 100 and decoder 200 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Moreover, the present aspects are not limited to WC or HEVC, and can be applied, for example, to other standards and recommendations, whether pre-existing or future-developed, and extensions of any such standards and recommendations (including VVC and HEVC). Unless indicated otherwise, or technically precluded, the aspects described in this application can be used individually or in combination.


Various numeric values are used in the present application. The specific values are for example purposes and the aspects described are not limited to these specific values.



FIG. 7 illustrates an encoder 100. Variations of this encoder 100 are contemplated, but the encoder 100 is described below for purposes of clarity without describing all expected variations.


Before being encoded, the video sequence may go through pre-encoding processing (101), for example, applying a color transform to the input color picture (e.g., conversion from RGB 4:4:4 to YCbCr 4:2:0), or performing a remapping of the input picture components in order to get a signal distribution more resilient to compression (for instance using a histogram equalization of one of the color components). Metadata can be associated with the pre-processing and attached to the bitstream.


In the encoder 100, a picture is encoded by the encoder elements as described below. The picture to be encoded is partitioned (102) and processed in units of, for example, CUs. Each unit is encoded using, for example, either an intra or inter mode. When a unit is encoded in an intra mode, it performs intra prediction (160). In an inter mode, motion estimation (175) and compensation (170) are performed. The encoder decides (105) which one of the intra mode or inter mode to use for encoding the unit, and indicates the intra/inter decision by, for example, a prediction mode flag. Prediction residuals are calculated, for example, by subtracting (110) the predicted block from the original image block.


The prediction residuals are then transformed (125) and quantized (130). The quantized transform coefficients, as well as motion vectors and other syntax elements, are entropy coded (145) to output a bitstream. The encoder can skip the transform and apply quantization directly to the non-transformed residual signal. The encoder can bypass both transform and quantization, i.e., the residual is coded directly without the application of the transform or quantization processes.


The encoder decodes an encoded block to provide a reference for further predictions. The quantized transform coefficients are de-quantized (140) and inverse transformed (150) to decode prediction residuals. Combining (155) the decoded prediction residuals and the predicted block, an image block is reconstructed. In-loop filters (165) are applied to the reconstructed picture to perform, for example, deblocking/SAO (Sample Adaptive Offset) filtering to reduce encoding artifacts. The filtered image is stored at a reference picture buffer (180).



FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a video decoder 200. In the decoder 200, a bitstream is decoded by the decoder elements as described below. Video decoder 200 generally performs a decoding pass reciprocal to the encoding pass as described in FIG. 7. The encoder 100 also generally performs video decoding as part of encoding video data.


In particular, the input of the decoder includes a video bitstream, which can be generated by video encoder 100. The bitstream is first entropy decoded (230) to obtain transform coefficients, motion vectors, and other coded information. The picture partition information indicates how the picture is partitioned. The decoder may therefore divide (235) the picture according to the decoded picture partitioning information. The transform coefficients are de-quantized (240) and inverse transformed (250) to decode the prediction residuals. Combining (255) the decoded prediction residuals and the predicted block, an image block is reconstructed. The predicted block can be obtained (270) from intra prediction (260) or motion-compensated prediction (i.e., inter prediction) (275). In-loop filters (265) are applied to the reconstructed image. The filtered image is stored at a reference picture buffer (280).


The decoded picture can further go through post-decoding processing (285), for example, an inverse color transform (e.g. conversion from YcbCr 4:2:0 to RGB 4:4:4) or an inverse remapping performing the inverse of the remapping process performed in the pre-encoding processing (101). The post-decoding processing can use metadata derived in the pre-encoding processing and signaled in the bitstream.



FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a system in which various aspects and embodiments are implemented. System 1000 can be embodied as a device including the various components described below and is configured to perform one or more of the aspects described in this document. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, various electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, smartphones, tablet computers, digital multimedia set top boxes, digital television receivers, personal video recording systems, connected home appliances, and servers. Elements of system 1000, singly or in combination, can be embodied in a single integrated circuit (IC), multiple ICs, and/or discrete components. For example, in at least one embodiment, the processing and encoder/decoder elements of system 1000 are distributed across multiple ICs and/or discrete components. In various embodiments, the system 1000 is communicatively coupled to one or more other systems, or other electronic devices, via, for example, a communications bus or through dedicated input and/or output ports. In various embodiments, the system 1000 is configured to implement one or more of the aspects described in this document.


The system 1000 includes at least one processor 1010 configured to execute instructions loaded therein for implementing, for example, the various aspects described in this document. Processor 1010 can include embedded memory, input output interface, and various other circuitries as known in the art. The system 1000 includes at least one memory 1020 (e.g., a volatile memory device, and/or a non-volatile memory device). System 1000 includes a storage device 1040, which can include non-volatile memory and/or volatile memory, including, but not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), flash, magnetic disk drive, and/or optical disk drive. The storage device 1040 can include an internal storage device, an attached storage device (including detachable and non-detachable storage devices), and/or a network accessible storage device, as non-limiting examples.


System 1000 includes an encoder/decoder module 1030 configured, for example, to process data to provide an encoded video or decoded video, and the encoder/decoder module 1030 can include its own processor and memory. The encoder/decoder module 1030 represents module(s) that can be included in a device to perform the encoding and/or decoding functions. As is known, a device can include one or both of the encoding and decoding modules. Additionally, encoder/decoder module 1030 can be implemented as a separate element of system 1000 or can be incorporated within processor 1010 as a combination of hardware and software as known to those skilled in the art.


Program code to be loaded onto processor 1010 or encoder/decoder 1030 to perform the various aspects described in this document can be stored in storage device 1040 and subsequently loaded onto memory 1020 for execution by processor 1010. In accordance with various embodiments, one or more of processor 1010, memory 1020, storage device 1040, and encoder/decoder module 1030 can store one or more of various items during the performance of the processes described in this document. Such stored items can include, but are not limited to, the input video, the decoded video or portions of the decoded video, the bitstream, matrices, variables, and intermediate or final results from the processing of equations, formulas, operations, and operational logic.


In some embodiments, memory inside of the processor 1010 and/or the encoder/decoder module 1030 is used to store instructions and to provide working memory for processing that is needed during encoding or decoding. In other embodiments, however, a memory external to the processing device (for example, the processing device can be either the processor 1010 or the encoder/decoder module 1030) is used for one or more of these functions. The external memory can be the memory 1020 and/or the storage device 1040, for example, a dynamic volatile memory and/or a non-volatile flash memory. In several embodiments, an external non-volatile flash memory is used to store the operating system of, for example, a television. In at least one embodiment, a fast external dynamic volatile memory such as a RAM is used as working memory for video coding and decoding operations, such as for MPEG-2 (MPEG refers to the Moving Picture Experts Group, MPEG-2 is also referred to as ISO/IEC 13818, and 13818-1 is also known as H.222, and 13818-2 is also known as H.262), HEVC (HEVC refers to High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265 and MPEG-H Part 2), or WC (Versatile Video Coding, a new standard being developed by JVET, the Joint Video Experts Team).


The input to the elements of system 1000 can be provided through various input devices as indicated in block 1130. Such input devices include, but are not limited to, (i) a radio frequency (RF) portion that receives an RF signal transmitted, for example, over the air by a broadcaster, (ii) a Component (COMP) input terminal (or a set of COMP input terminals), (iii) a Universal Serial Bus (USB) input terminal, and/or (iv) a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input terminal. Other examples, not shown in FIG. 9, include composite video.


In various embodiments, the input devices of block 1130 have associated respective input processing elements as known in the art. For example, the RF portion can be associated with elements suitable for (i) selecting a desired frequency (also referred to as selecting a signal, or band-limiting a signal to a band of frequencies), (ii) downconverting the selected signal, (iii) band-limiting again to a narrower band of frequencies to select (for example) a signal frequency band which can be referred to as a channel in certain embodiments, (iv) demodulating the downconverted and band-limited signal, (v) performing error correction, and (vi) demultiplexing to select the desired stream of data packets. The RF portion of various embodiments includes one or more elements to perform these functions, for example, frequency selectors, signal selectors, band-limiters, channel selectors, filters, downconverters, demodulators, error correctors, and demultiplexers. The RF portion can include a tuner that performs various of these functions, including, for example, downconverting the received signal to a lower frequency (for example, an intermediate frequency or a near-baseband frequency) or to baseband. In one set-top box embodiment, the RF portion and its associated input processing element receives an RF signal transmitted over a wired (for example, cable) medium, and performs frequency selection by filtering, downconverting, and filtering again to a desired frequency band. Various embodiments rearrange the order of the above-described (and other) elements, remove some of these elements, and/or add other elements performing similar or different functions. Adding elements can include inserting elements in between existing elements, such as, for example, inserting amplifiers and an analog-to-digital converter. In various embodiments, the RF portion includes an antenna.


Additionally, the USB and/or HDMI terminals can include respective interface processors for connecting system 1000 to other electronic devices across USB and/or HDMI connections. It is to be understood that various aspects of input processing, for example, Reed-Solomon error correction, can be implemented, for example, within a separate input processing IC or within processor 1010 as necessary. Similarly, aspects of USB or HDMI interface processing can be implemented within separate interface Ics or within processor 1010 as necessary. The demodulated, error corrected, and demultiplexed stream is provided to various processing elements, including, for example, processor 1010, and encoder/decoder 1030 operating in combination with the memory and storage elements to process the datastream as necessary for presentation on an output device.


Various elements of system 1000 can be provided within an integrated housing, Within the integrated housing, the various elements can be interconnected and transmit data therebetween using suitable connection arrangement, for example, an internal bus as known in the art, including the Inter-IC (I2C) bus, wiring, and printed circuit boards.


The system 1000 includes communication interface 1050 that enables communication with other devices via communication channel 1060. The communication interface 1050 can include, but is not limited to, a transceiver configured to transmit and to receive data over communication channel 1060. The communication interface 1050 can include, but is not limited to, a modem or network card and the communication channel 1060 can be implemented, for example, within a wired and/or a wireless medium.


Data is streamed, or otherwise provided, to the system 1000, in various embodiments, using a wireless network such as a Wi-Fi network, for example IEEE 802.11 (IEEE refers to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The Wi-Fi signal of these embodiments is received over the communications channel 1060 and the communications interface 1050 which are adapted for Wi-Fi communications. The communications channel 1060 of these embodiments is typically connected to an access point or router that provides access to external networks including the Internet for allowing streaming applications and other over-the-top communications. Other embodiments provide streamed data to the system 1000 using a set-top box that delivers the data over the HDMI connection of the input block 1130. Still other embodiments provide streamed data to the system 1000 using the RF connection of the input block 1130. As indicated above, various embodiments provide data in a non-streaming manner. Additionally, various embodiments use wireless networks other than Wi-Fi, for example a cellular network or a Bluetooth network.


The system 1000 can provide an output signal to various output devices, including a display 1100, speakers 1110, and other peripheral devices 1120. The display 1100 of various embodiments includes one or more of, for example, a touchscreen display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a curved display, and/or a foldable display. The display 1100 can be for a television, a tablet, a laptop, a cell phone (mobile phone), or another device. The display 1100 can also be integrated with other components (for example, as in a smart phone), or separate (for example, an external monitor fora laptop). The other peripheral devices 1120 include, in various examples of embodiments, one or more of a stand-alone digital video disc (or digital versatile disc) (DVR, for both terms), a disk player, a stereo system, and/or a lighting system. Various embodiments use one or more peripheral devices 1120 that provide a function based on the output of the system 1000. For example, a disk player performs the function of playing the output of the system 1000.


In various embodiments, control signals are communicated between the system 1000 and the display 1100, speakers 1110, or other peripheral devices 1120 using signaling such as AV.Link, Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), or other communications protocols that enable device-to-device control with or without user intervention. The output devices can be communicatively coupled to system 1000 via dedicated connections through respective interfaces 1070, 1080, and 1090. Alternatively, the output devices can be connected to system 1000 using the communications channel 1060 via the communications interface 1050. The display 1100 and speakers 1110 can be integrated in a single unit with the other components of system 1000 in an electronic device such as, for example, a television. In various embodiments, the display interface 1070 includes a display driver, such as, for example, a timing controller (T Con) chip.


The display 1100 and speaker 1110 can alternatively be separate from one or more of the other components, for example, if the RF portion of input 1130 is part of a separate set-top box. In various embodiments in which the display 1100 and speakers 1110 are external components, the output signal can be provided via dedicated output connections, including, for example, HDMI ports, USB ports, or COMP outputs.


The embodiments can be carried out by computer software implemented by the processor 1010 or by hardware, or by a combination of hardware and software. As a non-limiting example, the embodiments can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits. The memory 1020 can be of any type appropriate to the technical environment and can be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, semiconductor-based memory devices, fixed memory, and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. The processor 1010 can be of any type appropriate to the technical environment, and can encompass one or more of microprocessors, general purpose computers, special purpose computers, and processors based on a multi-core architecture, as non-limiting examples.


Various implementations involve decoding. “Decoding”, as used in this application, can encompass all or part of the processes performed, for example, on a received encoded sequence to produce a final output suitable for display. In various embodiments, such processes include one or more of the processes typically performed by a decoder, for example, entropy decoding, inverse quantization, inverse transformation, and differential decoding. In various embodiments, such processes also, or alternatively, include processes performed by a decoder of various implementations described in this application.


As further examples, in one embodiment “decoding” refers only to entropy decoding, in another embodiment “decoding” refers only to differential decoding, and in another embodiment “decoding” refers to a combination of entropy decoding and differential decoding. Whether the phrase “decoding process” is intended to refer specifically to a subset of operations or generally to the broader decoding process will be clear based on the context of the specific descriptions and is believed to be well understood by those skilled in the art.


Various implementations involve encoding. In an analogous way to the above discussion about “decoding”, “encoding” as used in this application can encompass all or part of the processes performed, for example, on an input video sequence to produce an encoded bitstream. In various embodiments, such processes include one or more of the processes typically performed by an encoder, for example, partitioning, differential encoding, transformation, quantization, and entropy encoding. In various embodiments, such processes also, or alternatively, include processes performed by an encoder of various implementations described in this application.


As further examples, in one embodiment “encoding” refers only to entropy encoding, in another embodiment “encoding” refers only to differential encoding, and in another embodiment “encoding” refers to a combination of differential encoding and entropy encoding. Whether the phrase “encoding process” is intended to refer specifically to a subset of operations or generally to the broader encoding process will be clear based on the context of the specific descriptions and is believed to be well understood by those skilled in the art.


Note that the syntax elements as used herein are descriptive terms. As such, they do not preclude the use of other syntax element names.


When a figure is presented as a flow diagram, it should be understood that it also provides a block diagram of a corresponding apparatus. Similarly, when a figure is presented as a block diagram, it should be understood that it also provides a flow diagram of a corresponding method/process.


Various embodiments may refer to parametric models or rate distortion optimization. In particular, during the encoding process, the balance or trade-off between the rate and distortion is usually considered, often given the constraints of computational complexity. It can be measured through a Rate Distortion Optimization (RDO) metric, or through Least Mean Square (LMS), Mean of Absolute Errors (MAE), or other such measurements. Rate distortion optimization is usually formulated as minimizing a rate distortion function, which is a weighted sum of the rate and of the distortion. There are different approaches to solve the rate distortion optimization problem. For example, the approaches may be based on an extensive testing of all encoding options, including all considered modes or coding parameters values, with a complete evaluation of their coding cost and related distortion of the reconstructed signal after coding and decoding. Faster approaches may also be used, to save encoding complexity, in particular with computation of an approximated distortion based on the prediction or the prediction residual signal, not the reconstructed one. Mix of these two approaches can also be used, such as by using an approximated distortion for only some of the possible encoding options, and a complete distortion for other encoding options. Other approaches only evaluate a subset of the possible encoding options. More generally, many approaches employ any of a variety of techniques to perform the optimization, but the optimization is not necessarily a complete evaluation of both the coding cost and related distortion.


The implementations and aspects described herein can be implemented in, for example, a method or a process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if only discussed in the context of a single form of implementation (for example, discussed only as a method), the implementation of features discussed can also be implemented in other forms (for example, an apparatus or program). An apparatus can be implemented in, for example, appropriate hardware, software, and firmware. The methods can be implemented in, for example, a processor, which refers to processing devices in general, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. Processors also include communication devices, such as, for example, computers, cell phones, portable/personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.


Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “one implementation” or “an implementation”, as well as other variations thereof, means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, and so forth described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in one implementation” or “in an implementation”, as well any other variations, appearing in various places throughout this application are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.


Additionally, this application may refer to “determining” various pieces of information. Determining the information can include one or more of, for example, estimating the information, calculating the information, predicting the information, or retrieving the information from memory.


Further, this application may refer to “accessing” various pieces of information. Accessing the information can include one or more of, for example, receiving the information, retrieving the information (for example, from memory), storing the information, moving the information, copying the information, calculating the information, determining the information, predicting the information, or estimating the information.


Additionally, this application may refer to “receiving” various pieces of information. Receiving is, as with “accessing”, intended to be a broad term. Receiving the information can include one or more of, for example, accessing the information, or retrieving the information (for example, from memory). Further, “receiving” is typically involved, in one way or another, during operations such as, for example, storing the information, processing the information, transmitting the information, moving the information, copying the information, erasing the information, calculating the information, determining the information, predicting the information, or estimating the information.


It is to be appreciated that the use of any of the following “/”, “and/or”, and “at least one of”, for example, in the cases of “A/B”, “A and/or B” and “at least one of A and B”, is intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of both options (A and B). As a further example, in the cases of “A, B, and/or C” and “at least one of A, B, and C”, such phrasing is intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of the third listed option (C) only, or the selection of the first and the second listed options (A and B) only, or the selection of the first and third listed options (A and C) only, or the selection of the second and third listed options (B and C) only, or the selection of all three options (A and B and C). This may be extended, as is clear to one of ordinary skill in this and related arts, for as many items as are listed.


Also, as used herein, the word “signal” refers to, among other things, indicating something to a corresponding decoder. For example, in certain embodiments the encoder signals a particular one of a plurality of transforms, coding modes or flags. In this way, in an embodiment the same transform, parameter, or mode is used at both the encoder side and the decoder side. Thus, for example, an encoder can transmit (explicit signaling) a particular parameter to the decoder so that the decoder can use the same particular parameter. Conversely, if the decoder already has the particular parameter as well as others, then signaling can be used without transmitting (implicit signaling) to simply allow the decoder to know and select the particular parameter. By avoiding transmission of any actual functions, a bit savings is realized in various embodiments. It is to be appreciated that signaling can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, one or more syntax elements, flags, and so forth are used to signal information to a corresponding decoder in various embodiments. While the preceding relates to the verb form of the word “signal”, the word “signal” can also be used herein as a noun.


As will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, implementations can produce a variety of signals formatted to carry information that can be, for example, stored or transmitted. The information can include, for example, instructions for performing a method, or data produced by one of the described implementations. For example, a signal can be formatted to carry the bitstream of a described embodiment. Such a signal can be formatted, for example, as an electromagnetic wave (for example, using a radio frequency portion of spectrum) or as a baseband signal. The formatting can include, for example, encoding a data stream and modulating a carrier with the encoded data stream. The information that the signal carries can be, for example, analog or digital information. The signal can be transmitted over a variety of different wired or wireless links, as is known. The signal can be stored on a processor-readable medium.


The preceding sections describe a number of embodiments, across various claim categories and types. Features of these embodiments can be provided alone or in any combination. Further, embodiments can include one or more of the following features, devices, or aspects, alone or in any combination, across various claim categories and types:

    • inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors
    • Parsing a video bitstream to determine a SIF flag from a merged list of predictors.
    • Storing a SIF flag in a motion field.
    • Setting an AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used.
    • The previous setting of an AMVR index wherein the AMVR index value is defined by applying an “OR” operation between the two uni-predictor SIR flags, whatever the reference picture lists used.
    • The storing of a SIF flag in a motion field of an AMVR index, based on an “OR” operation.
    • Any decoding operation based on the above operations.
    • A bitstream or signal that includes one or more of the described syntax elements, or variations thereof.
    • A bitstream or signal that includes syntax conveying information generated according to any of the embodiments described.
    • Creating and/or transmitting and/or receiving and/or decoding according to any of the embodiments described.
    • A method, process, apparatus, medium storing instructions, medium storing data, or signal according to any of the embodiments described.
    • Inserting in the signaling syntax elements that enable the decoder to determine decoding information in a manner corresponding to that used by an encoder.
    • Creating and/or transmitting and/or receiving and/or decoding a bitstream or signal that includes one or more of the described syntax elements, or variations thereof.
    • A TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device that performs transform method(s) according to any of the embodiments described.
    • A TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device that performs transform method(s) determination according to any of the embodiments described, and that displays (e.g. using a monitor, screen, or other type of display) a resulting image.
    • A TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device that selects, bandlimits, or tunes (e.g. using a tuner) a channel to receive a signal including an encoded image, and performs transform method(s) according to any of the embodiments described.
    • A TV, set-top box, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device that receives (e.g. using an antenna) a signal over the air that includes an encoded image, and performs transform method(s).

Claims
  • 1. A method, comprising: inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit;storing said SIF flag in a motion field;setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used; and,encoding said coding unit using GEO mode.
  • 2. An apparatus, comprising: a processor, configured to perform:inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit;storing said SIF flag in a motion field;setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used; and,encoding said coding unit using GEO mode.
  • 3. A method, comprising: inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit;storing said SIF flag in a motion field;setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used; and,decoding said coding unit using GEO mode.
  • 4. An apparatus, comprising: a processor, configured to perform:inheriting a SIF flag from a merge list of predictors to use as a separate SIF flag for each uni-predictor of a GEO coding unit;storing said SIF flag in a motion field;setting a AMVR index of a GEO coding unit to a value based on two uni-predictor SIF flags based on reference picture lists used; and,decoding said coding unit using GEO mode.
  • 5. The method of claim 1, wherein an “OR” operation is used to develop a combination.
  • 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said AMVR index is determined by applying an “OR” operation between two uni-predictor SIF flags.
  • 7. The method of claim 1, also comprising motion compensation.
  • 8. The method of claim 7, wherein motion compensation comprises: performing motion compensation on said coding unit with motion information of a first partition predictor;performing motion compensation on said coding unit with motion information of a second partition predictor; and,blending said motion compensation processes from said first and second partition predictors.
  • 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said AMVR index is set to a value defined by a SIF flag of a blended portion of a coding unit.
  • 10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said AMVR index is set to a value defined by applying an “AND” and an “OR” operation between two uni-predictor SIF flags.
  • 11. The method of claim 1, using a Local Illumination Compensation flag instead of the SIF flag.
  • 12. A device comprising: an apparatus according to claim 1; andat least one of (i) an antenna configured to receive a signal, the signal including the coding unit, (ii) a band limiter configured to limit the received signal to a band of frequencies that includes the video block, and (iii) a display configured to display an output representative of a video block.
  • 13. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing data content generated according to the method of claim 1, for playback using a processor.
  • 14. (canceled)
  • 15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of claim 3.
  • 16. The method of claim 3, wherein an “OR” operation is used to develop a combination.
  • 17. The method of claim 3, wherein said AMVR index is determined by applying an “OR” operation between two uni-predictor SIF flags.
  • 18. The method of claim 3, also comprising motion compensation.
  • 19. The method of claim 18, wherein motion compensation comprises: performing motion compensation on said coding unit with motion information of a first partition predictor;performing motion compensation on said coding unit with motion information of a second partition predictor; and,blending said motion compensation processes from said first and second partition predictors.
  • 20. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said AMVR index is set to a value defined by a SIF flag of a blended portion of a coding unit.
  • 21. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said AMVR index is set to a value defined by applying an “AND” and an “OR” operation between two uni-predictor SIF flags.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
21305471.1 Apr 2021 EP regional
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/EP2022/058303 3/29/2022 WO