U.S. patent application number 14/743613 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for systems and methods for selectively signaling different numbers of video signal information syntax structures in a parameter set.
The applicant listed for this patent is QUALCOMM Incorporated. Invention is credited to Fnu Hendry, Adarsh Krishnan Ramasubramonian, Ye-Kui Wang.
Application Number | 20150373376 14/743613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54870862 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150373376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Ye-Kui ; et
al. |
December 24, 2015 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY SIGNALING DIFFERENT NUMBERS OF
VIDEO SIGNAL INFORMATION SYNTAX STRUCTURES IN A PARAMETER SET
Abstract
Techniques and systems are provided for encoding and decoding
video data. For example, a method of decoding video data includes
accessing an encoded video bitstream encoded according to a first
coding protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one or more
enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream. The method further includes
determining that a syntax element indicative of a number of video
signal information syntax structures provided in the encoded video
bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The method
further includes determining whether a base layer is included in
the encoded video bitstream or to be received from an external
source. The method further includes determining the number of video
signal information syntax structures included in the video
parameter set to be a first value or a second value based on
whether the base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream
or to be received from the external source.
Inventors: |
Wang; Ye-Kui; (San Diego,
CA) ; Hendry; Fnu; (Poway, CA) ;
Ramasubramonian; Adarsh Krishnan; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUALCOMM Incorporated |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54870862 |
Appl. No.: |
14/743613 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62015285 |
Jun 20, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
375/240.26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 19/44 20141101;
H04N 19/146 20141101; H04N 19/513 20141101; H04N 19/70 20141101;
H04N 19/46 20141101; H04N 19/463 20141101; H04N 19/184 20141101;
H04N 19/597 20141101; H04N 19/30 20141101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 19/70 20060101
H04N019/70; H04N 19/597 20060101 H04N019/597; H04N 19/513 20060101
H04N019/513; H04N 19/30 20060101 H04N019/30; H04N 19/44 20060101
H04N019/44 |
Claims
1. A method of decoding video data, the method comprising:
accessing an encoded video bitstream encoded according to a first
coding protocol, the encoded video bitstream including one or more
enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream; determining that a syntax element
indicative of a number of video signal information syntax
structures provided in the encoded video bitstream is not present
in the video parameter set; determining whether a base layer is
included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received from an
external source; and determining the number of video signal
information syntax structures included in the video parameter set
to be a first value or a second value based on whether the base
layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received
from the external source.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the number
of video signal information syntax structures to be the first value
when it is determined that the base layer is included in the
encoded video bitstream, wherein the first value is equal to a
maximum number of layers of the encoded video bitstream.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the number
of video signal information syntax structures to be the second
value when it is determined that the base layer is to be received
from the external source, wherein the second value is equal to a
maximum number of layers of the encoded video bitstream minus
one.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein a video signal information syntax
structure is assigned to each of the layers included in the encoded
video bitstream, and wherein no video signal information syntax
structure is assigned to the base layer that is to be received from
the external source.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the base layer provided from the
external source is encoded according to a second coding protocol,
the second coding protocol being different than the first coding
protocol.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first coding protocol
includes a high efficiency video coding protocol, and wherein the
second coding protocol includes an advanced video coding
protocol.
7. The method of claim 1, the method being executable on a wireless
communication device, wherein the wireless communication device
comprises: a memory configured to store the video data; a processor
configured to execute instructions to process the video data stored
in the memory; and a receiver configured to receive the encoded
video bitstream.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the wireless communication device
is a cellular telephone and the encoded video bitstream is
modulated according to a cellular communication standard.
9. An apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store video
data; and a processor configured to: access an encoded video
bitstream encoded according to a first coding protocol, the encoded
video bitstream including one or more enhancement layers and a
video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded video
bitstream; determine that a syntax element indicative of a number
of video signal information syntax structures provided in the
encoded video bitstream is not present in the video parameter set;
determine whether a base layer is included in the encoded video
bitstream or to be received from an external source; and determine
the number of video signal information syntax structures included
in the video parameter set to be a first value or a second value
based on whether the base layer is included in the encoded video
bitstream or to be received from the external source.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured
to determine the number of video signal information syntax
structures to be the first value when it is determined that the
base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream, wherein the
first value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded
video bitstream.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured
to determine the number of video signal information syntax
structures to be the second value when it is determined that the
base layer is to be received from the external source, wherein the
second value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded
video bitstream minus one.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a video signal information
syntax structure is assigned to each of the layers included in the
encoded video bitstream, and wherein no video signal information
syntax structure is assigned to the base layer that is to be
received from the external source.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base layer provided from
the external source is encoded according to a second coding
protocol, the second coding protocol being different than the first
coding protocol.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first coding protocol
includes a high efficiency video coding protocol, and wherein the
second coding protocol includes an advanced video coding
protocol.
15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is a wireless
communication device, further comprising: a receiver configured to
receive the encoded video bitstream.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the wireless communication
device is a cellular telephone and the encoded video bitstream is
modulated according to a cellular communication standard.
17. A computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions
that when executed by a processor perform a method, including:
accessing an encoded video bitstream encoded according to a first
coding protocol, the encoded video bitstream including one or more
enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream; determining that a syntax element
indicative of a number of video signal information syntax
structures provided in the encoded video bitstream is not present
in the video parameter set; determining whether a base layer is
included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received from an
external source; and determining the number of video signal
information syntax structures included in the video parameter set
to be a first value or a second value based on whether the base
layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received
from the external source.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 17, further comprising
determining the number of video signal information syntax
structures to be the first value when it is determined that the
base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream, wherein the
first value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded
video bitstream.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 17, further comprising
determining the number of video signal information syntax
structures to be the second value when it is determined that the
base layer is to be received from the external source, wherein the
second value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded
video bitstream minus one.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein a video
signal information syntax structure is assigned to each of the
layers included in the encoded video bitstream, and wherein no
video signal information syntax structure is assigned to the base
layer that is to be received from the external source.
21. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the base
layer provided from the external source is encoded according to a
second coding protocol, the second coding protocol being different
than the first coding protocol.
22. The computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the first
coding protocol includes a high efficiency video coding protocol,
and wherein the second coding protocol includes an advanced video
coding protocol.
23. An apparatus comprising: means for accessing an encoded video
bitstream encoded according to a first coding protocol, the encoded
video bitstream including one or more enhancement layers and a
video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded video
bitstream; means for determining that a syntax element indicative
of a number of video signal information syntax structures provided
in the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video
parameter set; means for determining whether a base layer is
included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received from an
external source; and means for determining the number of video
signal information syntax structures included in the video
parameter set to be a first value or a second value based on
whether the base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream
or to be received from the external source.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the number of video signal
information syntax structures is determined to be the first value
when it is determined that the base layer is included in the
encoded video bitstream, wherein the first value is equal to a
maximum number of layers of the encoded video bitstream.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the number of video signal
information syntax structures is determined to be the second value
when it is determined that the base layer is to be received from
the external source, wherein the second value is equal to a maximum
number of layers of the encoded video bitstream minus one.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein a video signal information
syntax structure is assigned to each of the layers included in the
encoded video bitstream, and wherein no video signal information
syntax structure is assigned to the base layer that is to be
received from the external source.
27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the base layer provided from
the external source is encoded according to a second coding
protocol, the second coding protocol being different than the first
coding protocol.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first coding protocol
includes a high efficiency video coding protocol, and wherein the
second coding protocol includes an advanced video coding protocol.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/015,285, filed Jun. 20, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated by reference, in its entirety. This application is
related to U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.
145689U1), titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIGNALING INFORMATION
FOR LAYER SETS IN A PARAMETER SET," filed on the same date
herewith, and U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.
145689U2), titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIGNALING HYPOTHETICAL
REFERENCE DECODER PARAMETERS IN A PARAMETER SET," filed on the same
date herewith, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference, in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to video coding,
and more specifically to techniques and systems for selectively
signaling different numbers of video signal information syntax
structures in a parameter set.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many devices and systems allow video data to be processed
and output for consumption. Digital video data includes large
amounts of data to meet the demands of consumers and video
providers. For example, consumers of video data desire video of the
utmost quality, with high fidelity, resolutions, frame rates, and
the like. As a result, the large amount of video data that is
required to meet these demands places a burden on communication
networks and devices that process and store the video data.
[0004] Various video coding techniques may be used to compress
video data. Video coding is performed according to one or more
video coding standards. For example, video coding standards include
high efficiency video coding (HEVC), advanced video coding (AVC),
moving picture experts group (MPEG) coding, or the like. Video
coding generally utilizes prediction methods (e.g.,
inter-prediction, intra-prediction, or the like) that take
advantage of redundancy present in video images or sequences. An
important goal of video coding techniques is to compress video data
into a form that uses a lower bit rate, while avoiding or
minimizing degradations to video quality. With ever-evolving video
services becoming available, encoding techniques with better coding
efficiency are needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] In some embodiments, techniques and systems are described
for signaling information for layer sets in a parameter set. A
layer set includes a set of layers of a bitstream that are
self-contained so that the layers in a given layer set can form an
independent bitstream representing video content. The parameter set
may include a video parameter set. The parameter set may be
provided with an encoded video bitstream and may define parameters
of the encoded video bitstream. One or more layer sets may be
defined in a base part of the parameter set, and one or more
additional layer sets not defined in the base part may be defined
in an extension part of the parameter set. The base part of the
parameter set may be defined in an initial edition of a video
coding standard (e.g., a first edition of the high efficiency video
coding standard, or other coding standard), and the extension part
of the parameter set may be defined in a later edition of the video
coding standard. The base and extension parts of the parameter set
may include signaling information describing characteristics of one
or more layer sets (including the additional layer sets). For
example, the signaling information may describe rate information
(e.g., bit rate information, picture rate information, or other
rate information) for the one or more layer sets (including the
additional layer sets). In another example, the signaling
information may include information indicating whether a layer in a
layer set is a target output layer of an output layer set.
Embodiments are described herein for signaling such information for
all layer sets defined in the base and extension parts of the
parameter set.
[0006] According to at least one example of for signaling
information in a parameter set for layer sets, a method of encoding
video data is provided that includes generating an encoded video
bitstream with one or more layer sets and one or more additional
layer sets. Each of a layer set and an additional layer set
includes one or more layers, and the encoded video bitstream
includes a video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded
video bitstream. The one or more layer sets are defined in a base
part of the video parameter set, and the one or more additional
layer sets are defined in an extension part of the video parameter
set. The method further includes providing, in the video parameter
set, one or more syntax elements for signaling information related
to the one or more layer sets and the one or more additional layer
sets. The information includes rate information for the one or more
layer sets defined in the base part of the video parameter set and
for the one or more additional layer sets defined in the extension
part of the video parameter set.
[0007] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes a
memory configured to store video data and a processor. The
processor is configured to and may generate, from the video data,
an encoded video bitstream comprising one or more layer sets and
one or more additional layer sets. Each of a layer set and an
additional layer set includes one or more layers, and the encoded
video bitstream includes a video parameter set defining parameters
of the encoded video bitstream. The one or more layer sets are
defined in a base part of the video parameter set, and the one or
more additional layer sets are defined in an extension part of the
video parameter set. The processor is further configured to and may
provide, in the video parameter set, one or more syntax elements
for signaling information related to the one or more layer sets and
the one or more additional layer sets. The information includes
rate information for the one or more layer sets defined in the base
part of the video parameter set and for the one or more additional
layer sets defined in the extension part of the video parameter
set.
[0008] In another example, a computer readable medium is provided
having stored thereon instructions that when executed by a
processor perform a method that includes: generating an encoded
video bitstream comprising one or more layer sets and one or more
additional layer sets, wherein each of a layer set and an
additional layer set includes one or more layers, the encoded video
bitstream including a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream, wherein the one or more layer sets are
defined in a base part of the video parameter set, and wherein the
one or more additional layer sets are defined in an extension part
of the video parameter set; and providing, in the video parameter
set, one or more syntax elements for signaling information related
to the one or more layer sets and the one or more additional layer
sets, the information including rate information for the one or
more layer sets defined in the base part of the video parameter set
and for the one or more additional layer sets defined in the
extension part of the video parameter set.
[0009] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes
means for generating an encoded video bitstream comprising one or
more layer sets and one or more additional layer sets. Each of a
layer set and an additional layer set includes one or more layers,
and the encoded video bitstream includes a video parameter set
defining parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The one or more
layer sets are defined in a base part of the video parameter set,
and the one or more additional layer sets are defined in an
extension part of the video parameter set. The apparatus further
includes means for providing, in the video parameter set, one or
more syntax elements for signaling information related to the one
or more layer sets and the one or more additional layer sets. The
information includes rate information for the one or more layer
sets defined in the base part of the video parameter set and for
the one or more additional layer sets defined in the extension part
of the video parameter set.
[0010] In another example of signaling information for layer sets
in a parameter set, a method of decoding video data is provided
that includes obtaining an encoded video bitstream comprising one
or more layer sets and one or more additional layer sets. Each of a
layer set and an additional layer set includes one or more layers,
and the encoded video bitstream includes a video parameter set
defining parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The one or more
layer sets are defined in a base part of the video parameter set,
and the one or more additional layer sets are defined in an
extension part of the video parameter set. The method further
includes decoding one or more syntax elements from the video
parameter set. The one or more syntax elements include rate
information for the one or more layer sets defined in the base part
of the video parameter set and for the one or more additional layer
sets defined in the extension part of the video parameter set.
[0011] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes a
memory configured to store video data and a processor. The
processor is configured to and may obtain an encoded video
bitstream comprising one or more layer sets and one or more
additional layer sets. Each of a layer set and an additional layer
set includes one or more layers, and the encoded video bitstream
includes a video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded
video bitstream. The one or more layer sets are defined in a base
part of the video parameter set, and the one or more additional
layer sets are defined in an extension part of the video parameter
set. The processor is further configured to and may decode one or
more syntax elements from the video parameter set. The one or more
syntax elements include rate information for the one or more layer
sets defined in the base part of the video parameter set and for
the one or more additional layer sets defined in the extension part
of the video parameter set.
[0012] In another example, a computer readable medium is provided
having stored thereon instructions that when executed by a
processor perform a method that includes: obtaining an encoded
video bitstream comprising one or more layer sets and one or more
additional layer sets, wherein each of a layer set and an
additional layer set includes one or more layers, the encoded video
bitstream including a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream, wherein the one or more layer sets are
defined in a base part of the video parameter set, and wherein the
one or more additional layer sets are defined in an extension part
of the video parameter set; and decoding one or more syntax
elements from the video parameter set, the one or more syntax
elements including rate information for the one or more layer sets
defined in the base part of the video parameter set and for the one
or more additional layer sets defined in the extension part of the
video parameter set.
[0013] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes
means for obtaining an encoded video bitstream comprising one or
more layer sets and one or more additional layer sets. Each of a
layer set and an additional layer set includes one or more layers,
and the encoded video bitstream includes a video parameter set
defining parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The one or more
layer sets are defined in a base part of the video parameter set,
and the one or more additional layer sets are defined in an
extension part of the video parameter set. The apparatus further
includes means for one or more syntax elements from the video
parameter set. The one or more syntax elements include rate
information for the one or more layer sets defined in the base part
of the video parameter set and for the one or more additional layer
sets defined in the extension part of the video parameter set.
[0014] In some aspects, different rate information is signaled for
each different layer set of the one or more layer sets and the one
or more additional layer sets. In some aspects, the rate
information includes bit rate information. In some aspects, the
rate information includes picture rate information.
[0015] In some aspects, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag, the flag indicating whether bit
rate information is available for an additional layer set. In some
aspects, the one or more syntax elements in the video parameter set
include a flag, the flag indicating whether picture rate
information is available for an additional layer set. In some
aspects, the one or more syntax elements in the video parameter set
include a syntax element, the syntax element indicating an average
bit rate for an additional layer set. In some examples, the one or
more syntax elements in the video parameter set include a syntax
element, the syntax element indicating a maximum bit rate for an
additional layer set.
[0016] In some aspects, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element, the syntax element
indicating whether an additional layer set has a constant picture
rate. In some aspects, the one or more syntax elements in the video
parameter set include a syntax element, the syntax element
indicating an average picture rate for an additional layer set. In
some aspects, the one or more syntax elements in the video
parameter set include a flag, the flag indicating whether a layer
in an additional layer set is a target output layer of an output
layer set.
[0017] In some embodiments, techniques and systems are described
for signaling hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters in a
parameter set in only certain conditions. In some examples, sets of
hypothetical reference decoder parameters may be provided in a
parameter set and used to check that a bitstream or a sub-bitstream
can be properly decoded. For example, the hypothetical reference
decoder parameters may be signaled in a video usability information
(VUI) part of a video parameter set (VPS), or the VPS VUI. The
signaling of the hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the
VPS VUI may be controlled by a gating flag. For example,
hypothetical reference decoder parameters may not be signaled in
the VPS VUI when a value of the gating flag is set to 0 in some
examples, or 1 in other examples. Embodiments are described herein
for signaling hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the VPS
VUI when certain information is signaled in the VPS or the VPS VUI.
For example, hypothetical reference decoder parameters may be
signaled in the VPS VUI when timing information is also signaled in
the VPS or the VPS VUI. Similarly, hypothetical reference decoder
parameters may not be signaled in the VPS VUI when no timing
information is signaled in the VPS or the VPS VUI. In some aspects,
an encoder (or other device, such as an editor, splicer, or the
like) may condition the value of the gating flag to be dependent on
a value of a syntax element that indicates whether timing
information is present in the VPS or the VPS VUI. For example, when
the syntax element is set to a value (e.g., 0 or 1) indicating that
no timing information is present, the gating flag may not be
signaled and thus inferred to be a certain value indicating that no
hypothetical reference decoder parameters are to be signaled. In
another example when the syntax element is set to a value
indicating that no timing information is present, the gating flag
may be signaled with the flag set to the certain value.
[0018] According to at least one example of signaling hypothetical
reference decoder parameters in a parameter set, a method of
encoding video data is provided that includes generating an encoded
video bitstream comprising multiple layers. The encoded video
bitstream includes a video parameter set defining parameters of the
encoded video bitstream. The video parameter set includes video
usability information. The method further includes determining
whether timing information is signaled in the video usability
information of the video parameter set. The method further includes
determining whether to signal hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in the video usability information of the video
parameter set based on whether timing information is signaled in
the video usability information
[0019] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes a
memory configured to store video data and a processor. The
processor is configured to and may generate, from the video data,
an encoded video bitstream comprising multiple layers. The encoded
video bitstream includes a video parameter set defining parameters
of the encoded video bitstream. The video parameter set includes
video usability information. The processor is further configured to
and may determine whether timing information is signaled in the
video usability information of the video parameter set. The
processor is further configured to and may determine whether to
signal hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the video
usability information of the video parameter set based on whether
timing information is signaled in the video usability
information.
[0020] In another example, a computer readable medium is provided
having stored thereon instructions that when executed by a
processor perform a method that includes: generating an encoded
video bitstream comprising multiple layers, the encoded video
bitstream including a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream, wherein the video parameter set
includes video usability information; determining whether timing
information is signaled in the video usability information of the
video parameter set; and determining whether to signal hypothetical
reference decoder parameters in the video usability information of
the video parameter set based on whether timing information is
signaled in the video usability information.
[0021] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes
means for generating an encoded video bitstream comprising multiple
layers. The encoded video bitstream includes a video parameter set
defining parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The video
parameter set includes video usability information. The apparatus
further includes means for determining whether timing information
is signaled in the video usability information of the video
parameter set. The apparatus further includes means for determining
whether to signal hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the
video usability information of the video parameter set based on
whether timing information is signaled in the video usability
information.
[0022] The method, apparatuses, and computer readable medium
described above for signaling hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in a parameter set may further include signaling the
hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the video usability
information when timing information is signaled in the video
usability information. The method, apparatuses, and computer
readable medium described above for signaling hypothetical
reference decoder parameters in a parameter set may further include
not signaling the hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the
video usability information when timing information is not signaled
in the video usability information.
[0023] In some aspects, determining whether the timing information
is signaled in the video usability information of the video
parameter set includes determining a value of a first flag in the
video usability information, the first flag indicating whether the
timing information is signaled in the video usability
information.
[0024] The method, apparatuses, and computer readable medium
described above for signaling hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in a parameter set may further include determining a
value of a second flag in the video usability information based on
the value of the first flag, the second flag defining whether
hypothetical reference decoder parameters are signaled in the video
usability information.
[0025] The method, apparatuses, and computer readable medium
described above for signaling hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in a parameter set may further include providing, in the
video usability information, one or more syntax elements for
signaling information related to the encoded video bitstream, the
information including a condition that the value of the second flag
is dependent on the value of the first flag.
[0026] The method, apparatuses, and computer readable medium
described above for signaling hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in a parameter set may further include providing, in the
video usability information, one or more syntax elements for
signaling information related to the encoded video bitstream, the
information including a constraint that the value of the second
flag is to be set to zero when the value of the first flag is equal
to zero.
[0027] In some embodiments, techniques and systems are described
for selectively signaling different numbers of video signal
information syntax structures in a parameter set. In some examples,
an encoder that encodes video data according to a first coding
protocol may generate an encoded video bitstream. The encoder may
provide the encoded video bitstream to a decoder in a receiving
device. A base layer for video data may be provided to the decoder
(or another decoder in the same receiving device) by an external
source other than the encoder that uses the first coding protocol.
For example, the base layer may be encoded according to a second
coding protocol that is different than the first coding protocol.
In such an example, an encoder that encodes video data using the
second coding protocol may provide the base layer to the receiving
device. A video signal information syntax structure is signaled for
each layer of a multi-layer encoded video bitstream, with a
separate video signal information syntax structure being signaled
for each layer. In some cases, a number of video signal information
syntax structures to include in a parameter set (e.g., video
parameter set) is not signaled. In such cases, the number of video
signal information syntax structures may be inferred to be equal to
the number of layers in the encoded video bitstream. Embodiments
are described herein for determining a number of video signal
information syntax structures to signal in the parameter set based
on whether the base layer is included in the encoded video
bitstream or to be provided to the receiving device from the
external source.
[0028] According to at least one example of selectively signaling
different numbers of video signal information syntax structures in
a parameter set, a method of encoding video data is provided that
includes generating an encoded video bitstream according to a first
coding protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one or more
enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream. The method further includes
determining that a syntax element indicative of a number of video
signal information syntax structures provided in the encoded video
bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The method
further includes determining the number of video signal information
syntax structures to include in the video parameter set when the
syntax structure indicative of the number of video signal
information syntax structures provided in the encoded video
bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The number is
determined as a first value or a second value based on whether a
base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or to be
provided to a decoder from an external source.
[0029] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes a
memory configured to store video data and a processor. The
processor is configured to and may generate, from the video data,
an encoded video bitstream according to a first coding protocol.
The encoded video bitstream includes one or more enhancement layers
and a video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded video
bitstream. The processor is further configured to and may determine
that a syntax element indicative of a number of video signal
information syntax structures provided in the encoded video
bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The processor
is further configured to and may determine the number of video
signal information syntax structures to include in the video
parameter set when the syntax structure indicative of the number of
video signal information syntax structures provided in the encoded
video bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The
number is determined as a first value or a second value based on
whether a base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or
to be provided to a decoder from an external source.
[0030] In another example, a computer readable medium is provided
having stored thereon instructions that when executed by a
processor perform a method that includes: generating an encoded
video bitstream according to a first coding protocol, the encoded
video bitstream including one or more enhancement layers and a
video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded video
bitstream; determining that a syntax structure indicative of the
number of video signal information syntax structures provided in
the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video parameter
set; and determining the number of video signal information syntax
structures to include in the video parameter set when the syntax
structure indicative of the number of video signal information
syntax structures provided in the encoded video bitstream is not
present in the video parameter set, wherein the number is
determined as a first value or a second value based on whether a
base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or to be
provided to a decoder from an external source
[0031] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes
means for generating an encoded video bitstream according to a
first coding protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one or
more enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining
parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The apparatus further
includes means for determining that a syntax structure indicative
of the number of video signal information syntax structures
provided in the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video
parameter set. The apparatus further includes means for determining
the number of video signal information syntax structures to include
in the video parameter set when the syntax structure indicative of
the number of video signal information syntax structures provided
in the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video
parameter set. The number is determined as a first value or a
second value based on whether a base layer is included in the
encoded video bitstream or to be provided to a decoder from an
external source.
[0032] In some aspects, the number of video signal information
syntax structures to include in the video parameter set is
determined as the first value when it is determined that the base
layer is included in the encoded video bitstream, wherein the first
value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded video
bitstream.
[0033] In some aspects, the number of video signal information
syntax structures to include in the video parameter set is
determined as the second value when it is determined that the base
layer is to be provided to the decoder from the external source,
wherein the second value is equal to a maximum number of layers of
the encoded video bitstream minus one.
[0034] In some aspects, a video signal information syntax structure
is assigned to each of the layers included in the encoded video
bitstream, and no video signal information syntax structure is
assigned to the base layer that is to be provided to the decoder
from the external source.
[0035] In some aspects, the base layer provided from the external
source is encoded according to a second coding protocol, the second
coding protocol being different than the first coding protocol. In
some examples, the first coding protocol includes a high efficiency
video coding protocol, and the second coding protocol includes an
advanced video coding protocol.
[0036] In another example of selectively signaling different
numbers of video signal information syntax structures in a
parameter set, a method of decoding video data is provided that
includes accessing an encoded video bitstream encoded according to
a first coding protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one
or more enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining
parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The method further
includes determining that a syntax structure indicative of the
number of video signal information syntax structures provided in
the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video parameter
set. The method further includes determining whether a base layer
is included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received from
an external source. The method further includes determining the
number of video signal information syntax structures included in
the video parameter set to be a first value or a second value based
on whether the base layer is included in the encoded video
bitstream or to be received from the external source.
[0037] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes a
memory configured to store video data and a processor. The
processor is configured to and may access an encoded video
bitstream encoded according to a first coding protocol. The encoded
video bitstream includes one or more enhancement layers and a video
parameter set defining parameters of the encoded video bitstream.
The processor is further configured to and may determine that a
syntax structure indicative of the number of video signal
information syntax structures provided in the encoded video
bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The processor
is further configured to and may determine whether a base layer is
included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received from an
external source. The processor is further configured to and may
determine the number of video signal information syntax structures
included in the video parameter set to be a first value or a second
value based on whether the base layer is included in the encoded
video bitstream or to be received from the external source.
[0038] In another example, a computer readable medium is provided
having stored thereon instructions that when executed by a
processor perform a method that includes: accessing an encoded
video bitstream encoded according to a first coding protocol, the
encoded video bitstream including one or more enhancement layers
and a video parameter set defining parameters of the encoded video
bitstream; determining that a syntax structure indicative of the
number of video signal information syntax structures provided in
the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video parameter
set; determining whether a base layer is included in the encoded
video bitstream or to be received from an external source; and
determining the number of video signal information syntax
structures included in the video parameter set to be a first value
or a second value based on whether the base layer is included in
the encoded video bitstream or to be received from the external
source.
[0039] In another example, an apparatus is provided that includes
means for accessing an encoded video bitstream encoded according to
a first coding protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one
or more enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining
parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The apparatus further
includes means for determining that a syntax structure indicative
of the number of video signal information syntax structures
provided in the encoded video bitstream is not present in the video
parameter set. The apparatus further includes means for determining
whether a base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or
to be received from an external source. The apparatus further
includes means for determining the number of video signal
information syntax structures included in the video parameter set
to be a first value or a second value based on whether the base
layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or to be received
from the external source.
[0040] The method, apparatuses, and computer readable medium
described above for selectively signaling different numbers of
video signal information syntax structures in a parameter set may
further include determining the number of video signal information
syntax structures to be the first value when it is determined that
the base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream, wherein
the first value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the
encoded video bitstream.
[0041] The method, apparatuses, and computer readable medium
described above for selectively signaling different numbers of
video signal information syntax structures in a parameter set may
further include determining the number of video signal information
syntax structures to be the second value when it is determined that
the base layer is to be received from the external source, wherein
the second value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the
encoded video bitstream minus one.
[0042] In some aspects, a video signal information syntax structure
is assigned to each of the layers included in the encoded video
bitstream, and no video signal information syntax structure is
assigned to the base layer that is to be received from the external
source.
[0043] In some aspects, the base layer provided from the external
source is encoded according to a second coding protocol, the second
coding protocol being different than the first coding protocol. In
some aspects, the first coding protocol includes a high efficiency
video coding protocol, and the second coding protocol includes an
advanced video coding protocol.
[0044] In some aspects, the method is executable on a wireless
communication device. The wireless communication device comprises a
memory configured to store the video data, a processor configured
to execute instructions to process the video data stored in the
memory, and a receiver configured to receive the encoded video
bitstream. In some aspects, the wireless communication device is a
cellular telephone and the encoded video bitstream is modulated
according to a cellular communication standard.
[0045] In some aspects, the apparatus is a wireless communication
device. The wireless communication device comprises a receiver
configured to receive the encoded video bitstream. In some aspects,
the wireless communication device is a cellular telephone and the
encoded video bitstream is modulated according to a cellular
communication standard.
[0046] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential
features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject
matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to
appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent,
any or all drawings, and each claim.
[0047] The foregoing, together with other features and embodiments,
will become more apparent upon referring to the following
specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail below with reference to the following drawing
figures:
[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
encoding device and a decoding device, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of layer
sets defined in a base part and an extension part of a parameter
set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0051] FIG. 3 is an example of a syntax structure of a parameter
set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0052] FIG. 4 is another example of a syntax structure of a
parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0053] FIG. 5 is another example of a syntax structure of a
parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0054] FIG. 6 is another example of a syntax structure of a
parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process of encoding video data for signaling information for layer
sets in a parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process of decoding video data including signaled information for
layer sets in a parameter set, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0057] FIG. 9A is another example of a syntax structure of a
parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 9B is another example of a syntax structure of a
parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0059] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process of encoding video data for signaling hypothetical reference
decoder parameters in a parameter set, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an environment with
an encoding device for providing encoded video data with multiple
layers, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0061] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an environment with
multiple encoding devices for providing encoded video data with
multiple layers, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0062] FIG. 13 is an example of a parameter set with video signal
information for multiple layers of encoded video data, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0063] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process of encoding video data for selectively signaling different
numbers of video signal information syntax structures in a
parameter set, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0064] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process of decoding video data for inferring different numbers of
video signal information syntax structures in a parameter set, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0065] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example video
encoding device, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0066] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example video
decoding device, in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] Certain aspects and embodiments of this disclosure are
provided below. Some of these aspects and embodiments may be
applied independently and some of them may be applied in
combination as would be apparent to those of skill in the art. In
the following description, for the purposes of explanation,
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be
apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details. The figures and description are not intended to
be restrictive.
[0068] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only,
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of
the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art
with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary
embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be
made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the
appended claims.
[0069] Specific details are given in the following description to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For
example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other
components may be shown as components in block diagram form in
order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In
other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms,
structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail
in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0070] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be
described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow
diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block
diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a
sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations
may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are
completed, but could have additional steps not included in a
figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a
procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process
corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a
return of the function to the calling function or the main
function.
[0071] The term "computer-readable medium" includes, but is not
limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical
storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing,
containing, or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. A
computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in
which data can be stored and that does not include carrier waves
and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over
wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include,
but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage
media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD),
flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-readable medium
may have stored thereon code and/or machine-executable instructions
that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a
program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a
class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or
program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code
segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving
information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.
Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,
forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory
sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, or
the like.
[0072] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware,
software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description
languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in
software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or
code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a
computer-program product) may be stored in a computer-readable or
machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary
tasks.
[0073] Several systems and methods of video coding using video
encoders and decoders are described herein. For example, one or
more systems and methods of coding are directed to improving the
signaling of different information in a parameter set, such as the
video parameter set (VPS) described in the high efficiency video
coding (HEVC) standard.
[0074] As more devices and systems provide consumers with the
ability to consume digital video data, the need for efficient video
coding techniques becomes more important. Video coding is needed to
reduce storage and transmission requirements necessary to handle
the large amounts of data present in digital video data. Various
video coding techniques may be used to compress video data into a
form that uses a lower bit rate while maintaining high video
quality.
[0075] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
system 100 including an encoding device 104 and a decoding device
112. The encoding device 104 may be part of a source device, and
the decoding device 112 may be part of a receiving device. The
source device and/or the receiving device may include an electronic
device, such as a mobile or stationary telephone handset (e.g.,
smartphone, cellular telephone, or the like), a desktop computer, a
laptop or notebook computer, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a
television, a camera, a display device, a digital media player, a
video gaming console, a video streaming device, or any other
suitable electronic device. In some examples, the source device and
the receiving device may include one or more wireless transceivers
for wireless communications. The coding techniques described herein
are applicable to video coding in various multimedia applications,
including streaming video transmissions (e.g., over the Internet),
television broadcasts or transmissions, encoding of digital video
for storage on a data storage medium, decoding of digital video
stored on a data storage medium, or other applications. In some
examples, system 100 can support one-way or two-way video
transmission to support applications such as video conferencing,
video streaming, video playback, video broadcasting, gaming, and/or
video telephony.
[0076] The encoding device 104 (or encoder) can be used to encode
video data using a video coding standard or protocol to generate an
encoded video bitstream. Video coding standards include ITU-T
H.261, ISO/IEC MPEG-1 Visual, ITU-T H.262 or ISO/IEC MPEG-2 Visual,
ITU-T H.263, ISO/IEC MPEG-4 Visual and ITU-T H.264 (also known as
ISO/IEC MPEG-4 AVC), including its Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and
Multiview Video Coding (MVC) extensions. A more recent video coding
standard, High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), has been finalized
by the Joint Collaboration Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) of ITU-T
Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and ISO/IEC Moving Picture
Experts Group (MPEG). Various extensions to HEVC deal with
multi-layer video coding and are also being developed by the
JCT-VC, including the multiview extension to HEVC, called MV-HEVC,
and the scalable extension to HEVC, called SHVC, or any other
suitable coding protocol.
[0077] Many embodiments described herein describe examples using
the HEVC standard, or extensions thereof. However, the techniques
and systems described herein may also be applicable to other coding
standards, such as AVC, MPEG, extensions thereof, or other suitable
coding standards. Accordingly, while the techniques and systems
described herein may be described with reference to a particular
video coding standard, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the description should not be interpreted to apply
only to that particular standard.
[0078] A video source 102 may provide the video data to the
encoding device 104. The video source 102 may be part of the source
device, or may be part of a device other than the source device.
The video source 102 may include a video capture device (e.g., a
video camera, a camera phone, a video phone, or the like), a video
archive containing stored video, a video server or content provider
providing video data, a video feed interface receiving video from a
video server or content provider, a computer graphics system for
generating computer graphics video data, a combination of such
sources, or any other suitable video source.
[0079] The video data from the video source 102 may include one or
more input pictures or frames. A picture or frame is a still image
that is part of a video. The encoder engine 106 (or encoder) of the
encoding device 104 encodes the video data to generate an encoded
video bitstream. An HEVC bitstream, for example, may include a
sequence of data units called network abstraction layer (NAL)
units. Two classes of NAL units exist in the HEVC standard,
including video coding layer (VCL) NAL units and non-VCL NAL units.
A VCL NAL unit includes one slice or slice segment (described
below) of coded picture data, and a non-VCL NAL unit includes
control information that relates to multiple coded pictures. A
coded picture and non-VCL NAL units (if any) corresponding to the
coded picture is called an access unit (AU).
[0080] NAL units may contain a sequence of bits forming a coded
representation of the video data (the encoded video bitstream),
such as coded representations of pictures in a video. The encoder
engine 106 generates coded representations of pictures by
partitioning each picture into multiple slices. A slice is
independent of other slices so that information in the slice is
coded without dependency on data from other slices within the same
picture. A slice includes one or more slice segments including an
independent slice segment and, if present, one or more dependent
slice segments that depend on previous slice segments. The slices
are then partitioned into coding tree blocks (CTBs) of luma samples
and chroma samples. A CTB of luma samples and one or more CTBs of
chroma samples, along with syntax for the samples, are referred to
as a coding tree unit (CTU). A CTU is the basic processing unit for
HEVC encoding. A CTU can be split into multiple coding units (CUs)
of varying sizes. A CU contains luma and chroma sample arrays that
are referred to as coding blocks (CBs).
[0081] The luma and chroma CBs can be further split into prediction
blocks (PBs). A PB is a block of samples of the luma or a chroma
component that uses the same motion parameters for
inter-prediction. The luma PB and one or more chroma PBs, together
with associated syntax, form a prediction unit (PU). A set of
motion parameters is signaled in the bitstream for each PU and is
used for inter-prediction of the luma PB and the one or more chroma
PBs. A CB can also be partitioned into one or more transform blocks
(TBs). A TB represents a square block of samples of a color
component on which the same two-dimensional transform is applied
for coding a prediction residual signal. A transform unit (TU)
represents the TBs of luma and chroma samples, and corresponding
syntax elements.
[0082] A size of a CU corresponds to a size of the coding node and
is square in shape. For example, a size of a CU may be 8.times.8
samples, 16.times.16 samples, 32.times.32 samples, 64.times.64
samples, or any other appropriate size up to the size of the
corresponding CTU. The phrase "N.times.N" is used herein to refer
to pixel dimensions of a video block in terms of vertical and
horizontal dimensions (e.g., 8 pixels.times.8 pixels). The pixels
in a block may be arranged in rows and columns. In some
embodiments, blocks may not have the same number of pixels in a
horizontal direction as in a vertical direction. Syntax data
associated with a CU may describe, for example, partitioning of the
CU into one or more PUs. Partitioning modes may differ between
whether the CU is intra-prediction mode encoded or inter-prediction
mode encoded. PUs may be partitioned to be non-square in shape.
Syntax data associated with a CU may also describe, for example,
partitioning of the CU into one or more TUs according to a CTU. A
TU can be square or non-square in shape.
[0083] According to the HEVC standard, transformations may be
performed using transform units (TUs). TUs may vary for different
CUs. The TUs may be sized based on the size of PUs within a given
CU. The TUs may be the same size or smaller than the PUs. In some
examples, residual samples corresponding to a CU may be subdivided
into smaller units using a quadtree structure known as residual
quad tree (RQT). Leaf nodes of the RQT may correspond to TUs. Pixel
difference values associated with the TUs may be transformed to
produce transform coefficients. The transform coefficients may then
be quantized by the encoder engine 106.
[0084] Once the pictures of the video data are partitioned into
CUs, the encoder engine 106 predicts each PU using a prediction
mode. The prediction is then subtracted from the original video
data to get residuals (described below). For each CU, a prediction
mode may be signaled inside the bitstream using syntax data. A
prediction mode may include intra-prediction (or intra-picture
prediction) or inter-prediction (or inter-picture prediction).
Using intra-prediction, each PU is predicted from neighboring image
data in the same picture using, for example, DC prediction to find
an average value for the PU, planar prediction to fit a plan
surface to the PU, direction prediction to extrapolate from
neighboring data, or any other suitable types of prediction. Using
inter-prediction, each PU is predicted using motion compensation
prediction from image data in one or more reference pictures
(before or after the current picture in output order).
[0085] A PU may include data related to the prediction process. For
example, when the PU is encoded using intra-prediction, the PU may
include data describing an intra-prediction mode for the PU. As
another example, when the PU is encoded using inter-prediction, the
PU may include data defining a motion vector for the PU. The data
defining the motion vector for a PU may describe, for example, a
horizontal component of the motion vector, a vertical component of
the motion vector, a resolution for the motion vector (e.g.,
one-quarter pixel precision or one-eighth pixel precision), a
reference picture to which the motion vector points, and/or a
reference picture list (e.g., List 0, List 1, or List C) for the
motion vector.
[0086] The encoding device 104 may then perform transformation and
quantization. For example, following prediction, the encoder engine
106 may calculate residual values corresponding to the PU. Residual
values may comprise pixel difference values. Any residual data that
may be remaining after prediction is performed is transformed using
a block transform, which may be based on discrete cosine transform,
discrete sine transform, an integer transform, a wavelet transform,
or other suitable transform function. In some cases, one or more
block transforms (e.g., sizes 32.times.32, 16.times.16, 8.times.8,
4.times.4, or the like) may be applied to residual data in each CU.
In some embodiments, a TU may be used for the transform and
quantization processes implemented by the encoder engine 106. A
given CU having one or more PUs may also include one or more TUs.
As described in further detail below, the residual values may be
transformed into transform coefficients using the block transforms,
and then may be quantized and scanned using TUs to produce
serialized transform coefficients for entropy coding.
[0087] In some embodiments following intra-predictive or
inter-predictive coding using PUs of a CU, the encoder engine 106
may calculate residual data for the TUs of the CU. The PUs may
comprise pixel data in the spatial domain (or pixel domain). The
TUs may comprise coefficients in the transform domain following
application of a block transform. As previously noted, the residual
data may correspond to pixel difference values between pixels of
the unencoded picture and prediction values corresponding to the
PUs. Encoder engine 106 may form the TUs including the residual
data for the CU, and may then transform the TUs to produce
transform coefficients for the CU.
[0088] The encoder engine 106 may perform quantization of the
transform coefficients. Quantization provides further compression
by quantizing the transform coefficients to reduce the amount of
data used to represent the coefficients. For example, quantization
may reduce the bit depth associated with some or all of the
coefficients. In one example, a coefficient with an n-bit value may
be rounded down to an m-bit value during quantization, with n being
greater than m.
[0089] Once quantization is performed, the coded bitstream includes
quantized transform coefficients, prediction information (e.g.,
prediction modes, motion vectors, or the like), partitioning
information, and any other suitable data, such as other syntax
data. The different elements of the coded bitstream may then be
entropy encoded by the encoder engine 106. In some examples, the
encoder engine 106 may utilize a predefined scan order to scan the
quantized transform coefficients to produce a serialized vector
that can be entropy encoded. In some examples, encoder engine 106
may perform an adaptive scan. After scanning the quantized
transform coefficients to form a one-dimensional vector, the
encoder engine 106 may entropy encode the one-dimensional vector.
For example, the encoder engine 106 may use context adaptive
variable length coding, context adaptive binary arithmetic coding,
syntax-based context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding, probability
interval partitioning entropy coding, or another suitable entropy
encoding technique.
[0090] As previously described, an HEVC bitstream includes a group
of NAL units. A sequence of bits forming the coded video bitstream
is present in VCL NAL units. Non-VCL NAL units may contain
parameter sets with high-level information relating to the encoded
video bitstream, in addition to other information. For example, a
parameter set may include a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence
parameter set (SPS), and a picture parameter set (PPS). The goal of
the parameter sets is bit rate efficiency, error resiliency, and
providing systems layer interfaces. Each slice references a single
active PPS, SPS, and VPS to access information that the decoding
device 112 may use for decoding the slice. An identifier (ID) may
be coded for each parameter set, including a VPS ID, an SPS ID, and
a PPS ID. An SPS includes an SPS ID and a VPS ID. A PPS includes a
PPS ID and an SPS ID. Each slice header includes a PPS ID. Using
the IDs, active parameter sets can be identified for a given
slice.
[0091] A PPS includes information that applies to all slices in a
given picture. Because of this, all slices in a picture refer to
the same PPS. Slices in different pictures may also refer to the
same PPS. An SPS includes information that applies to all pictures
in a same coded video sequence or bitstream. A coded video sequence
is a series of access units that starts with a random access point
picture (e.g., an instantaneous decoding refresh (IDR) picture or
broken link access (BLA) picture, or other appropriate random
access point picture) and includes all access units up to but not
including the next random access point picture (or the end of the
bitstream). The information in an SPS does not typically change
from picture to picture within a coded video sequence. All pictures
in a coded video sequence use the same SPS. The VPS includes
information that applies to all layers within a coded video
sequence or bitstream. The VPS includes a syntax structure with
syntax elements that apply to entire coded video sequences. In some
embodiments, the VPS, SPS, or PPS may be transmitted in-band with
the encoded bitstream. In some embodiments, the VPS, SPS, or PPS
may be transmitted out-of-band in a separate transmission than the
NAL units containing coded video data.
[0092] The output 110 of the encoding device 104 may send the NAL
units making up the encoded video data over the communications link
120 to the decoding device 112 of the receiving device. The input
114 of the decoding device 112 may receive the NAL units. The
communications link 120 may include a signal transmitted using a
wireless network, a wired network, or a combination of a wired and
wireless network. A wireless network may include any wireless
interface or combination of wireless interfaces and may include any
suitable wireless network (e.g., the Internet or other wide area
network, a packet-based network, WiFi.TM., radio frequency (RF),
UWB, WiFi-Direct, cellular, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax.TM.,
or the like). A wired network may include any wired interface
(e.g., fiber, ethernet, powerline ethernet, ethernet over coaxial
cable, digital signal line (DSL), or the like). The wired and/or
wireless networks may be implemented using various equipment, such
as base stations, routers, access points, bridges, gateways,
switches, or the like. The encoded video data may be modulated
according to a communication standard, such as a wireless
communication protocol, and transmitted to the receiving
device.
[0093] In some examples, the encoding device 104 may store encoded
video data in storage 108. The output 110 may retrieve the encoded
video data from the encoder engine 106 or from the storage 108.
Storage 108 may include any of a variety of distributed or locally
accessed data storage media. For example, the storage 108 may
include a hard drive, a storage disc, flash memory, volatile or
non-volatile memory, or any other suitable digital storage media
for storing encoded video data.
[0094] The input 114 receives the encoded video data and may
provide the video data to the decoder engine 116 or to storage 118
for later use by the decoder engine 116. The decoder engine 116 may
decode the encoded video data by entropy decoding (e.g., using an
entropy decoder) and extracting the elements of the coded video
sequence making up the encoded video data. The decoder engine 116
may then rescale and perform an inverse transform on the encoded
video data. Residues are then passed to a prediction stage of the
decoder engine 116. The decoder engine 116 then predicts a block of
pixels (e.g., a PU). In some examples, the prediction is added to
the output of the inverse transform.
[0095] The decoding device 112 may output the decoded video to a
video destination device 122, which may include a display or other
output device for displaying the decoded video data to a consumer
of the content. In some aspects, the video destination device 122
may be part of the receiving device that includes the decoding
device 112. In some aspects, the video destination device 122 may
be part of a separate device other than the receiving device.
[0096] In some embodiments, the video encoding device 104 and/or
the video decoding device 112 may be integrated with an audio
encoding device and audio decoding device, respectively. The video
encoding device 104 and/or the video decoding device 112 may also
include other hardware or software that is necessary to implement
the coding techniques described above, such as one or more
microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), discrete logic, software, hardware, firmware or any
combinations thereof. The video encoding device 104 and the video
decoding device 112 may be integrated as part of a combined
encoder/decoder (codec) in a respective device. An example of
specific details of the encoding device 104 is described below with
reference to FIG. 16. An example of specific details of the
decoding device 112 is described below with reference to FIG.
17.
[0097] As noted above, extensions to the HEVC standard include the
Multiview Video Coding extension, referred to as MV-HEVC, and the
Scalable Video Coding extension, referred to as SHVC. The MV-HEVC
and SHVC extensions share the concept of layered coding, with
different layers being included in the encoded video bitstream.
Each layer in a coded video sequence is addressed by a unique layer
identifier (ID). A layer ID may be present in a header of a NAL
unit to identify a layer with which the NAL unit is associated. In
MV-HEVC, different layers usually represent different views of the
same scene in the video bitstream. In SHVC, different scalable
layers are provided that represent the video bitstream in different
spatial resolutions (or picture resolution) or in different
reconstruction fidelities. The scalable layers may include a base
layer (with layer ID=0) and one or more enhancement layers (with
layer IDs=1, 2, . . . n). The base layer may conform to a profile
of the first version of HEVC, and represents the lowest available
layer in a bitstream. The enhancement layers have increased spatial
resolution, temporal resolution or frame rate, and/or
reconstruction fidelity (or quality) as compared to the base layer.
The enhancement layers are hierarchically organized and may (or may
not) depend on lower layers. In some examples, the different layers
may be coded using a single standard codec (e.g., all layers are
encoded using HEVC, SHVC, or other coding standard). In some
examples, different layers may be coded using a multi-standard
codec. For example, a base layer may be coded using AVC, while one
or more enhancement layers may be coded using SHVC and/or MV-HEVC
extensions to the HEVC standard.
[0098] In general, a layer includes a set of VCL NAL units and a
corresponding set of non-VCL NAL units. Each of the NAL units is
assigned a particular layer ID value. Layers can be hierarchical in
the sense that a layer may depend on a lower layer. A layer set
refers to a set of layers represented within a bitstream that are
self-contained, meaning that the layers within a layer set can
depend on other layers in the layer set in the decoding process,
but do not depend on any other layers for decoding. Accordingly,
the layers in a layer set can form an independent bitstream that
can represent video content. The set of layers in a layer set may
be obtained from another bitstream by operation of a sub-bitstream
extraction process. A layer set may correspond to the set of layers
that is to be decoded when a decoder wants to operate according to
certain parameters.
[0099] When encoding a video sequence, it is beneficial to have
control over the decoder buffer state for many applications. This
applies for communications and/or broadcasting. The encoder should
provide the transmitted data such that it is available at the
decoder at a decoding time of the corresponding picture. Further,
the encoder should provide that the bitstream does not overrun the
input bitstream buffer of the decoder as well as the picture buffer
in which the decoded pictures are stored.
[0100] A hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) is provided to test
control over an encoded video sequence. The HRD may be generally
operable with video sequences encoded according to a video
compression standard. The parameters for configuration and
operation of the hypothetical reference decoder can be provided in
a video parameter set (VPS) and/or in a sequence parameter set
(SPS). The HRD parameters can be provided for multiple operation
points for the bitstream, as detailed below. This provides
information on the characteristics of the bitstream after further
processing (e.g. sub-bitstream extraction). The HRD can be applied
in encoders to control the produced bitstream and can also be
applied to verify the conformance of a given bitstream to standards
specification requirements. Further, conformance of the subject
decoder implementation may be tested against the performance and
timing requirements defined by the HRD. An encoder may selectively
omit some or all signaling of HRD parameters for a bitstream, or
for some or all layers of a bitstream. This may provide some
constraints related to verification of bitstream conformance to a
video compression standard.
[0101] Sets of HRD parameters are provided (e.g., in a sequence or
video parameter set, or in other messaging) to allow for
multi-layer functionality, with each set of parameters
corresponding to an operation point. An operation point defines the
parameters used for sub-bitstream extraction, and includes a list
of target layers (a layer set for that operation point) and a
target highest temporal layer. Multiple operation points may be
applicable to a given bitstream. An operation point may either
include all the layers in a layer set or may be a bitstream formed
as a subset of the layer set. For example, an operation point of a
bitstream may be associated with a set of layer identifiers and a
temporal identifier. A layer identifier list may be used to
identify the layers to be included in the operation point. The
layer identifier list may be included in a parameter set (e.g., a
VPS). The layer identifier list may include a list of layer
identifier (ID) values (e.g., indicated by a syntax element
nuh_layer_id). In some cases, the layer ID values may include
non-negative integers, and each layer may be associated with a
unique layer ID value so that each layer ID value identifies a
particular layer. A highest temporal ID (e.g., identified by a
variable Temporalld) may be used to define a temporal subset. In
some embodiments, a layer identifier list and a target highest
temporal ID may be used as inputs to extract an operation point
from a bitstream. For example, when a NAL unit has a layer
identifier that is included in a set of layer identifiers
associated with an operation point, and the temporal identifier of
the NAL unit is less than or equal to the temporal identifier of
the operation point, the NAL unit is associated with the operation
point. A target output layer is a layer that is to be output, and
an output layer set is a layer set that is associated with a set of
target output layers. For example, an output layer set is a set of
layers including the layers of a specified layer set, where one or
more layers in the set of layers are indicated to be output layers.
An output operation point corresponds to a particular output layer
set. For example, an output operation point may include a bitstream
that is created from an input bitstream by operation of a
sub-bitstream extraction process with the input bitstream, a target
highest temporal identifier (TemporalId), and a target layer
identifier list as inputs, and that is associated with a set of
output layers.
[0102] As previously described, parameter sets are provided with an
encoded video bitstream (e.g., in one or more non-VCL NAL units).
The parameter sets contain high-level syntax information defining
various parameters of the encoded video bitstream. One example of a
parameter set includes a video parameter set (VPS). The VPS may
have two parts, including a base part (or base VPS) and an
extension part (or VPS extension). The base VPS is defined in the
first edition of the HEVC standard, and the VPS extension is
defined in a later edition of the HEVC standard. The base VPS may
contain information related to the HEVC base layer (or compatible
layer). The base VPS may also contain temporal scalability
information, including a maximum number of temporal layers. One or
more layer sets may be defined in the base VPS. For example, the
base VPS may define a layer set 0 that corresponds to a layer set
including the base layer. The VPS extension may contain information
related to one or more additional layers beyond the base layer. For
example, one or more additional layer sets may be defined in the
VPS extension, which are not defined in the base part.
[0103] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of layer sets defined in a
base part (base VPS 202) and an extension part (VPS extension 204)
of a video parameter set. The base VPS 202 defines layer set 0,
layer set 1, layer set 2, and layer set 3. The layer set 0 includes
layer 0. The layer set 1 includes layer 0 and layer 1. The layer
set 2 includes layer 0, layer 1, and layer 2. The layer set 3
includes layer 0, layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3. The VPS extension
204 defines additional layer sets that are not defined in the base
VPS 202. The additional layer sets include layer set 4 and layer
set 5. The additional layer set 4 includes layer 4, and the
additional layer set 5 includes layer 5 and layer 6. In some
examples, layer 0 may be a base layer, and layers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6 may be enhancement layers. For example, the layer 0 may be a
base layer with a layer identifier (ID) equal to 0. The base layer
may also be referred to as a compatible layer. The base layer
conforms to a profile of the first version of HEVC, and represents
the lowest available layer in a bitstream. The layers 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, and 6 may include enhancement layers having corresponding layer
IDs. For example, layer 1 has a layer ID equal to 1, layer 2 has a
layer ID equal to 2, layer 3 has a layer ID equal to 3, layer 4 has
a layer ID equal to 4, layer 5 has a layer ID equal to 5, and layer
6 has a layer ID equal to 6. Enhancement layers have increased
spatial resolution, temporal resolution or frame rate, and/or
reconstruction fidelity (or quality) as compared to the base layer.
In some examples, layer 0 may have a frame rate of 7.5 Hz and a bit
rate of 64 kilobytes per second, layer 1 may have a frame rate of
15 Hz and a bit rate of 128 kilobytes per second, layer 2 may have
a frame rate of 15 Hz and a bit rate of 256 kilobytes per second,
layer 3 may have a frame rate of 30 Hz and a bit rate of 512
kilobytes per second, layer 4 may have a frame rate of 30 Hz and a
bit rate of 1 megabyte per second, layer 5 may have a frame rate of
60 Hz and a bit rate of 1.5 megabytes per second, and layer 6 may
have a frame rate of 60 Hz and a bit rate of 2 megabytes per
second. In some examples, frame rates may also referred to as
picture rates, and thus the different layers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and
6 may also have different picture rates. One of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that these numbers are provided as an
example only, and that the layers may have other frame rates and
bit rates according to the particular implementation.
[0104] Signaling information is provided in the VPS that defines
characteristics of one or more layer sets defined in the base VPS
202. In some examples, the signaling information may define rate
information for the one or more layer sets. Rate information
includes, for example, bit rate information, picture rate
information, or other suitable rate information that applies to the
layers in a given layer set. In one example, bit rate information
for a given layer set may include an average bit rate or an average
picture rate of the layers of the given layer set. In another
example, the bit rate information may include a maximum bit rate of
the layers of a given layer set. Other examples of rate information
are provided below. In some examples, the signaling information may
include target output information indicating whether a layer in a
layer set is a target output layer of an output layer set. For
example, the target output information may include an
output_layer_flag[i][j] syntax element. As used herein, the
variables [i] and [j] refer to the j-th layer of the i-th layer
set. The rate information and the target output information should
be signaled for all layer sets (defined in the base and extension
parts of the VPS), including the layer sets and the additional
layer sets, as clients may choose to request or consume an
additional layer set based on such information. However, with the
current signaling scheme defined in the HEVC standard, signaling
information is only signaled for layer sets that are defined in the
base part of the VPS.
[0105] The number of layer sets that are signaled in the base VPS
(e.g., base VPS 202) is indicated by a syntax element of the VPS.
For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a syntax structure
300 of a VPS extension. The entry 302 includes syntax element 306,
labeled vps_num_layer_sets_minus1, that indicates the number of
layer sets that are signaled in the base VPS. The syntax element
304, labeled output_layer_flag[i][j], indicates whether a layer in
a layer set is a target output layer of an output layer set.
Because the vps_num_layer_sets_minus1 syntax element 306 indicates
the number of layer sets signaled in the base VPS (and not the
additional layer sets signaled in the VPS extension), the
output_layer_flag[i][j] syntax element 304 is only signaled for
those layer sets defined in the base VPS.
[0106] The total number of layer sets that are signaled in the base
VPS and VPS extension (including the additional layer sets signaled
in the VPS Extension, if present) is indicated by a variable
NumLayerSets that is derived based on syntax elements of the VPS.
Embodiments described herein include updating the signaling of
information in the VPS related to layer sets so that the signaling
information (e.g., rate information and target output information)
is signaled for all layer sets, including the additional layer sets
defined in the VPS extension 204. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, the vps_num_layer_sets_minus1 syntax element 306 may be
removed from the VPS extension and a NumLayerSets variable 406 may
be added to the entry 302 to create a new syntax structure 400.
Because the NumLayerSets variable 406 indicates the total number of
layer sets that are signaled in the base VPS and the VPS extension,
the output_layer_flag[i][j] syntax element 304 is signaled for the
layer sets defined in the base VPS and the additional layer sets
defined in the VPS extension.
[0107] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a syntax structure 500
of a VPS. The syntax structure 500 is part of a video usability
information (VUI) portion of the VPS extension, which may be
referred to herein as the VPS VUI. The VPS VUI syntax structure
contains information that is useful for preparing the decoded video
for output and display. The VPS VUI may include information related
to the encoded video, such as rate information, sample aspect
ratio, the original color space and representation of the encoded
video, picture timing information, or other information. The
inclusion of different parts in the VUI syntax structure is
optional and can be decided as required by a particular
implementation or application. In some examples, default values may
be specified for some or all VUI parameters for cases in which the
corresponding VUI parameters have not been provided.
[0108] In the example of FIG. 5, the syntax structure 500 of the
VPS VIA includes a bit_rate_present_flag[i][j] syntax element 504
that includes a flag indicating whether bit rate information is
available for one or more layer sets signaled in the VPS. For
example, a value of 0 or 1 for the flag may indicate that bit rate
information is available for the one or more layer sets. The syntax
structure 500 of the VPS VUI further includes
pic_rate_present_flag[i][j] syntax element 506 that includes a flag
indicating whether picture rate information is available for one or
more layer sets signaled in the VPS. For example, a value of 0 or 1
for the flag may indicate that picture rate information is
available for the one or more layer sets. The syntax structure 500
of the VPS VUI also includes an avg_bit_rate[i][j] syntax element
508 that indicates an average bit rate for each layer set of the
one or more layer sets signaled in the VPS. The syntax structure
500 of the VPS VUI further includes a max_bit_rate syntax element
510 that indicates a maximum bit rate for each layer set of the one
or more layer sets signaled in the VPS. The syntax structure 500 of
the VPS VUI also includes a constant_pic_rate_idc[i][j] syntax
element 512 that indicates whether a layer set of the one or more
layer sets signaled in the VPS has a constant picture rate. The
syntax structure 500 of the VPS Viii further includes a
avg_pic_rate[i][j] syntax element 514 that indicates an average
picture rate for each layer set of the one or more layer sets
signaled in the VPS. One of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that syntax elements 504-514 are examples, and that more
or fewer sets of signaling information may be present in the syntax
structure 500 of the VPS VUI.
[0109] The information provided in syntax elements 504-514 is
signaled for those layer sets that are defined in the VPS
extension, which is provided in entry 502 of the syntax structure
500. The entry 502 includes a syntax element that indicates the
number of layer sets that are signaled. The entry 502 shown in FIG.
5 includes the vps_num_layer_sets_minus1 syntax element 516, which
indicates the number of layer sets signaled in the base VPS (and
not the additional layer sets signaled in the VPS extension).
Accordingly, the rate information syntax elements 504-514 are only
signaled for those layer sets defined in the base VPS. FIG. 6
illustrates an example of a syntax structure 600 of the VPS VUI
with updated signaling information that relates to all layer sets,
including the additional layer sets defined in the VPS extension.
In the example of FIG. 6, the vps_num_layer_sets_minus1 syntax
element 516 is removed from the VPS VUI and a NumLayerSets variable
616 is added to the entry 502 to create the new syntax structure
600. Because the NumLayerSets variable 616 indicates the total
number of layer sets that are signaled in the base VPS and the VPS
extension, the rate information signaled in the syntax elements
504-514 is signaled for the layer sets defined in the base VPS and
the additional layer sets defined in the VPS extension.
[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a process 700 of
encoding video data. The process 700 is implemented to signal
information for layer sets (including additional layer sets)
defined in a parameter set, such as a video parameter set. In some
aspects, the process 700 may be performed by a computing device or
an apparatus, such as the encoding device 104 shown in FIG. 1 or
FIG. 16. For example, the computing device or apparatus may include
an encoder, or a processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, or other
component of an encoder that is configured to carry out the steps
of process 700.
[0111] Process 700 is illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the
operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be
implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination
thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations
represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more
processors, perform the recited operations. Generally,
computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform
particular functions or implement particular data types. The order
in which the operations are described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to
implement the processes.
[0112] Additionally, the process 700 may be performed under the
control of one or more computer systems configured with executable
instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable
instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more
applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by
hardware, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may be
stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium,
for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a
plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The
computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium may be
non-transitory.
[0113] At 702, the process 700 of encoding video data includes
generating an encoded video bitstream comprising one or more layer
sets and one or more additional layer sets. Each of a layer set and
an additional layer set includes one or more layers, as previously
described. The encoded video bitstream includes a video parameter
set defining parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The one or
more layer sets are defined in a base part of the video parameter
set, and the one or more additional layer sets are defined in an
extension part of the video parameter set. The encoded video
bitstream may be encoded using an HEVC coding technique, or other
suitable coding technique. In one example, the one or more layer
sets defined in the base part of the video parameter set (VPS)
include the layer set 0, the layer set 1, the layer set 2, and the
layer set 3 defined in the base VPS 202 shown in FIG. 2, and the
one or more additional layer sets include the layer set 4 and the
layer set 5 defined in the VPS extension 204 shown in FIG. 2. One
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the one or more
layer sets and/or the one or more additional layer sets may include
other layer sets than those shown in the examples of FIG. 2.
[0114] At 704, the process 700 includes providing, in the video
parameter set, one or more syntax elements for signaling
information related to the one or more layer sets and the one or
more additional layer sets. The information includes rate
information for the one or more layer sets defined in the base part
of the video parameter set and for the one or more additional layer
sets defined in the extension part of the video parameter set.
Accordingly, the rate information is signaled for both the layer
sets defined in the base VPS and for the additional layer sets
defined in the VPS extension. For example, the rate information may
be signaled for the one or more layer sets defined in the base part
of the video parameter set and for the one or more additional layer
sets by inserting the NumLayerSets variable 616 in the entry 502 of
the VPS VUI. In some embodiments, different rate information is
signaled for each different layer set of the one or more layer sets
and the one or more additional layer sets. For example, a first set
of rate information may be signaled for the layer set 0 defined in
the base VPS 202, and a second set of rate information may be
signaled for the layer set 4 defined in the VPS extension 204.
[0115] In some embodiments, the rate information includes bit rate
information. In some embodiments, the rate information includes
picture rate information. In some examples, the rate information
may be included in any of the syntax elements 504-514 shown in FIG.
5 and FIG. 6. For example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag that indicates whether bit rate
information is available for an additional layer set. The flag may
be set to a value of 0 or 1 to indicate that bit rate information
is available for the additional layer set. The one or more syntax
elements may also include a flag indicating whether bit rate
information is available for a layer set defined in the base part
of the VPS. An example of such a flag is the
bit_rate_present_flag[i][j] syntax element 504 shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6.
[0116] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag that indicates whether picture
rate information is available for an additional layer set. The flag
may be set to a value of 0 or 1 to indicate that picture rate
information is available for the additional layer set. The one or
more syntax elements may also include a flag indicating whether
picture rate information is available for a layer set defined in
the base part of the VPS. An example of such a flag is the
pic_rate_present_flag[i][j] syntax element 506 shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6.
[0117] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates an
average bit rate for an additional layer set. The one or more
syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating an average bit rate for a layer set defined in the base
part of the VPS. An example of such a syntax element is the
avg_bit_rate[i][j] syntax element 508 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0118] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates a
maximum bit rate for an additional layer set. The one or more
syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating a maximum bit rate for a layer set defined in the base
part of the VPS. An example of such a syntax element is the
max_bit_rate[i][j] syntax element 510 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0119] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates whether
an additional layer set has a constant picture rate. The one or
more syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating whether a layer set defined in the base part of the VPS
has a constant picture rate. An example of such a syntax element is
the constant_pic_rate_idc[i][j] syntax element 512 shown in FIG. 5
and FIG. 6.
[0120] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates an
average picture rate for an additional layer set. The one or more
syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating an average picture rate for a layer set defined in the
base part of the VPS. An example of such a syntax element is the
avg_pic_rate[i][j] syntax element 514 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0121] In some embodiments, the one or more syntax elements may
signal target output information for both the layer sets defined in
the base VPS and for the additional layer sets defined in the VPS
extension. For example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag that indicates whether a layer
in an additional layer set is a target output layer of an output
layer set. The flag may be set to a value of 0 or 1 to indicate
that the layer in the additional layer set is a target output layer
of an output layer set. The one or more syntax elements may also
include a similar flag indicating whether a layer in a layer set
defined in the base VPS is a target output layer of an output layer
set. An example of such a flag is the output_layer_flag[i][j]
syntax element 304 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0122] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a process 800 of
decoding video data. The process 800 is implemented to receive and
decode signaling information for layer sets (including additional
layer sets) defined in a parameter set, such as a video parameter
set. In some aspects, the process 800 may be performed by a
computing device or an apparatus, such as the decoding device 112
shown in FIG. 1 or in FIG. 17. For example, the computing device or
apparatus may include a decoder, or a processor, microprocessor,
microcomputer, or other component of a decoder that is configured
to carry out the steps of process 800.
[0123] Process 800 is illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the
operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be
implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination
thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations
represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more
processors, perform the recited operations. Generally,
computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform
particular functions or implement particular data types. The order
in which the operations are described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to
implement the processes.
[0124] Additionally, the process 800 may be performed under the
control of one or more computer systems configured with executable
instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable
instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more
applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by
hardware, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may be
stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium,
for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a
plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The
computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium may be
non-transitory.
[0125] At 802, the process 800 of decoding video data includes
obtaining an encoded video bitstream comprising one or more layer
sets and one or more additional layer sets. Each of a layer set and
an additional layer set includes one or more layers. The encoded
video bitstream includes a video parameter set defining parameters
of the encoded video bitstream. The one or more layer sets are
defined in a base part of the video parameter set, and the one or
more additional layer sets are defined in an extension part of the
video parameter set. The encoded video bitstream may be encoded
using an HEVC coding technique, or other suitable coding technique.
In one example, the one or more layer sets defined in the base part
of the video parameter set (VPS) include the layer set 0, the layer
set 1, the layer set 2, and the layer set 3 defined in the base VPS
202 shown in FIG. 2, and the one or more additional layer sets
include the layer set 4 and the layer set 5 defined in the VPS
extension 204 shown in FIG. 2. One of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the one or more layer sets and/or the one or
more additional layer sets may include other layer sets than those
shown in the examples of FIG. 2.
[0126] At 804, the process 800 includes decoding one or more syntax
elements from the video parameter set. The one or more syntax
elements include rate information for the one or more layer sets
defined in the base part of the video parameter set and for the one
or more additional layer sets defined in the extension part of the
video parameter set. In some embodiments, the the one or more
syntax elements include different rate information for each
different layer set of the one or more layer sets and the one or
more additional layer sets. For example, a first set of rate
information may be signaled for the layer set 0 defined in the base
VPS 202, and a second set of rate information may be signaled for
the layer set 1 defined in the VPS extension 204.
[0127] In some embodiments, the rate information includes bit rate
information. In some embodiments, the rate information includes
picture rate information. In some examples, the rate information
may be included in any of the syntax elements 504-514 shown in FIG.
5 and FIG. 6. For example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag that indicates whether bit rate
information is available for an additional layer set. The flag may
be set to a value of 0 or 1 to indicate that bit rate information
is available for the additional layer set. The one or more syntax
elements may also include a flag indicating whether bit rate
information is available for a layer set defined in the base part
of the VPS. An example of such a flag is the
bit_rate_present_flag[i][j] syntax element 504 shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6.
[0128] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag that indicates whether picture
rate information is available for an additional layer set. The flag
may be set to a value of 0 or 1 to indicate that picture rate
information is available for the additional layer set. The one or
more syntax elements may also include a flag indicating whether
picture rate information is available for a layer set defined in
the base part of the VPS. An example of such a flag is the
pic_rate_present_flag[i][j] syntax element 506 shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6.
[0129] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates an
average bit rate for an additional layer set. The one or more
syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating an average bit rate for a layer set defined in the base
part of the VPS. An example of such a syntax element is the
avg_bit_rate[i][j] syntax element 508 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0130] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates a
maximum bit rate for an additional layer set. The one or more
syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating a maximum bit rate for a layer set defined in the base
part of the VPS. An example of such a syntax element is the
max_bit_rate[i][j] syntax element 510 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0131] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates whether
an additional layer set has a constant picture rate. The one or
more syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating whether a layer set defined in the base part of the VPS
has a constant picture rate. An example of such a syntax element is
the constant_pic_rate_idc[i][j] syntax element 512 shown in FIG. 5
and FIG. 6.
[0132] In another example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a syntax element that indicates an
average picture rate for an additional layer set. The one or more
syntax elements may also include a similar syntax element
indicating an average picture rate for a layer set defined in the
base part of the VPS. An example of such a syntax element is the
avg_pic_rate[i][j] syntax element 512 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0133] In some embodiments, the one or more syntax elements may
signal target output information for both the layer sets defined in
the base VPS and for the additional layer sets defined in the VPS
extension. For example, the one or more syntax elements in the
video parameter set include a flag that indicates whether a layer
in an additional layer set is a target output layer of an output
layer set. The flag may be set to a value of 0 or 1 to indicate
that the layer in the additional layer set is a target output layer
of an output layer set. The one or more syntax elements may also
include a similar flag indicating whether a layer in a layer set
defined in the base VPS is a target output layer of an output layer
set. An example of such a flag is the output_layer_flag[i][j]
syntax element 304 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0134] Using the above-described techniques of signaling
information for layer sets (including additional layer sets)
defined in a parameter set, rate information and target output
information is signaled for the layer sets defined in the base VPS
and also for the additional layer sets defined in the VPS
extension.
[0135] In further embodiments, techniques and systems are described
for signaling hypothetical reference decoder parameters in a
parameter set in only certain conditions. Hypothetical reference
decoder parameters are provided in a parameter set to allow for
multi-layer functionality. Different sets of hypothetical reference
decoder parameters correspond to different operation points. The
hypothetical reference decoder parameters can be used in various
ways. For example, a bitstream conformance check may include
performing a normative test using hypothetical reference decoder
parameters. The normative test uses the hypothetical reference
decoder parameters to check that a bitstream or sub-bitstream can
be decoded by a hypothetical reference decoder that is conceptually
connected to the output of an encoder and that includes a coded
picture buffer, a decoder, and decoded picture buffer. The encoder
must make sure various constraints are met when creating a
bitstream to meet conformance, including making sure that the tools
used in the bitstream match those signaled in the parameter sets,
making sure that the coded picture buffer of the hypothetical
reference decoder does not overflow or underflow, making sure
pictures marked as used for reference are not used as reference
afterwards, or other requirements. A buffer overflow occurs when
too many coded data units are present for the decoder buffer.
Underflow occurs when it is the time for the decoder to process
some coded data units but the buffer is empty.
[0136] Hypothetical reference decoder parameters may be signaled in
the VPS and in the VPS extension (e.g., in the VPS VUI) for
different operation points and associated layer sets. The signaling
of the hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the VPS VUI may
be controlled by a gating flag. The value of this flag can be set
equal to 1 or 0 independently by encoders. In one example,
hypothetical reference decoder parameters may not be signaled in
the VPS VUI when a value of the gating flag is set to 0. In another
example, hypothetical reference decoder parameters may be signaled
in the VPS VUI when a value of the gating flag is set to 1. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that hypothetical
reference decoder parameters may not be signaled when the value is
set to 1, and that hypothetical reference decoder parameters may be
signaled when the value is set to 0.
[0137] Embodiments are described herein for signaling hypothetical
reference decoder parameters in the VPS VUI when certain
information is signaled in the VPS and/or the VPS VUI. For example,
hypothetical reference decoder parameters depend on timing
information provided in the VPS VUI, in the base part of the VPS,
or in both the VPS VUI and the base VPS. Timing information is
provided to allow a correct play-out speed of a decoded video
sequence. The syntax structure for hypothetical reference decoder
parameters is placed in the timing information section of the VPS
In some cases, the timing information defines parameters needed to
install a timing scheme for a decoding process, such as a clock
rate and the length of a clock tick. The timing information may
further include a flag indicating that a picture order count
(defining a relation of the pictures in terms of ordering and
distance if used for prediction) is proportional to the output time
of the picture relative to the beginning of the coded video
sequence (e.g. an intra random access picture (IRAP), such as an
instantaneous decoding refresh (IDR) picture where the picture
order count is reset). Using the indication provided by the flag,
the picture output timing can be directly derived from the picture
order count.
[0138] Signaling of hypothetical reference decoder information when
timing information is not present in the VPS is an inefficient use
of bits, leading to wasted processing and use of network resources.
Accordingly, hypothetical reference decoder parameters may be
signaled in the VPS VUI when timing information is also signaled in
the VPS or the VPS VUI. Similarly, hypothetical reference decoder
parameters may not be signaled in the VPS VUI when no timing
information is signaled in the VPS or the VPS VUI. In some aspects,
an encoder (or other device, such as an editor, splicer, or the
like) may condition the gating flag to be dependent on a value of a
syntax element that indicates whether timing information is present
in the VPS or the VPS VUI.
[0139] In one example, the gating flag may be signaled or may not
be signaled depending on the presence of the timing information.
FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a syntax structure 900 of a VPS
VUI with a timing information syntax element 902, labeled
vps_timing_info_present_flag. The timing information syntax element
902 indicates whether timing information is included in the VPS or
the VPS VUI. The syntax structure 900 further includes gating flag
syntax element 904, labeled vps_vui_bsp_hrd_present_flag. The
presence of the gating flag syntax element 904 is dependent on the
value of the timing information syntax element 902. When the timing
information syntax element 902 is set to a value of 0 (indicating
that no timing information is present), the gating flag syntax
element 904 may not be signaled in the VPS VUI (in which case the
syntax structure 900 does not include the gating flag syntax
element 904 when the VPS VUI is sent to the decoder). In such an
example, the value of the gating flag syntax element 904 is
determined by the encoder to be a value of 0, indicating that no
hypothetical reference decoder parameters are to be signaled in the
VPS VUI. Accordingly, the encoder (or other device, such as an
editor, splicer, or the like) may determine not to signal
hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the VPS VUI. This
example is illustrated in FIG. 9A by the inclusion of the condition
906 with the timing information syntax element 902 in the syntax
structure. For example, when the timing information syntax element
902 is set to a value of 0 (indicating that no timing information
is present), the encoder (or other device, such as an editor,
splicer, or the like) may determine not to signal hypothetical
reference decoder parameters in the VPS VUI. The encoder (or other
device) may then remove the gating flag syntax element 904 from the
syntax structure 900. When the VPS VUI is received by the decoder
(or other device receiving the VPS VUI), the decoder infers the
value of the gating flag to be a value of 0 based on the absence of
the gating flag syntax element 904. The decoder then determines
that no hypothetical reference decoder parameters are signaled in
the VPS VUI based on the inferred value of 0 for the gating
flag.
[0140] In another example, a value of the gating flag may be
dependent on the presence of the timing information. For example, a
constraint may be added to express that when the timing information
syntax element 902 is equal to 0, the value of the gating flag
syntax element 904 shall also be equal to 0. This example is
illustrated in FIG. 9B by the absence of the condition 906 from the
syntax structure 900. In this example, a timing information syntax
element indicating whether timing information is present in the VPS
or the VPS VUI is signaled earlier in the VPS or the VPS VUI (not
shown in FIG. 9). When the timing information syntax element (not
shown in FIG. 9) is set to a value of 0 (indicating that no timing
information is present), the encoder (or other device, such as an
editor, splicer, or the like) may be forced to set the gating flag
syntax element 904 to a value of 0, indicating that no hypothetical
reference decoder parameters are signaled in the VPS VUI. The
encoder (or other device, such as an editor, splicer, or the like)
may determine not to signal hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in the VPS VUI as a result. When the VPS VUI is received
by the decoder (or other device receiving the VPS VUI), the decoder
determines that the value of the gating flag syntax element 904 is
set to a value of 0 to learn that no hypothetical reference decoder
parameters are signaled in the VPS VUI.
[0141] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a process 1000 of
encoding video data. The process 1000 is implemented to signal
hypothetical reference decoder parameters in a parameter set in
only certain situations. In some aspects, the process 1000 may be
performed by a computing device or an apparatus, such as the
encoding device 104 shown in FIG. 1 or in FIG. 16. For example, the
computing device or apparatus may include an encoder, or a
processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, or other component of an
encoder that is configured to carry out the steps of process
1000.
[0142] Process 1000 is illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the
operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be
implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination
thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations
represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more
processors, perform the recited operations. Generally,
computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform
particular functions or implement particular data types. The order
in which the operations are described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to
implement the processes.
[0143] Additionally, the process 1000 may be performed under the
control of one or more computer systems configured with executable
instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable
instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more
applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by
hardware, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may be
stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium,
for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a
plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The
computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium may be
non-transitory.
[0144] At 1002, the process 1000 of encoding video data includes
generating an encoded video bitstream comprising multiple layers.
The encoded video bitstream includes a video parameter set defining
parameters of the encoded video bitstream. The video parameter set
includes video usability information, which may be referred to as a
VPS VUI. The encoded video bitstream may be encoded using an HEVC
coding technique, or other suitable coding technique.
[0145] At 1004, the process 1000 includes determining whether
timing information is signaled in the video usability information
of the video parameter set. In some embodiments, determining
whether the timing information is signaled in the video usability
information of the video parameter set includes determining a value
of a first flag in the video usability information. The first flag
indicates whether the timing information is signaled in the video
usability information (or other portion of the video parameter
set). For example, the first flag may include a timing information
syntax element (e.g., timing information syntax element 902). The
timing information syntax element may be checked to determine if
timing information is signaled. For example, a value of 0 may
indicate that timing information is not signaled. In another
example, a value of 1 may indicate that timing information is not
signaled.
[0146] At 1006, the process 1000 includes determining whether to
signal hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the video
usability information of the video parameter set based on whether
timing information is signaled in the video usability information
(or other portion of the video parameter set). In some examples,
the process 1000 includes signaling the hypothetical reference
decoder parameters in the video usability information when timing
information is signaled in the video usability information (or
other portion of the video parameter set). The process 1000 further
includes not signaling the hypothetical reference decoder
parameters in the video usability information when timing
information is not signaled in the video usability information (or
other portion of the video parameter set). For example, an encoder
or other network device may make a determination to not signal the
hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the video usability
information when the timing information is absent.
[0147] In some embodiments, the process 1000 includes determining a
value of a second flag in the video usability information based on
the value of the first flag. The second flag defines whether
hypothetical reference decoder parameters are signaled in the video
usability information. For example, the second flag may include a
gating flag syntax element (e.g., gating flag syntax element
904).
[0148] In some embodiments, the process 1000 includes providing, in
the video usability information, one or more syntax elements for
signaling information related to the encoded video bitstream, the
information including a condition that the value of the second flag
is dependent on the value of the first flag. For example, referring
to FIG. 9, when the timing information syntax element 902 is set to
a value of 0 (indicating that no timing information is present),
the gating flag syntax element 904 may not be signaled in the VPS
VUI (in which case the syntax structure 900 does not include the
gating flag syntax element 904). The value of the gating flag
syntax element 904 is then inferred by the encoder to be a value of
0, indicating that no hypothetical reference decoder parameters are
to be signaled in the VPS VUI. The encoder may make a determination
not to signal hypothetical reference decoder parameters in the VPS
VUI.
[0149] In some embodiments, the process 1000 includes providing, in
the video usability information, one or more syntax elements for
signaling information related to the encoded video bitstream, the
information including a constraint that the value of the second
flag is to be set to zero when the value of the first flag is equal
to zero. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the condition 906
with the gating flag syntax element 904 may be added to the syntax
structure 900. Based on the condition 906, when the timing
information syntax element 902 is set to a value of 0 (indicating
that no timing information is present), the encoder may set the
gating flag syntax element 904 to a value of 0, indicating that no
hypothetical reference decoder parameters are signaled in the VPS
VUI. The encoder may determine not to signal hypothetical reference
decoder parameters in the VPS VUI as a result.
[0150] The above-described techniques prevent signaling of
hypothetical reference decoder information when timing information
is not present. Signaling of such information when no timing
information is present is an inefficient use of resources, wasting
valuable processing and network resources. The encoder (or other
device, such as an editor, splicer, or the like) may intelligently
determine when to signal hypothetical reference decoder parameters
based on the presence or absence of timing information.
[0151] In further embodiments, techniques and systems are described
for selectively signaling different numbers of video signal
information syntax structures in a parameter set. For example,
embodiments are described herein for determining a number of video
signal information syntax structures to signal in the parameter set
based on whether the base layer is included in an encoded video
bitstream or to be provided to a decoding device from an external
source.
[0152] FIG. 11 illustrates an example environment 1100 in which an
encoding device generates various layers of an encoded video
bitstream, including a base layer. The environment 1100 includes an
HEVC encoding device 1102 that generates an encoded video bitstream
using the HEVC video coding standard. One of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that the techniques described herein apply to
other encoding devices that may use different coding standards than
HEVC standard, such as one or more of the AVC and MPEG standards.
The HEVC encoding device 1102 may generate an HEVC compliant video
bitstream that includes a base layer and one or more enhancement
layers. For example, the HEVC encoding device 1102 may generate
base layer 0 and enhancement layer 1 to layer n. Layer n refers to
the fact that the HEVC encoding device 1102 can generate any number
of enhancement layers, as determined by the particular
implementation or application and as constrained by the HEVC
standard.
[0153] The HEVC decoding device 1104 of the receiving device 1110
may receive the base and enhancement layers from the HEVC encoding
device 1102. In the example of FIG. 11, the base layer is provided
to the HEVC decoding device 1104 in the HEVC bitstream. The HEVC
encoding device 1102 may also send parameter sets, such as a VPS,
to the HEVC decoding device 1104 with information allowing the HEVC
decoding device 1104 to properly decode the encoded video
bitstream. The information may include video signal information, as
described below.
[0154] FIG. 12 illustrates an example environment 1200 in which an
encoding device generates various enhancement layers of an encoded
video bitstream, but not a base layer. The environment 1200
includes an HEVC encoding device 1202 and an AVC encoding device
1206 that generate encoded video bitstreams using different video
coding standards. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the techniques described herein apply to other encoding
devices that may use different coding standards than HEVC or AVC.
The HEVC encoding device 1202 may generate an HEVC compliant video
bitstream that includes one or more enhancement layers but no base
layer. For example, the HEVC encoding device 1202 may generate
enhancement layer 1 to layer n. The AVC encoding device 1206 may
generate an AVC compliant video bitstream that includes only a base
layer, including base layer 0. When the HEVC encoding device 1202
generates the one or more enhancement layers, the base layer
generated by the AVC encoding device 1206 may be used for
inter-layer prediction reference.
[0155] In one example, the HEVC decoding device 1204 may receive
the enhancement layers from the HEVC encoding device 1202, and the
AVC decoding device 1208 may receive the base layer from the AVC
encoding device 1206. In another example, a first network entity
(e.g., an editor or splicer) may splice the enhancement layers from
the HEVC encoding device 1202 together with the base layer from the
AVC encoding device 1206. The first network entity may perform the
splicing in a timely synchronous manner with system time
information being added (e.g. in a file format according to the ISO
base media file format). A second network entity (e.g., a receiver,
such as receiving device 1210, a file format parser, or other
network entity) may pass the bitstream of the one or more
enhancement layers to the HEVC decoding device 1204 and the
bitstream of the base layer to the AVC decoding device 1208. In
either example, the bitstream of the base layer is not provided to
the HEVC decoding device 1204. Instead, the decoded pictures of the
base layer are provided to the HEVC decoding device 1204 (from the
AVC decoding device 1208) for inter-layer prediction reference.
From the point of view of the HEVC decoding device 1204, the base
layer is externally provided by an external source. In some
embodiments, the HEVC decoding device 1204 and the AVC decoding
device 1208 are separate decoders. In some embodiments, the HEVC
decoding device 1204 and the AVC decoding device 1208 are part of a
multi-standard decoder that can decode HEVC and AVC bitstreams.
[0156] An HEVC encoding device may provide a video parameter set
(VPS) with an HEVC compliant video bitstream (e.g., in one or more
non-VCL NAL units). A video signal information syntax structure is
signaled in the VPS for each layer of a multi-layer encoded video
bitstream, with a separate video signal information syntax
structure being signaled for each layer. The video signal
information syntax structures may be signaled in the VPS VUI of the
VPS extension, and can be used to prepare the decoded video for
output and display. Video signal information contained in a video
signal information syntax structure may include color
characteristics, such as color primaries, transfer characteristics,
used color conversion matrix coefficients, or other suitable color
information. Video signal information may also include video signal
type information indicating the original format of the source video
(e.g., NTSC, PAL, component, SECAM, MAC, unspecified, or other
suitable video format) and, in some cases, a corresponding color
format definition and format specification. In some cases, the
video signal information may indicate locations of chroma samples
in relation to locations of lama samples, which can be used to
present a correct color presentation during display.
[0157] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a VPS 1302 that can be
sent by an HEVC encoding device along with the HEVC compliant video
bitstream. The VPS 1302 includes video signal information for
multiple layers of an encoded video bitstream. The video signal
information may be contained in one or more video signal
information syntax structures of a VPS VUI portion of the VPS 1302.
For example, the VPS 1302 includes a video signal information
syntax structure 1304 for a layer with layer ID=0 (corresponding to
a base layer), a video signal information syntax structure 1306 for
an enhancement layer with layer ID=1, and a video signal
information syntax structure 1308 for an enhancement layer with
layer ID=n.
[0158] In some cases, a number of video signal information syntax
structures to include (or that is included) in the VPS 1302 is not
explicitly signaled. For example, a syntax element (e.g.,
vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1) that indicates the number of
video signal information syntax structures to include in the VPS
1302 may not be present. In such cases, the number of video signal
information syntax structures to include in the VPS 1302 is
inferred to be equal to the total number of layers in the bitstream
(regardless of whether the base layer is provided externally or
included in the HEVC encoded video bitstream), leading to one video
signal information syntax structure being signaled for each layer
ID value, and each layer being assigned to a signaled video signal
information syntax structure according to its layer ID value. When
the base layer is provided externally (e.g., by an AVC encoding
device, as shown in FIG. 12), a signal information structure syntax
structure is sent that is useless with respect to the HEVC decoder
because the HEVC decoder does not need the signal information
syntax structure for the base layer.
[0159] Techniques are described for updating the signaling of the
video signal information syntax structures in the VPS (e.g., in the
VPS VUI) to more efficiently provide data in the VPS. For example,
a number of video signal information syntax structures to signal in
the VPS is determined based on whether the base layer is included
in the encoded video bitstream or to be provided to an HEVC
decoding device from an external source. The signaling of the video
signal information in the VPS may be updated when the number of
video signal information syntax structures in the VPS VUI is not
signaled explicitly (e.g., when a syntax element, such as
vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1, is not present in the VPS or VPS
VUI). For example, the number of video signal information syntax
structures signaled in the VPS is inferred to be equal to the
maximum number of layers of the bitstream if the base layer is in
the HEVC bitstream (not provided externally as shown in FIG. 11).
In embodiments in which the base layer is provided externally (as
shown in FIG. 12), the number of video signal information syntax
structures signaled in the VPS is inferred to be equal to the
maximum number of layers of the bitstream minus one. Accordingly,
when the base layer is provided from an external source, the number
of video signal information syntax structures in the VPS is reduced
by one.
[0160] In some embodiments, the layer IDs of the layers are mapped
to video signal information syntax structures in an index to
indicate which syntax structures will apply to the different
layers. In such embodiments, when the number of video signal
information syntax structures in the VPS is not signaled
explicitly, the mapping between layer ID to the index of video
signal information syntax structures is updated so that no video
signal information syntax structure is assigned to the base layer.
Accordingly, a video signal information syntax structure is
assigned to each of the layers included in the HEVC encoded video
bitstream, and no video signal information syntax structure is
assigned to the base layer that is to be provided to the decoder
from the external source.
[0161] Changes to the HEVC standard to implement the
above-described techniques for updating the signaling of the video
signal information syntax structures in the VPS may include: [0162]
video_signal_info_idx_present_flag equal to 1 specifies that the
syntax elements vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1, and
vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] are present.
video_signal_info_idx_present_flag equal to 0 specifies that the
syntax elements vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1, and
vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] are not present. [0163]
vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1 plus 1 specifies the number of the
following video_signal_info( ) syntax structures in the VPS. When
not present, the value of vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1 is
inferred to be equal to
MaxLayersMinus1-(vps_base_layer_internal_flag ? 0:1). [0164]
vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] specifies the index, into the list of
video_signal_info( ) syntax structures in the VPS, of the
video_signal_info( ) syntax structure that applies to the layer
with nuh_layer_id equal to layer_id_in_nuh[i]. When
vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] is not present,
vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] is inferred to be equal to
(video_signal_info_idx_present_flag ? 0:i). The value of
vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] shall be in the range of 0 to
vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1, inclusive. [0165] When not
present, the value of vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] is inferred as
follows: [0166] If video_signal_info_idx_present_flag is equal to
1, vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] is inferred to be equal to 0.
[0167] Otherwise, vps_video_signal_info_idx[i] is inferred to be
equal to i-(vps_base_layer_internal_flag ? 0:1 [0168]
vps_vui_bsp_hrd_present_flag equal to 0 specifies that no bitstream
partition HRD parameters are present in the VPS VUI.
vps_vui_bsp_hrd_present_flag equal to 1 specifies that bitstream
partition HRD parameters are present in the VPS VUI. When not
present, vps_vui_bsp_hrd_present_flag is inferred to be equal to
0.
[0169] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a process 1400 of
encoding video data. The process 1400 is implemented to update the
signaling of the video signal information syntax structures in the
VPS by selectively signaling different numbers of video signal
information syntax structures in the VPS. In some aspects, the
process 1400 may be performed by a computing device or an
apparatus, such as the encoding device 104 shown in FIG. 1 or in
FIG. 16. For example, the computing device or apparatus may include
an encoder, or a processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, or other
component of an encoder that is configured to carry out the steps
of process 1400.
[0170] Process 1400 is illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the
operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be
implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination
thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations
represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more
processors, perform the recited operations. Generally,
computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform
particular functions or implement particular data types. The order
in which the operations are described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to
implement the processes.
[0171] Additionally, the process 1400 may be performed under the
control of one or more computer systems configured with executable
instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable
instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more
applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by
hardware, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may be
stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium,
for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a
plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The
computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium may be
non-transitory.
[0172] At 1402, the process 1400 of encoding video data includes
generating an encoded video bitstream according to a first coding
protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one or more
enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream. In some embodiments, the encoded video
bitstream may be encoded using an HEVC coding technique, or other
suitable coding technique.
[0173] At 1404, the process 1400 includes determining that a syntax
element indicative of a number of video signal information syntax
structures provided in the encoded video bitstream is not present
in the video parameter set. For example, an encoder may determine
that a syntax element (e.g., vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1) that
indicates the number of video signal information syntax structures
to include in the video parameter set is not present in the video
parameter set (e.g., the VPS or VPS VUI).
[0174] At 1406, the process 1400 includes determining the number of
video signal information syntax structures to include in the video
parameter set when the syntax element indicative of the number of
video signal information syntax structures provided in the encoded
video bitstream is not present in the video parameter set. The
number is determined as a first value or a second value based on
whether a base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or
to be provided to a decoder from an external source. In some
embodiments, the number of video signal information syntax
structures to include in the video parameter set is determined as
the first value when it is determined that the base layer is
included in the encoded video bitstream, in which case the first
value is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded video
bitstream.
[0175] In some embodiments, the number of video signal information
syntax structures to include in the video parameter set is
determined as the second value when it is determined that the base
layer is to be provided to the decoder from the external source, in
which case the second value is equal to a maximum number of layers
of the encoded video bitstream minus one. In some embodiments, a
video signal information syntax structure is assigned to each of
the layers included in the encoded video bitstream, and no video
signal information syntax structure is assigned to the base layer
that is to be provided to the decoder from the external source. In
some embodiments, the base layer provided from the external source
is encoded according to a second coding protocol, the second coding
protocol being different than the first coding protocol. In some
examples, the first coding protocol includes a high efficiency
video coding protocol, and the second coding protocol includes an
advanced video coding protocol.
[0176] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a process 1500 of
decoding video data. The process 1500 is implemented to infer a
number of video signal information syntax structures in the VPS. In
some aspects, the process 1500 may be performed by a computing
device or an apparatus, such as the decoding device 112 shown in
FIG. 1 or in FIG. 17. For example, the computing device or
apparatus may include a decoder, or a processor, microprocessor,
microcomputer, or other component of an decoder that is configured
to carry out the steps of process 1500.
[0177] Process 1500 is illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the
operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be
implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination
thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations
represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more
processors, perform the recited operations. Generally,
computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform
particular functions or implement particular data types. The order
in which the operations are described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to
implement the processes.
[0178] Additionally, the process 1500 may be performed under the
control of one or more computer systems configured with executable
instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable
instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more
applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by
hardware, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may be
stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium,
for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a
plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The
computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium may be
non-transitory.
[0179] At 1502, the process 1500 of decoding video data includes
accessing an encoded video bitstream encoded according to a first
coding protocol. The encoded video bitstream includes one or more
enhancement layers and a video parameter set defining parameters of
the encoded video bitstream. In some embodiments, the encoded video
bitstream may be encoded using an HEVC coding technique, or other
suitable coding technique.
[0180] At 1504, the process 1500 includes determining that a syntax
element indicative of a number of video signal information syntax
structures provided in the encoded video bitstream is not present
in the video parameter set. For example, a decoder may determine
that a syntax element (e.g., vps_num_video_signal_info_minus1) that
indicates the number of video signal information syntax structures
to include in the video parameter set is not present in the video
parameter set. At 1506, the process 1500 includes determining
whether a base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream or
to be received from an external source. For example, the
determination of whether a base layer is included in the encoded
video bitstream or to be received from an external source may be
based on an indication provided to a decoder. The indication may be
conveyed through a syntax element of the VPS. In one example, a
syntax structure of the VPS may include a flag with a value (e.g.,
1 or 0) indicating to the decoder that the base layer is included
in the encoded video bitstream. In another example, a syntax
structure of the VPS may include a flag with a value (e.g., 1 or 0)
indicating to the decoder that the base layer is to be received
from an external source.
[0181] At 1508, the process 1500 includes determining the number of
video signal information syntax structures included in the video
parameter set to be a first value or a second value based on
whether the base layer is included in the encoded video bitstream
or to be received from the external source. In some embodiments,
the process 1500 includes determining the number of video signal
information syntax structures to be the first value when it is
determined that the base layer is included in the encoded video
bitstream, in which case the first value is equal to a maximum
number of layers of the encoded video bitstream.
[0182] In some embodiments, the process 1500 includes determining
the number of video signal information syntax structures to be the
second value when it is determined that the base layer is to be
received from the external source, in which case the second value
is equal to a maximum number of layers of the encoded video
bitstream minus one. In some embodiments, a video signal
information syntax structure is assigned to each of the layers
included in the encoded video bitstream, and no video signal
information syntax structure is assigned to the base layer that is
to be received from the external source. In some embodiments, the
base layer provided from the external source is encoded according
to a second coding protocol, the second coding protocol being
different than the first coding protocol. In some examples, the
first coding protocol includes a high efficiency video coding
protocol, and wherein the second coding protocol includes an
advanced video coding protocol.
[0183] In some aspects, the process 1500 is executable on a
wireless communication device. The wireless communication device
may include a memory configured to store the video data. The memory
may include storage 118 shown in FIG. 1. The wireless communication
device may also include a processor configured to execute
instructions to process the video data stored in the memory. The
processor may include the decoder engine 116 shown in FIG. 1, or
another suitable processor for processing video data. The wireless
communication device also includes a receiver configured to receive
the encoded video bitstream. The receiver may be a wireless
receiver (not shown) of the decoding device 112, or may be part of
a wireless transceiver (not shown) of the decoding device 112. In
some aspects, the wireless communication device is a cellular
telephone and the encoded video bitstream is modulated according to
a cellular communication standard. For example, the encoded video
bitstream may be modulated using a modulator (e.g., a Quadrature
Phase Shift modulator, a quadrature phase shift key modulator,
orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing modulator, or any other
suitable modulator, or a combination thereof).
[0184] The above-described techniques prevent signaling of
superfluous video signal information syntax structures when the
base layer is provided by an external source. Signaling of such
information even when the base layer is encoded according to a
separate protocol leads to inefficiencies because the extra video
signal information syntax structures are not needed.
[0185] The coding techniques discussed herein may be implemented in
an example video encoding and decoding system (e.g., system 100). A
system includes a source device that provides encoded video data to
be decoded at a later time by a destination device. In particular,
the source device provides the video data to destination device via
a computer-readable medium. The source device and the destination
device may comprise any of a wide range of devices, including
desktop computers, notebook (i.e., laptop) computers, tablet
computers, set-top boxes, telephone handsets such as so-called
"smart" phones, so-called "smart" pads, televisions, cameras,
display devices, digital media players, video gaming consoles,
video streaming device, or the like. In some cases, the source
device and the destination device may be equipped for wireless
communication.
[0186] The destination device may receive the encoded video data to
be decoded via the computer-readable medium. The computer-readable
medium may comprise any type of medium or device capable of moving
the encoded video data from source device to destination device. In
one example, computer-readable medium may comprise a communication
medium to enable source device to transmit encoded video data
directly to destination device in real-time. The encoded video data
may be modulated according to a communication standard, such as a
wireless communication protocol, and transmitted to destination
device. The communication medium may comprise any wireless or wired
communication medium, such as a radio frequency (RF) spectrum or
one or more physical transmission lines. The communication medium
may form part of a packet-based network, such as a local area
network, a wide-area network, or a global network such as the
Internet. The communication medium may include routers, switches,
base stations, or any other equipment that may be useful to
facilitate communication from source device to destination
device.
[0187] In some examples, encoded data may be output from output
interface to a storage device. Similarly, encoded data may be
accessed from the storage device by input interface. The storage
device may include any of a variety of distributed or locally
accessed data storage media such as a hard drive, Blu-ray discs,
DVDs, CD-ROMs, flash memory, volatile or non-volatile memory, or
any other suitable digital storage media for storing encoded video
data. In a further example, the storage device may correspond to a
file server or another intermediate storage device that may store
the encoded video generated by source device. Destination device
may access stored video data from the storage device via streaming
or download. The file server may be any type of server capable of
storing encoded video data and transmitting that encoded video data
to the destination device. Example file servers include a web
server (e.g., for a website), an FTP server, network attached
storage (NAS) devices, or a local disk drive. Destination device
may access the encoded video data through any standard data
connection, including an Internet connection. This may include a
wireless channel (e.g., a Wi-Fi connection), a wired connection
(e.g., DSL, cable modem, etc.), or a combination of both that is
suitable for accessing encoded video data stored on a file server.
The transmission of encoded video data from the storage device may
be a streaming transmission, a download transmission, or a
combination thereof.
[0188] The techniques of this disclosure are not necessarily
limited to wireless applications or settings. The techniques may be
applied to video coding in support of any of a variety of
multimedia applications, such as over-the-air television
broadcasts, cable television transmissions, satellite television
transmissions, Internet streaming video transmissions, such as
dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH), digital video that is
encoded onto a data storage medium, decoding of digital video
stored on a data storage medium, or other applications. In some
examples, system may be configured to support one-way or two-way
video transmission to support applications such as video streaming,
video playback, video broadcasting, and/or video telephony.
[0189] In one example the source device includes a video source, a
video encoder, and a output interface. The destination device may
include an input interface, a video decoder, and a display device.
The video encoder of source device may be configured to apply the
techniques disclosed herein. In other examples, a source device and
a destination device may include other components or arrangements.
For example, the source device may receive video data from an
external video source, such as an external camera. Likewise, the
destination device may interface with an external display device,
rather than including an integrated display device.
[0190] The example system above merely one example. Techniques for
processing video data in parallel may be performed by any digital
video encoding and/or decoding device. Although generally the
techniques of this disclosure are performed by a video encoding
device, the techniques may also be performed by a video
encoder/decoder, typically referred to as a "CODEC." Moreover, the
techniques of this disclosure may also be performed by a video
preprocessor. Source device and destination device are merely
examples of such coding devices in which source device generates
coded video data for transmission to destination device. In some
examples, the source and destination devices may operate in a
substantially symmetrical manner such that each of the devices
include video encoding and decoding components. Hence, example
systems may support one-way or two-way video transmission between
video devices, e.g., for video streaming, video playback, video
broadcasting, or video telephony.
[0191] The video source may include a video capture device, such as
a video camera, a video archive containing previously captured
video, and/or a video feed interface to receive video from a video
content provider. As a further alternative, the video source may
generate computer graphics-based data as the source video, or a
combination of live video, archived video, and computer-generated
video. In some cases, if video source is a video camera, source
device and destination device may form so-called camera phones or
video phones. As mentioned above, however, the techniques described
in this disclosure may be applicable to video coding in general,
and may be applied to wireless and/or wired applications. In each
case, the captured, pre-captured, or computer-generated video may
be encoded by the video encoder. The encoded video information may
then be output by output interface onto the computer-readable
medium.
[0192] As noted the computer-readable medium may include transient
media, such as a wireless broadcast or wired network transmission,
or storage media (that is, non-transitory storage media), such as a
hard disk, flash drive, compact disc, digital video disc, Blu-ray
disc, or other computer-readable media. In some examples, a network
server (not shown) may receive encoded video data from the source
device and provide the encoded video data to the destination
device, e.g., via network transmission. Similarly, a computing
device of a medium production facility, such as a disc stamping
facility, may receive encoded video data from the source device and
produce a disc containing the encoded video data. Therefore, the
computer-readable medium may be understood to include one or more
computer-readable media of various forms, in various examples.
[0193] The input interface of the destination device receives
information from the computer-readable medium. The information of
the computer-readable medium may include syntax information defined
by the video encoder, which is also used by the video decoder, that
includes syntax elements that describe characteristics and/or
processing of blocks and other coded units, e.g., group of pictures
(GOP). A display device displays the decoded video data to a user,
and may comprise any of a variety of display devices such as a
cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma
display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or another
type of display device. Various embodiments of the invention have
been described.
[0194] Specific details of the encoding device 104 and the decoding
device 112 are shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, respectively. FIG. 16
is a block diagram illustrating an example encoding device 104 that
may implement one or more of the techniques described in this
disclosure. Encoding device 104 may, for example, generate the
syntax structures described herein (e.g., the syntax structures of
a VPS, SPS, PPS, or other syntax elements). Encoding device 104 may
perform intra-prediction and inter-prediction coding of video
blocks within video slices. As previously described, intra-coding
relies, at least in part, on spatial prediction to reduce or remove
spatial redundancy within a given video frame or picture.
Inter-coding relies, at least in part, on temporal prediction to
reduce or remove temporal redundancy within adjacent or surrounding
frames of a video sequence. Intra-mode (I mode) may refer to any of
several spatial based compression modes. Inter-modes, such as
uni-directional prediction (P mode) or bi-prediction (B mode), may
refer to any of several temporal-based compression modes.
[0195] The encoding device 104 includes a partitioning unit 35,
prediction processing unit 41, filter unit 63, picture memory 64,
summer 50, transform processing unit 52, quantization unit 54, and
entropy encoding unit 56. Prediction processing unit 41 includes
motion estimation unit 42, motion compensation unit 44, and
intra-prediction processing unit 46. For video block
reconstruction, encoding device 104 also includes inverse
quantization unit 58, inverse transform processing unit 60, and
summer 62. Filter unit 63 is intended to represent one or more loop
filters such as a deblocking filter, an adaptive loop filter (ALF),
and a sample adaptive offset (SAO) filter. Although filter unit 63
is shown in FIG. 16 as being an in loop filter, in other
configurations, filter unit 63 may be implemented as a post loop
filter. A post processing device 57 may perform additional
processing on encoded video data generated by encoding device 104.
The techniques of this disclosure may in some instances be
implemented by encoding device 104. In other instances, however,
one or more of the techniques of this disclosure may be implemented
by post processing device 57.
[0196] As shown in FIG. 16, encoding device 104 receives video
data, and partitioning unit 35 partitions the data into video
blocks. The partitioning may also include partitioning into slices,
slice segments, tiles, or other larger units, as wells as video
block partitioning, e.g., according to a quadtree structure of LCUs
and CUs. Encoding device 104 generally illustrates the components
that encode video blocks within a video slice to be encoded. The
slice may be divided into multiple video blocks (and possibly into
sets of video blocks referred to as tiles). Prediction processing
unit 41 may select one of a plurality of possible coding modes,
such as one of a plurality of intra-prediction coding modes or one
of a plurality of inter-prediction coding modes, for the current
video block based on error results (e.g., coding rate and the level
of distortion, or the like). Prediction processing unit 41 may
provide the resulting intra- or inter-coded block to summer 50 to
generate residual block data and to summer 62 to reconstruct the
encoded block for use as a reference picture.
[0197] Intra-prediction processing unit 46 within prediction
processing unit 41 may perform intra-prediction coding of the
current video block relative to one or more neighboring blocks in
the same frame or slice as the current block to be coded to provide
spatial compression. Motion estimation unit 42 and motion
compensation unit 44 within prediction processing unit 41 perform
inter-predictive coding of the current video block relative to one
or more predictive blocks in one or more reference pictures to
provide temporal compression.
[0198] Motion estimation unit 42 may be configured to determine the
inter-prediction mode for a video slice according to a
predetermined pattern for a video sequence. The predetermined
pattern may designate video slices in the sequence as P slices, B
slices, or GPB slices. Motion estimation unit 42 and motion
compensation unit 44 may be highly integrated, but are illustrated
separately for conceptual purposes. Motion estimation, performed by
motion estimation unit 42, is the process of generating motion
vectors, which estimate motion for video blocks. A motion vector,
for example, may indicate the displacement of a prediction unit
(PU) of a video block within a current video frame or picture
relative to a predictive block within a reference picture.
[0199] A predictive block is a block that is found to closely match
the PU of the video block to be coded in terms of pixel difference,
which may be determined by sum of absolute difference (SAD), sum of
square difference (SSD), or other difference metrics. In some
examples, encoding device 104 may calculate values for sub-integer
pixel positions of reference pictures stored in picture memory 64.
For example, encoding device 104 may interpolate values of
one-quarter pixel positions, one-eighth pixel positions, or other
fractional pixel positions of the reference picture. Therefore,
motion estimation unit 42 may perform a motion search relative to
the full pixel positions and fractional pixel positions and output
a motion vector with fractional pixel precision.
[0200] Motion estimation unit 42 calculates a motion vector for a
PU of a video block in an inter-coded slice by comparing the
position of the PU to the position of a predictive block of a
reference picture. The reference picture may be selected from a
first reference picture list (List 0) or a second reference picture
list (List 1), each of which identify one or more reference
pictures stored in picture memory 64. Motion estimation unit 42
sends the calculated motion vector to entropy encoding unit 56 and
motion compensation unit 44.
[0201] Motion compensation, performed by motion compensation unit
44, may involve fetching or generating the predictive block based
on the motion vector determined by motion estimation, possibly
performing interpolations to sub-pixel precision. Upon receiving
the motion vector for the PU of the current video block, motion
compensation unit 44 may locate the predictive block to which the
motion vector points in a reference picture list. Encoding device
104 forms a residual video block by subtracting pixel values of the
predictive block from the pixel values of the current video block
being coded, forming pixel difference values. The pixel difference
values form residual data for the block, and may include both luma
and chroma difference components. Summer 50 represents the
component or components that perform this subtraction operation.
Motion compensation unit 44 may also generate syntax elements
associated with the video blocks and the video slice for use by
decoding device 112 in decoding the video blocks of the video
slice.
[0202] Intra-prediction processing unit 46 may intra-predict a
current block, as an alternative to the inter-prediction performed
by motion estimation unit 42 and motion compensation unit 44, as
described above. In particular, intra-prediction processing unit 46
may determine an intra-prediction mode to use to encode a current
block. In some examples, intra-prediction processing unit 46 may
encode a current block using various intra-prediction modes, e.g.,
during separate encoding passes, and intra-prediction unit
processing 46 may select an appropriate intra-prediction mode to
use from the tested modes. For example, intra-prediction processing
unit 46 may calculate rate-distortion values using a
rate-distortion analysis for the various tested intra-prediction
modes, and may select the intra-prediction mode having the best
rate-distortion characteristics among the tested modes.
Rate-distortion analysis generally determines an amount of
distortion (or error) between an encoded block and an original,
unencoded block that was encoded to produce the encoded block, as
well as a bit rate (that is, a number of bits) used to produce the
encoded block. Intra-prediction processing unit 46 may calculate
ratios from the distortions and rates for the various encoded
blocks to determine which intra-prediction mode exhibits the best
rate-distortion value for the block.
[0203] In any case, after selecting an intra-prediction mode for a
block, intra-prediction processing unit 46 may provide information
indicative of the selected intra-prediction mode for the block to
entropy encoding unit 56. Entropy encoding unit 56 may encode the
information indicating the selected intra-prediction mode. Encoding
device 104 may include in the transmitted bitstream configuration
data definitions of encoding contexts for various blocks as well as
indications of a most probable intra-prediction mode, an
intra-prediction mode index table, and a modified intra-prediction
mode index table to use for each of the contexts. The bitstream
configuration data may include a plurality of intra-prediction mode
index tables and a plurality of modified intra-prediction mode
index tables (also referred to as codeword mapping tables).
[0204] After prediction processing unit 41 generates the predictive
block for the current video block via either inter-prediction or
intra-prediction, encoding device 104 forms a residual video block
by subtracting the predictive block from the current video block.
The residual video data in the residual block may be included in
one or more TUs and applied to transform processing unit 52.
Transform processing unit 52 transforms the residual video data
into residual transform coefficients using a transform, such as a
discrete cosine transform (DCT) or a conceptually similar
transform. Transform processing unit 52 may convert the residual
video data from a pixel domain to a transform domain, such as a
frequency domain.
[0205] Transform processing unit 52 may send the resulting
transform coefficients to quantization unit 54. Quantization unit
54 quantizes the transform coefficients to further reduce bit rate.
The quantization process may reduce the bit depth associated with
some or all of the coefficients. The degree of quantization may be
modified by adjusting a quantization parameter. In some examples,
quantization unit 54 may then perform a scan of the matrix
including the quantized transform coefficients. Alternatively,
entropy encoding unit 56 may perform the scan.
[0206] Following quantization, entropy encoding unit 56 entropy
encodes the quantized transform coefficients. For example, entropy
encoding unit 56 may perform context adaptive variable length
coding (CAVLC), context adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC),
syntax-based context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (SBAC),
probability interval partitioning entropy (PIPE) coding or another
entropy encoding technique. Following the entropy encoding by
entropy encoding unit 56, the encoded bitstream may be transmitted
to decoding device 112, or archived for later transmission or
retrieval by decoding device 112. Entropy encoding unit 56 may also
entropy encode the motion vectors and the other syntax elements for
the current video slice being coded.
[0207] Inverse quantization unit 58 and inverse transform
processing unit 60 apply inverse quantization and inverse
transformation, respectively, to reconstruct the residual block in
the pixel domain for later use as a reference block of a reference
picture. Motion compensation unit 44 may calculate a reference
block by adding the residual block to a predictive block of one of
the reference pictures within a reference picture list. Motion
compensation unit 44 may also apply one or more interpolation
filters to the reconstructed residual block to calculate
sub-integer pixel values for use in motion estimation. Summer 62
adds the reconstructed residual block to the motion compensated
prediction block produced by motion compensation unit 44 to produce
a reference block for storage in picture memory 64. The reference
block may be used by motion estimation unit 42 and motion
compensation unit 44 as a reference block to inter-predict a block
in a subsequent video frame or picture.
[0208] In this manner, encoding device 104 of FIG. 16 represents an
example of a video encoder configured to generate syntax for a
encoded video bitstream. Encoding device 104 may, for example,
generate VPS, SPS, and PPS parameter sets as described above. The
encoding device 104 may perform any of the techniques described
herein, including the processes described above with respect to
FIGS. 7, 8, 10, 14, and 15. The techniques of this disclosure have
generally been described with respect to encoding device 104, but
as mentioned above, some of the techniques of this disclosure may
also be implemented by post processing device 57.
[0209] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example decoding
device 112. The decoding device 112 includes an entropy decoding
unit 80, prediction processing unit 81, inverse quantization unit
86, inverse transform processing unit 88, summer 90, filter unit
91, and picture memory 92. Prediction processing unit 81 includes
motion compensation unit 82 and intra prediction processing unit
84. Decoding device 112 may, in some examples, perform a decoding
pass generally reciprocal to the encoding pass described with
respect to encoding device 104 from FIG. 16.
[0210] During the decoding process, decoding device 112 receives an
encoded video bitstream that represents video blocks of an encoded
video slice and associated syntax elements sent by encoding device
104. In some embodiments, the decoding device 112 may receive the
encoded video bitstream from the encoding device 104. In some
embodiments, the decoding device 112 may receive the encoded video
bitstream from a network entity 79, such as a server, a media-aware
network element (MANE), a video editor/splicer, or other such
device configured to implement one or more of the techniques
described above. Network entity 79 may or may not include encoding
device 104. Some of the techniques described in this disclosure may
be implemented by network entity 79 prior to network entity 79
transmitting the encoded video bitstream to decoding device 112. In
some video decoding systems, network entity 79 and decoding device
112 may be parts of separate devices, while in other instances, the
functionality described with respect to network entity 79 may be
performed by the same device that comprises decoding device
112.
[0211] The entropy decoding unit 80 of decoding device 112 entropy
decodes the bitstream to generate quantized coefficients, motion
vectors, and other syntax elements. Entropy decoding unit 80
forwards the motion vectors and other syntax elements to prediction
processing unit 81. Decoding device 112 may receive the syntax
elements at the video slice level and/or the video block level.
Entropy decoding unit 80 may process and parse both fixed-length
syntax elements and variable-length syntax elements in or more
parameter sets, such as a VPS, SPS, and PPS.
[0212] When the video slice is coded as an intra-coded (I) slice,
intra prediction processing unit 84 of prediction processing unit
81 may generate prediction data for a video block of the current
video slice based on a signaled intra-prediction mode and data from
previously decoded blocks of the current frame or picture. When the
video frame is coded as an inter-coded (i.e., B, P or GPB) slice,
motion compensation unit 82 of prediction processing unit 81
produces predictive blocks for a video block of the current video
slice based on the motion vectors and other syntax elements
received from entropy decoding unit 80. The predictive blocks may
be produced from one of the reference pictures within a reference
picture list. Decoding device 112 may construct the reference frame
lists, List 0 and List 1, using default construction techniques
based on reference pictures stored in picture memory 92.
[0213] Motion compensation unit 82 determines prediction
information for a video block of the current video slice by parsing
the motion vectors and other syntax elements, and uses the
prediction information to produce the predictive blocks for the
current video block being decoded. For example, motion compensation
unit 82 may use one or more syntax elements in a parameter set to
determine a prediction mode (e.g., intra- or inter-prediction) used
to code the video blocks of the video slice, an inter-prediction
slice type (e.g., B slice, P slice, or GPB slice), construction
information for one or more reference picture lists for the slice,
motion vectors for each inter-encoded video block of the slice,
inter-prediction status for each inter-coded video block of the
slice, and other information to decode the video blocks in the
current video slice.
[0214] Motion compensation unit 82 may also perform interpolation
based on interpolation filters. Motion compensation unit 82 may use
interpolation filters as used by encoding device 104 during
encoding of the video blocks to calculate interpolated values for
sub-integer pixels of reference blocks. In this case, motion
compensation unit 82 may determine the interpolation filters used
by encoding device 104 from the received syntax elements, and may
use the interpolation filters to produce predictive blocks.
[0215] Inverse quantization unit 86 inverse quantizes, or
de-quantizes, the quantized transform coefficients provided in the
bitstream and decoded by entropy decoding unit 80. The inverse
quantization process may include use of a quantization parameter
calculated by encoding device 104 for each video block in the video
slice to determine a degree of quantization and, likewise, a degree
of inverse quantization that should be applied. Inverse transform
processing unit 88 applies an inverse transform (e.g., an inverse
DCT or other suitable inverse transform), an inverse integer
transform, or a conceptually similar inverse transform process, to
the transform coefficients in order to produce residual blocks in
the pixel domain.
[0216] After motion compensation unit 82 generates the predictive
block for the current video block based on the motion vectors and
other syntax elements, decoding device 112 forms a decoded video
block by summing the residual blocks from inverse transform
processing unit 88 with the corresponding predictive blocks
generated by motion compensation unit 82. Summer 90 represents the
component or components that perform this summation operation. If
desired, loop filters (either in the coding loop or after the
coding loop) may also be used to smooth pixel transitions, or to
otherwise improve the video quality. Filter unit 91 is intended to
represent one or more loop filters such as a deblocking filter, an
adaptive loop filter (ALF), and a sample adaptive offset (SAO)
filter. Although filter unit 91 is shown in FIG. 17 as being an in
loop filter, in other configurations, filter unit 91 may be
implemented as a post loop filter. The decoded video blocks in a
given frame or picture are then stored in picture memory 92, which
stores reference pictures used for subsequent motion compensation.
Picture memory 92 also stores decoded video for later presentation
on a display device, such as video destination device 122 shown in
FIG. 1.
[0217] In the foregoing description, aspects of the application are
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those
skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited
thereto. Thus, while illustrative embodiments of the application
have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that
the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and
employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed
to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.
Various features and aspects of the above-described invention may
be used individually or jointly. Further, embodiments can be
utilized in any number of environments and applications beyond
those described herein without departing from the broader spirit
and scope of the specification. The specification and drawings are,
accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive. For the purposes of illustration, methods were
described in a particular order. It should be appreciated that in
alternate embodiments, the methods may be performed in a different
order than that described.
[0218] Where components are described as being "configured to"
perform certain operations, such configuration can be accomplished,
for example, by designing electronic circuits or other hardware to
perform the operation, by programming programmable electronic
circuits (e.g., microprocessors, or other suitable electronic
circuits) to perform the operation, or any combination thereof.
[0219] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits,
and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments
disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware,
computer software, firmware, or combinations thereof. To clearly
illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,
various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and
steps have been described above generally in terms of their
functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as
hardware or software depends upon the particular application and
design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans
may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each
particular application, but such implementation decisions should
not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the
present invention.
[0220] The techniques described herein may also be implemented in
electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or any
combination thereof. Such techniques may be implemented in any of a
variety of devices such as general purposes computers, wireless
communication device handsets, or integrated circuit devices having
multiple uses including application in wireless communication
device handsets and other devices. Any features described as
modules or components may be implemented together in an integrated
logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic
devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may be realized
at least in part by a computer-readable data storage medium
comprising program code including instructions that, when executed,
performs one or more of the methods described above. The
computer-readable data storage medium may form part of a computer
program product, which may include packaging materials. The
computer-readable medium may comprise memory or data storage media,
such as random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic
random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile
random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, magnetic or optical data
storage media, and the like. The techniques additionally, or
alternatively, may be realized at least in part by a
computer-readable communication medium that carries or communicates
program code in the form of instructions or data structures and
that can be accessed, read, and/or executed by a computer, such as
propagated signals or waves.
[0221] The program code may be executed by a processor, which may
include one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal
processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, an application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic
arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic
circuitry. Such a processor may be configured to perform any of the
techniques described in this disclosure. A general purpose
processor may be a microprocessor; but in the alternative, the
processor may be any conventional processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be
implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration. Accordingly, the term
"processor," as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing
structure, any combination of the foregoing structure, or any other
structure or apparatus suitable for implementation of the
techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the
functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated
software modules or hardware modules configured for encoding and
decoding, or incorporated in a combined video encoder-decoder
(CODEC).
* * * * *