U.S. patent application number 16/265099 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for method and apparatus for decoupling frame number and/or picture order count (poc) for multi-view video encoding and decoding.
The applicant listed for this patent is Interdigital VC Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cristina Gomila Torres, Purvin Bibhas PANDIT, Yeping Su, Peng Yin.
Application Number | 20190238834 16/265099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40925508 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190238834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PANDIT; Purvin Bibhas ; et
al. |
August 1, 2019 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DECOUPLING FRAME NUMBER AND/OR PICTURE
ORDER COUNT (POC) FOR MULTI-VIEW VIDEO ENCODING AND DECODING
Abstract
There is disclosed and described a decoder and decoding method
for decoding at least one picture corresponding to at least one of
at least two views of multi-view video content from a bitstream,
wherein in the bitstream at least one of coding order information
and output order information for the at least one picture is
decoupled from the at least one view to which the at least one
picture corresponds. Furthermore, there is disclosed and described
an encoder and encoding method for encoding at least one picture
corresponding to at least one of at least two views of multi-view
video content to form a resultant bitstream, wherein in the
resultant bitstream at least one of coding order information and
output order information for the at least one picture is decoupled
from the at least one view to which the at least one picture
corresponds.
Inventors: |
PANDIT; Purvin Bibhas;
(Franklin Park, NJ) ; Su; Yeping; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Yin; Peng; (Ithaca, NY) ; Gomila Torres;
Cristina; (Cesson-Sevigne Cedex, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Interdigital VC Holdings, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40925508 |
Appl. No.: |
16/265099 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15463184 |
Mar 20, 2017 |
10244231 |
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16265099 |
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12309063 |
Jan 5, 2009 |
9641842 |
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PCT/US2007/015678 |
Jul 5, 2007 |
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15463184 |
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60818874 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 19/61 20141101;
H04N 19/513 20141101; H04N 19/597 20141101; H04N 19/103 20141101;
H04N 19/70 20141101; H04N 19/46 20141101; H04N 19/176 20141101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 19/103 20060101
H04N019/103; H04N 19/597 20060101 H04N019/597; H04N 19/513 20060101
H04N019/513; H04N 19/46 20060101 H04N019/46; H04N 19/70 20060101
H04N019/70; H04N 19/61 20060101 H04N019/61; H04N 19/176 20060101
H04N019/176 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for multi-view video encoding, comprising: an
encoder for encoding at least one picture corresponding to at least
one of at least two views of multi-view video content to form a
resultant bitstream, wherein in the resultant bitstream at least
one of coding order information and output order information for
the at least one picture is determined from the at least one view
to which the at least one picture corresponds, wherein said encoder
determines the at least one of the coding order information and
output order information for the at least one picture based on a
view identifier and the view identifier is present at a level
higher than a macroblock level in the resultant bitstream; and
wherein said encoder includes the view identifier in the resultant
bitstream for use by a decoded reference picture marking
process.
2. A method for multi-view video encoding, comprising: encoding at
least one picture corresponding to at least one of at least two
views of multi-view video content to form a resultant bitstream,
wherein in the resultant bitstream at least one of coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture is determined from the at least one view to which the at
least one picture corresponds wherein said encoding step determines
the at least one of the coding order information and output order
information for the at least one picture based on a view identifier
and the view identifier is present at a level higher than a
macroblock level in the resultant bitstream; and wherein said
encoding step includes the view identifier in the resultant
bitstream for use by a decoded reference picture marking process.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/818,874, filed Jul. 6, 2006, and U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/807,706, filed Jul. 18, 2006,
which are incorporated by reference herein in their respective
entireties. Further, this application is related to the
non-provisional application, Attorney Docket No. PU060220, entitled
"Method and Apparatus for Decoupling Frame Number and/or Picture
Order Count (POC) for Multi-view Video Encoding and Decoding",
which is commonly assigned, incorporated by reference herein, and
currently filed herewith.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present principles relate generally to video encoding
and decoding and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for
decoupling frame number and/or Picture Order Count (POC) for
multi-view video encoding and decoding.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC)
Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (MPEG-4) Part 10 Advanced Video
Coding (AVC) standard/International Telecommunication Union,
Telecommunication Sector (ITU-T) H.264 recommendation (hereinafter
the "MPEG-4 AVC standard"), the syntax element frame_num is used as
an identifier for pictures and has several constraints as defined
in the MPEG-4 AVC standard. The primary purpose of frame_num is to
act as a counter that increments each time a picture is decoded so
that if there are losses of data, the decoder can detect that some
picture(s) were missing and would be able to conceal the problem.
frame_num increases in decoding order of access units and does not
necessarily indicate display order. The Memory Management Control
Operations (MMCO) use the value of frame_num to mark pictures as
long term and short term references; or mark reference pictures as
unused for reference pictures. frame_num is also used for the
default reference list ordering for P and SP slices.
[0004] The Picture Order Count in the MPEG-4 AVC standard is an
indication of the timing or output ordering of a particular
picture. Picture order count is a variable having a value that is
non-decreasing with increasing picture position in output order
relative to the previous Instantaneous Decoding Refresh (IDR)
picture in decoding order or relative to the previous picture
containing the memory management control operation that marks all
reference pictures as "unused for reference". Picture Order Count
is derived from slice header syntax elements. Picture Order Count
is used in the derivation of motion vectors in temporal DIRECT
mode, implicit weighted prediction, and default initial reference
picture list ordering for B slices.
[0005] In particular, DIRECT mode motion parameters using temporal
correlation are typically derived for the current macroblock/block
by considering the motion information within a co-located position
in a subsequent reference picture or more precisely the first List
1 reference. Turning to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrating temporal
DIRECT prediction in B slice coding is indicated generally by the
reference numeral 100. Following the presumption that an object is
moving with constant speed these parameters are scaled according to
the temporal distances (as shown in FIG. 1) of the reference
pictures involved. The motion vectors {right arrow over
(MV)}.sub.L0 and {right arrow over (MV)}.sub.L1 for a DIRECT coded
block versus the motion vector {right arrow over (MV)} of its
co-located position in the first List 1 reference are calculated as
follows:
X=(16384+abs(TD.sub.D/2))TD.sub.D (1)
ScaleFactor=clip(-1024,1023,(TD.sub.D.times.X+32)>>6) (2)
{right arrow over (MV)}.sub.L0=(ScaleFactor.times.{right arrow over
(MV)}+128)>>8 (3)
{right arrow over (MV)}.sub.L1={right arrow over
(MV)}.sub.L0-{right arrow over (MV)} (4)
[0006] In the preceding equations, TD.sub.B and TD.sub.D are the
temporal distances, or more precisely Picture Order Count (POC)
distances, of the reference picture used by the List 0 motion
vector of the co-located block in the List 1 picture compared to
the current and the List 1 picture, respectively. The List 1
reference picture and the reference in List 0 referred by the
motion vectors of the co-located block in List 1 are used as the
two references of DIRECT mode. If the reference index refIdxL0
refers to a long-term reference picture, or DiffPicOrderCnt(pic1,
pic0) is equal to 0, the motion vectors {right arrow over
(MV)}.sub.L0 and {right arrow over (MV)}.sub.L1, for the direct
mode partition are derived by the following:
{right arrow over (MV)}.sub.L0=mv of the collocated macroblock
{right arrow over (MV)}.sub.L1=0
[0007] The implicit weighted prediction tool also uses Picture
Order Count information to determine the weights. In weighted
prediction (WP) implicit mode, weighting factors are not explicitly
transmitted in the slice header, but instead are derived based on
relative distances between the current picture and the reference
pictures. Implicit mode is used only for bi-predictively coded
macroblocks and macroblock partitions in B slices, including those
using DIRECT mode. For implicit mode the formula shown in Equation
(1) is used, except that the offset values O.sub.0 and O.sub.1 are
equal to zero, and the weighting factors W.sub.0 and W.sub.1 are
derived using the formulas below in Equation (6) to Equation
(10).
predPartC[x,y]=Clip1C(((predPartL0C[x,y]*w0+predPartL1C[x,y]*w1+2
log WD)>>(log WD+1))+((o0+o1+1)>>1)) (5)
X=(16384+(TD.sub.D>>1))/TD.sub.D (6)
Z=clip3(-1024,1023,(TD.sub.BX+32)>>6) (7)
W.sub.1=Z>>2 (8)
W.sub.0=64-W.sub.y (9)
[0008] This is a division-free, 16-bit safe operation
implementation of the following:
W.sub.1=(64TD.sub.D)/TD.sub.B (10)
DiffPicOrderCnt(picA,picB)=PicOrderCnt(picA)-PicOrderCnt(picB)
(11)
where TD.sub.B is temporal difference between the List 1 reference
picture and the List 0 reference picture, clipped to the range
[-128, 127] and TD.sub.B is the difference of the current picture
and the List 0 reference picture, clipped to the range [-128, 127].
In Multi-view Video Coding, there can be cases where TD.sub.D can
evaluate to zero (this happens when DiffPicOrderCnt(pic1, pic2) in
Equation (11) becomes zero). In such a case, the weights W.sub.0
and W.sub.1 are set to 32.
[0009] In the current MPEG-4 AVC compliant implementation of
Multi-view Video Coding (MVC), the reference software achieves
multi-view prediction by interleaving all video sequences into a
single stream. In this way, frame_num and Picture Order Count
between views are coupled together. This has several disadvantages.
One disadvantage is there will be gaps in the value of frame_num
for partial decoding. This may complicate the management of
reference picture lists or make error loss detection based on
frame_num gap impossible. Another disadvantage is Picture Order
Count does not have a real physical meaning, which can break any
coding tool which relies upon Picture Order Count information, such
as temporal DIRECT mode or implicit weighed prediction. Yet another
disadvantage is that the coupling makes parallel coding of
multi-view sequences more difficult.
SUMMARY
[0010] These and other drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art
are addressed by the present principles, which are directed to a
method and apparatus for decoupling frame number and Picture Order
Count (POC) for multi-view video encoding and decoding.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present principles, there is
provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes an encoder for
encoding at least one picture corresponding to at least one of at
least two views of multi-view video content to form a resultant
bitstream. In the resultant bitstream at least one of coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture is decoupled from the at least one view to which the at
least one picture corresponds.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present principles, there
is provided a method. The method includes encoding at least one
picture corresponding to at least one of at least two views of
multi-view video content to form a resultant bitstream. In the
resultant bitstream at least one of coding order information and
output order information for the at least one picture is decoupled
from the at least one view to which the at least one picture
corresponds.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present principles,
there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes an encoder
for encoding at least one of at least two views corresponding to
multi-view video content. The encoder encodes the at least one of
the at least two views using redefined variables in a default
reference picture list construction process and reference picture
list reordering corresponding to the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving
Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0014] According to still another aspect of the present principles,
there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes an encoder
for encoding at least one of at least two views corresponding to
multi-view video content. The encoder encodes the at least one of
the at least two views using redefined variables in a decoded
reference picture marking process of the International Organization
for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission
Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0015] According to a further aspect of the present principles,
there is provided a method. The method includes encoding at least
one of at least two views corresponding to multi-view video
content. The encoding step encodes the at least one of the at least
two views using redefined variables in a default reference picture
list construction process and reference picture list reordering
corresponding to the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving
Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0016] According to a yet further aspect of the present principles,
there is provided a method. The method includes encoding at least
one of at least two views corresponding to multi-view video
content. The encoding step encodes the at least one of the at least
two views using redefined variables in a decoded reference picture
marking process of the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving
Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0017] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present principles will become apparent from the following detailed
description of exemplary embodiments, which is to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present principles may be better understood in
accordance with the following exemplary figures, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating temporal DIRECT prediction
in B slice coding;
[0020] FIG. 2A is a block diagram for an exemplary Multi-view Video
Coding (MVC) encoder to which the present principles may be
applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0021] FIG. 2B is a block diagram for an exemplary Multi-view Video
Coding (MVC) decoder to which the present principles may be
applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified decoded reference
picture marking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified decoded reference
picture marking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for yet another exemplary method
for encoding multi-view video content using modified reference
picture list construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present principles;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for yet another exemplary method
for decoding multi-view video content using modified reference
picture list construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present principles;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using temporal DIRECT mode and
implicit weighted prediction, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present principles;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method
encoding multi-view video content using temporal DIRECT mode and
implicit weighted prediction, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present principles;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified decoded reference
picture marking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles; and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified decoded reference
picture marking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified decoded reference
picture marking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified decoded reference
picture marking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction and frame number calculation, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present principles;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction and frame number calculation, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present principles;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction and frame number calculation, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present principles;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction and frame number calculation, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present principles.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list initialization with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR)
commands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
encoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list initialization with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR)
commands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram for an exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR)
commands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles; and
[0043] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram for another exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR)
commands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
principles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The present principles are directed to a method and
apparatus for decoupling frame number and Picture Order Count (POC)
for multi-view video encoding and decoding.
[0045] The present description illustrates the present principles.
It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be
able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly
described or shown herein, embody the present principles and are
included within its spirit and scope.
[0046] All examples and conditional language recited herein are
intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in
understanding the present principles and the concepts contributed
by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed
as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples
and conditions.
[0047] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles,
aspects, and embodiments of the present principles, as well as
specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both
structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is
intended that such equivalents include both currently known
equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e.,
any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless
of structure.
[0048] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that the block diagrams presented herein represent
conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the present
principles. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts,
flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the like
represent various processes which may be substantially represented
in computer readable media and so executed by a computer or
processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly
shown.
[0049] The functions of the various elements shown in the figures
may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as
hardware capable of executing software in association with
appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions
may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared
processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of
which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor"
or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to
hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include,
without limitation, digital signal processor ("DSP") hardware,
read-only memory ("ROM") for storing software, random access memory
("RAM"), and non-volatile storage.
[0050] Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be
included. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are
conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the
operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the
interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even
manually, the particular technique being selectable by the
implementer as more specifically understood from the context.
[0051] In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for
performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of
performing that function including, for example, a) a combination
of circuit elements that performs that function or b) software in
any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like,
combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to
perform the function. The present principles as defined by such
claims reside in the fact that the functionalities provided by the
various recited means are combined and brought together in the
manner which the claims call for. It is thus regarded that any
means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to
those shown herein.
[0052] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" of the present principles means that a particular
feature, structure, characteristic, and so forth described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present principles. Thus, the appearances of the
phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in
various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment.
[0053] As used herein, "high level syntax" refers to syntax present
in the bitstream that resides hierarchically above the macroblock
layer. For example, high level syntax, as used herein, may refer
to, but is not limited to, syntax at the slice header level,
Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) level, picture parameter
set level, sequence parameter set level and NAL unit header
level.
[0054] Further, as used herein, "previously unused syntax" refers
to syntax that does not yet exist in any currently known video
coding standards and recommendations and extensions thereof
including, but not limited to, the MPEG-4 AVC standard.
[0055] Also, as used herein, "coding order information" refers to
information present in a video bitstream that indicates the order
in which the pictures in the bitstream are coded and/or decoded.
Coding order information may include, for example, frame_num.
[0056] Additionally, as used herein, "output order information"
refers to information present in a video bitstream that indicates
the order in which the pictures in the bitstream are output. Output
order information may include, for example, a Picture Order Count
(POC) value.
[0057] Moreover, it is to be appreciated that while the present
principles are described herein with respect to the MPEG-4 AVC
standard, the present principles are not limited to solely this
standard and, thus, may be utilized with respect to other video
coding standards and extensions thereof, including extensions of
the MPEG-4 AVC standard, while maintaining the spirit of the
present principles.
[0058] Further, as interchangeably used herein, "cross-view" and
"inter-view" both refer to pictures that belong to a view other
than a current view.
[0059] Turning to FIG. 2A, an exemplary. Multi-view Video Coding
(MVC) encoder is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100.
The encoder 100 includes a combiner 105 having an output connected
in signal communication with an input of a transformer 110. An
output of the transformer 110 is connected in signal communication
with an input of quantizer 115. An output of the quantizer 115 is
connected in signal communication with an input of an entropy coder
120 and an input of an inverse quantizer 125. An output of the
inverse quantizer 125 is connected in signal communication with an
input of an inverse transformer 130. An output of the inverse
transformer 130 is connected in signal communication with a first
non-inverting input of a combiner 135. An output of the combiner
135 is connected in signal communication with an input of an intra
predictor 145 and an input of a deblocking filter 150. An output of
the deblocking filter 150 is connected in signal communication with
an input of a reference picture store 155 (for view i). An output
of the reference picture store 155 is connected in signal
communication with a first input of a motion compensator 175 and a
first input of a motion estimator 180. An output of the motion
estimator 180 is connected in signal communication with a second
input of the motion compensator 175
[0060] An output of a reference picture store 160 (for other views)
is connected in signal communication with a first input of a
disparity estimator 170 and a first input of a disparity
compensator 165. An output of the disparity estimator 170 is
connected in signal communication with a second input of the
disparity compensator 165.
[0061] An output of the entropy decoder 120 is available as an
output of the encoder 100. A non-inverting input of the combiner
105 is available as an input of the encoder 100, and is connected
in signal communication with a second input of the disparity
estimator 170, and a second input of the motion estimator 180. An
output of a switch 185 is connected in signal communication with a
second non-inverting input of the combiner 135 and with an
inverting input of the combiner 105. The switch 185 includes a
first input connected in signal communication with an output of the
motion compensator 175, a second input connected in signal
communication with an output of the disparity compensator 165, and
a third input connected in signal communication with an output of
the intra predictor 145.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 2B, an exemplary Multi-view Video Coding
(MVC) decoder is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3200.
The decoder 3200 includes an entropy decoder 3205 having an output
connected in signal communication with an input of an inverse
quantizer 3210. An output of the inverse quantizer is connected in
signal communication with an input of an inverse transformer 3215.
An output of the inverse transformer 3215 is connected in signal
communication with a first non-inverting input of a combiner 3220.
An output of the combiner 3220 is connected in signal communication
with an input of a deblocking filter 3225 and an input of an intra
predictor 3230. An output of the deblocking filter 3225 is
connected in signal communication with an input of a reference
picture store 3240 (for view i). An output of the reference picture
store 3240 is connected in signal communication with a first input
of a motion compensator 3235.
[0063] An output of a reference picture store 3245 (for other
views) is connected in signal communication with a first input of a
disparity compensator 3250.
[0064] An input of the entropy coder 3205 is available as an input
to the decoder 3200, for receiving a residue bitstream. Moreover, a
control input of the switch 3255 is also available as an input to
the decoder 3200, for receiving control syntax to control which
input is selected by the switch 3255. Further, a second input of
the motion compensator 3235 is available as an input of the decoder
3200, for receiving motion vectors. Also, a second input of the
disparity compensator 3250 is available as an input to the decoder
3200, for receiving disparity vectors.
[0065] An output of a switch 3255 is connected in signal
communication with a second non-inverting input of the combiner
3220. A first input of the switch 3255 is connected in signal
communication with an output of the disparity compensator 3250. A
second input of the switch 3255 is connected in signal
communication with an output of the motion compensator 3235. A
third input of the switch 3255 is connected in signal communication
with an output of the intra predictor 3230. An output of the mode
module 3260 is connected in signal communication with the switch
3255 for controlling which input is selected by the switch 3255. An
output of the deblocking filter 3225 is available as an output of
the decoder.
[0066] In accordance with the present principles, several changes
are proposed to the high level syntax of the MPEG-4 AVC standard
for efficient coding of a multi-view video sequence. In an
embodiment, it is proposed to decouple the frame number (frame_num)
and/or Picture Order Count (POC) values between views when coding a
multi-view video sequence. One possible application is we can apply
MPEG-4 AVC compliant decoding and output process for each view
independently. In an embodiment, the frame number and/or Picture
Order Count values between views are decoupled by sending a view-id
for each of the views. Previously, it has been simply proposed to
add a view identifier (view_id) in high level syntax, since view_id
information is needed for several Multi-view Video Coding (MVC)
requirements including view interpolation/synthesis, view random
access, parallel processing, and so forth. The view_id information
can also be useful for special coding modes that only relate to
cross-view prediction. It is this view_id that is used in
accordance with the present principles to decouple the frame number
and Picture Order Count values between the views of multi-view
video content. Moreover, in an embodiment, a solution is proposed
for fixing the coding tools in the MPEG-4 AVC standard with respect
to multi-view Video Coding
[0067] In an embodiment, each view will have a different view_id,
thus allowing the same frame_num and POC to be reused for different
views.
TABLE-US-00001 T0 T8 T4 T2 T6 T1 T3 T5 T7 (Time) S0 I0 I8 B4 B2 B6
B1 B3 B5 B7 (View 0 slice types) S1 B0 B8 B4 B2 B6 B1 B3 B5 B7
(View 1 slice types) S2 P0 P8 B4 B2 B6 B1 B3 B5 B7 (View 2 slice
types) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (frame_num)
[0068] There are several ways in which the different views can be
coded to enable parallel processing. One possible way is to encode
in such a way that the pictures in one view are coded first for a
GOP followed by pictures from another view for the same GOP size
until all the views have been encoded for that GOP. The process is
then repeated for other GOPs. In the illustration above, first the
pictures in view S0 are coded followed by pictures from view S2 and
then S1.
[0069] Another possible way would be to code all the picture in all
the views belonging to the same time instance to be coded first
followed by another set of pictures belonging to another time
instance in all the views. This process is repeated till all the
pictures have been coded. In the illustration above, first all the
pictures in view S0, S1, S2 at time instance T0 are coded followed
by T8, T4 etc. This invention is agnostic to the order in which the
pictures are encoded.
[0070] Hereinafter, we will discuss changes to the MPEG-4 AVC
standard in accordance with various embodiments of the present
principles. We will also show how one or more of the changes can
enable parallel coding of multi-view sequences. However, it is to
be appreciated that while the present principles are primarily
described herein with respect to the MPEG-4 AVC standard, the
present principles may be implemented with respect to extensions of
the MPEG-4 AVC standard as well as other video coding standards and
recommendations and extensions thereof, as readily determined by
one of ordinary skill in this and related arts given the teachings
of the present principles provided herein, while maintaining the
scope of the present principles.
Decoded Reference Picture Marking Process
[0071] In the current MPEG-4 AVC standard, it is not permitted to
have multiple pictures with the same frame_num in the decoded
picture buffer (DPB). However, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present principles, this restriction may be relaxed in
Multi-view Video Coding (MVC), since we decouple the frame_num
and/or Picture Order Count, i.e., we propose that each view have
its own independent frame_num and/or Picture Order Count values. In
order to allow this, in an embodiment, we associate view_id with
the decoded pictures. This introduces another dimension for each
picture. Thus, in an embodiment, the decoded reference picture
marking process is redefined to include the view_id.
[0072] There are two methods by which the MPEG-4 AVC standard
allows decoded reference picture marking. The first method for
decoded reference picture marking in the MPEG-4 AVC standard
involves sliding window decoded reference picture marking. The
second method for decoded reference picture marking in the MPEG-4
AVC standard involves adaptive memory control decoded reference
picture marking.
[0073] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
principles, one or more of these methods are altered to take into
account the new view_id that is present in the slice header. Table
1 illustrates the slice header syntax in accordance with an
embodiment of the present principles.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 slice_header( ) { C Descriptor
first_mb_in_slice 2 ue(v) slice_type 2 ue(v) pic_parameter_set_id 2
ue(v) if (nal_unit_type == 22 || nal_unit_type == 23) {
view_parameter_set_id 2 ue(v) view_id 2 ue(v) } frame_num 2 u(v)
if( !frame_mbs_only_flag ) { field_pic_flag 2 u(1) if(
field_pic_flag ) bottom_field_flag 2 u(1) } ........ }
[0074] For the first method for decoded reference picture marking
in the MPEG-4 AVC standard, a default behavior should be specified
when there are pictures with the same frame_num/POC value but with
different view_id values. One embodiment of such default behavior
in accordance with the present principles is only to apply MMCO
commands to those pictures with the same view_id as the current
decoded picture.
[0075] For the second method for decoded reference picture marking
in the MPEG-4 AVC standard, various embodiments in accordance with
the present principles are provided where we introduce new Memory
Management Control Operations (MMCO) commands and/or modify the
existing MMCO commands in the MPEG-4 AVC standard to take into
consideration the view_id of the picture that needs to be marked.
One embodiment of redefining the existing MMCO (when
memory_management_control_operation is equal to 1), involves the
following:
[0076] Let picNumX be specified by the following:
picNumX=CurrPicNum-(difference_of_pic_nums_minus1+1).
viewIdX=CurrViewId-(difference_of_view_ids_minus1+1).
where picNumX, CurrPicNum, difference_of_pic_nums_minus1 are as
defined in the current MPEG-4 AVC standard and viewIdX is the
viewId of the picture that is to be marked using the MMCO command,
CurrViewId is the viewId of the current decoded picture, and
difference_of_view_ids_minus1 is the difference between the current
viewId and the viewId of the picture that is to be marked using the
MMCO command.
[0077] Additionally, for the default behavior of the sliding window
decoded reference picture marking process only pictures with the
same view_id as the current picture are to be considered to be
marked as "unused for reference".
[0078] Turning to FIG. 3, an exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified decoded reference picture
marking is indicated generally by the reference numeral 300 which
uses view first coding.
[0079] The method 300 includes a start block 305 that passes
control to a function block 310. The function block 310 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
315. The function block 315 lets the number of views be N, with
variables i (view number index) and j (picture number index) both
being set equal to zero, and passes control to a decision block
320. The decision block 320 determines whether or not i is less
than N. If so, then control is passed to a decision block 325.
Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 399.
[0080] The decision block 325 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 330. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 350.
[0081] The function block 330 encodes picture j in view i,
increments j, and passes control to a decision block 335. The
decision block 335 determines whether or not a Memory Management
Control Operations (MMCO) command is associated with the current
picture. If so, then control is passed to a function block 340.
Otherwise, control is passed to a function block 355.
[0082] The function block 340 calculates
difference_of_pic_nums_minus1 and difference_of_view_ids_minus1 to
determine the picture and view_id of the reference picture to be
marked as "unused for reference", and passes control to a function
block 345. The function block 345 inserts the current picture in
the decoded picture buffer (DPB), and passes control to a function
block 360. The function block 360 changes frame_num and the Picture
Order Count (POC) for the current view_id, and returns control to
the function block 325.
[0083] The function block 350 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 320.
[0084] The function block 355 selects the picture with a view_id
equal to the view_id of the current picture to be marked as "unused
for reference" for use by the MPEG-4 AVC process for sliding window
reference picture marking, and passes control to the function block
355.
[0085] Turning to FIG. 4, an exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified decoded reference picture
marking is indicated generally by the reference numeral 400.
[0086] The method 400 includes a start block 405 that passes
control to a function block 410. The function block 410 parses the
bitstream, view_id, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC), and
passes control to a function block 415. The function block 415
decodes the current picture, and passes control to a decision block
420. The decision block 420 determines whether or not a Memory
Management Control Operations (MMCO) command is present. If so,
then control is passed to a function block 425. Otherwise, control
is passed to a function block 440
[0087] The function block 425 parses difference_of_pic_nums_minus1
and difference_of_view_ids_minus1 to determine the picture and
view_id of the reference picture to be "unused for reference", and
passes control to a function block 430. The function block 430
inserts the current picture in the decoder picture buffer (DPB),
and passes control to a decision block 435. The decision block 435
determines whether or not all pictures have been decoded. If so,
then control is passed to an end block 499. Otherwise, control is
returned to the function block 410.
[0088] The function block 440 selects the picture with the view_id
equal to the view_id of the current picture to be marked as "unused
for reference" for use with the MPEG-4 AVC process for sliding
window decoded reference picture marking, and passes control to the
function block 430.
[0089] Turning to FIG. 15, an exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified decoded reference picture
marking is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1500.
[0090] The method 1500 includes a start block 1505 that passes
control to a function block 1510. The function block 1510 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
1515. The function block 1515 lets the number of views be N, with
variables i (view number index) and j (picture number index) both
being set equal to zero, and passes control to a decision block
1520. The decision block 1520 determines whether or not i is less
than N. If so, then control is passed to a decision block 1525.
Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 1599.
[0091] The decision block 1525 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1530. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1550.
[0092] The function block 1530 encodes picture j in view i,
increments j, and passes control to a decision block 1535. The
decision block 1535 determines whether or not a Memory Management
Control Operations (MMCO) command is associated with the current
picture. If so, then control is passed to a function block 1540.
Otherwise, control is passed to a function block 1555.
[0093] The function block 1540 performs the associated MMCO command
only with respect to a picture with a view_id equal to the view_id
of the current picture, and passes control to a function block
1545. The function block 1545 inserts the current picture in the
decoded picture buffer (DPB), and passes control to a function
block 1560. The function block 1560 changes frame_num and the
Picture Order Count (POC) for the current view_id, and returns
control to the function block 1525. The function block 1550
increments i, resets frame_num and Picture Order Count (POC), and
returns control to the decision block 1520.
[0094] The function block 1555 selects the picture with a view_id
equal to the view_id of the current picture to be marked as "unused
for reference" for use by the MPEG-4 AVC process for sliding window
reference picture marking, and passes control to the function block
1555.
[0095] Turning to FIG. 16, an exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified decoded reference picture
marking is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1600.
[0096] The method 1600 includes a start block 1605 that passes
control to a function block 1610. The function block 1610 parses
the bitstream, view_id, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC),
and passes control to a function block 1615. The function block
1615 decodes the current picture, and passes control to a decision
block 1620. The decision block 1620 determines whether or not a
Memory Management Control Operations (MMCO) command is present. If
so, then control is passed to a function block 1625. Otherwise,
control is passed to a function block 1640.
[0097] The function block 1625 parses MMCO commands and performs
the MMCO commands only with respect to a picture with a view_id
equal to the view_id of the current picture, and passes control to
a function block 1630. The function block 1630 inserts the current
picture in the decoder picture buffer (DPB), and passes control to
a decision block 1635. The decision block 1635 determines whether
or not all pictures have been decoded. If so, then control is
passed to an end block 1699. Otherwise, control is returned to the
function block 1610.
[0098] The function block 1640 selects the picture with the view_id
equal to the view_id of the current picture to be marked as "unused
for reference" for use with the MPEG-4 AVC process for sliding
window decoded reference picture marking, and passes control to the
function block 1630.
Reference Picture Lists Construction
[0099] In accordance with an embodiment of the present principles,
we associate view_id with the decoded reference pictures.
Accordingly, in an embodiment, we redefine the initialization
process for reference pictures and the reordering process for
reference picture lists to include the view_id.
[0100] The MPEG-4 AVC standard specifies a default process to
initialize the reference lists for P and B slices. This default
process can then be modified by special Reference Picture List
Reordering (RPLR) commands, which are present in the bitstream.
[0101] This default ordering and re-ordering of reference pictures
is based on frame_num and Picture Order Count values. However,
since we allow a picture with the same frame_num/POC value to be
present in the Decoder Picture Buffer (DPB), we need to distinguish
between the same frame_num/POC values using view_id. In an
embodiment, one or more of these processes to set the reference
picture lists is changed.
[0102] One embodiment of the default initialization process to
initialize the reference lists for P and B slices involves allowing
only temporal reference pictures in the reference list and ignoring
all pictures with a view_id that is different from the view_id of
the current picture. The temporal reference pictures would follow
the same default initialization process specified in the MPEG-4 AVC
standard. Another embodiment involves placing only the cross-view
reference in the list such that the closest view_id is placed
earlier in the list. Another embodiment involves initializing the
reference lists using temporal references first, then placing the
cross-view reference frames at certain fixed locations, for example
at the end of the reference lists under construction.
[0103] For the Reference Picture List Reordering commands to
re-order the list, in an embodiment, new commands are introduced
and/or the semantics of existing commands are modified to take into
consideration the view_id of the picture that needs to be
moved.
[0104] In an embodiment, we redefine the MPEG-4 AVC standard
variables used in this process as below, so the Reference Picture
List Reordering commands specified in the MPEG-4 AVC standard
remains unchanged.
[0105] One embodiment where we redefine the variables of the MPEG-4
AVC standard relating to reordering the reference lists is shown
below. In this embodiment, the following applies:
FrameNum=frame_num*N+view_id; and
MaxFrameNum=2.sup.(log
2.sup._.sup.max.sup._.sup.frame.sup._.sup.num.sup._.sup.minus4+4)*N.
[0106] The variable CurrPicNum is derived as follows: if
field_pic_flag is equal to 0, then CurrPicNum is set equal to
frame_num*N+view_id; and otherwise, if field_pic_flag is equal to
1, then CurrPicNum is set equal to 2*(frame_num*N+view_id)+1.
[0107] The Picture Order Count for a slice in the MPEG-4 AVC
standard is defined as follows: [0108] if(picX is a frame or a
complementary field pair) [0109]
PicOrderCnt(picX)=Min(TopFieldOrderCnt, BottomFieldOrderCnt) of the
frame or complementary field pair picX [0110] else if(picX is a top
field) [0111] PicOrderCnt(picX)=TopFieldOrderCnt of field picX
[0112] else if(picX is a bottom field) [0113]
PicOrderCnt(picX)=BottomFieldOrderCnt of field picX
[0114] For Multi-view Video Coding slices, the Picture Order Count
is derived as follows for the decoding process for reference
picture list construction and the decoded reference picture marking
process:
PicOrderCnt(picX)=PicOrderCnt(picX)*N+view_id;
where N denotes the number of views. The number of views is
indicated using a high level syntax in the bitstream and can be
conveyed in-band or out-of-band. One embodiment is to include this
in parameter sets of the MPEG-4 AVC standard (e.g., Sequence
Parameter Set (SPS), Picture Parameter Set (PPS), or View Parameter
Set (VPS)).
[0115] Another embodiment of redefining the variables of the MPEG-4
AVC standard relating to reordering the reference lists is shown
below. In this embodiment, the following applies:
FrameNum=GOP_length*view_id+frame_num.
[0116] For Multi-view Video Coding slices, the Picture Order Count
is derived as follows for the decoding process for reference
picture list construction and decoded reference picture marking
process:
PicOrderCnt(picX)=PicOrderCnt(picX)+GOP_length*view_id,
where GOP_length is defined as an anchor picture and all pictures
that are temporally located between the anchor picture and the
previous anchor picture for each view.
[0117] In another embodiment, we change the semantics of the
existing RPLR commands such that they apply only the pictures that
have the same view_id as the current view.
[0118] Turning to FIG. 5, an exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction is indicated generally by the reference numeral 500.
The method 500 includes a start block 505 that passes control to a
function block 510. The function block 510 reads the encoder
configuration file, and passes control to a function block 515. The
function block 515 lets the number of views be equal to a variable
N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture number
index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a decision
block 520. The decision block 520 determines whether or not i is
less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function block 525.
Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 599.
[0119] The function block 525 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 530. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 545.
[0120] The function block 530, for inter pictures, includes only
pictures with a view_id equal to the view_id of the current picture
for use by the MPEG-4 AVC processor for reference list
initialization, and passes control to a function block 532. The
function block 532 reorders the reference list, and passes control
to a function block 535. The function block 535 encodes picture j
in view i, increments j, and passes control to a function block
540. The function block 540 increments frame_num and Picture Order
Count (POC), and returns control to the decision block 525.
[0121] The function block 545 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 520.
[0122] Turning to FIG. 6, another exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction is indicated generally by the reference numeral
600.
[0123] The method 600 includes a start block 605 that passes
control to a function block 610. The function block 610 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
615. The function block 615 lets the number of views be equal to a
variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 620. The decision block 620 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 625. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 699.
[0124] The function block 625 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 630. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 645.
[0125] The function block 630, for inter pictures, initialize the
reference lists with only pictures with a view_id different than
the view_id of the current picture, sampled at the same time as the
current picture and ordered such that the closest view_id's are
placed earlier in the list, and passes control to a function block
632. The function block 632 reorders the reference list, and passes
control to a function block 635. The function block 635 encodes
picture j in view i, increments j, and passes control to a function
block 640. The function block 640 increments frame_num and Picture
Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision block
625.
[0126] The function block 645 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 620.
[0127] Turning to FIG. 7, yet another exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction is indicated generally by the reference numeral
700.
[0128] The method 700 includes a start block 705 that passes
control to a function block 710. The function block 710 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
715. The function block 715 lets the number of views be equal to a
variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 720. The decision block 720 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 725. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 799.
[0129] The function block 725 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 730. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 745.
[0130] The function block 730 includes only pictures with a view_id
equal to the view_id of the current picture for use by the MPEG-4
AVC processor for reference list initialization, and passes control
to a function block 732. The function block 732 inserts cross-view
pictures, with the same temporal location as the current picture,
at the end of the reference list, and passes control to a function
block 735. The function block 735 encodes picture j in view i,
increments j, and passes control to a function block 740. The
function block 740 increments frame_num and Picture Order Count
(POC), and returns control to the decision block 725.
[0131] The function block 745 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 720.
[0132] Turning to FIG. 8, an exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction is indicated generally by the reference numeral 800.
The method 800 includes a start block 805 that passes control to a
function block 810. The function block 810 parses the bitstream,
view_id, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC), and passes
control to a function block 815. The function block 815 includes
only pictures with a view_id equal to the view_id of the current
picture for use by the MPEG-4 AVC process for reference list
initialization, and passes control to a function block 820. The
function block 820 decodes the current picture, and passes control
to a function block 825. The function block 825 inserts the current
picture in the decoded picture buffer, and passes control to a
decision block 830. The decision block 830 determines whether or
not all pictures have been decoded. If so, then control is passed
to an end block 899. Otherwise, control is returned to the function
block 810.
[0133] Turning to FIG. 9, another exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction is indicated generally by the reference numeral 900.
The method 900 includes a start block 905 that passes control to a
function block 910. The function block 910 parses the bitstream,
view_id, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC), and passes
control to a function block 915. The function block 915 initializes
the reference lists with only pictures with a view_id different
than the view_id of the current picture, sampled at the same time
as the current picture and ordered such that the closest view_id's
are placed earlier in the list, and passes control to a function
block 920. The function block 920 decodes the current picture, and
passes control to a function block 925. The function block 925
inserts the current picture in the decoded picture buffer (DPB),
and passes control to a decision block 930. The decision block 930
determines whether or not all pictures have been decoded. If so,
then control is passed to an end block 999. Otherwise, control is
returned to the function block 910.
[0134] Turning to FIG. 10, yet another exemplary method for
decoding multi-view video content using modified reference picture
list construction is indicated generally by the reference numeral
1000. The method 1000 includes a start block 1005 that passes
control to a function block 1010. The function block 1010 parses
the bitstream, view_id, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC),
and passes control to a function block 1015. The function block
1015 includes only pictures with a view_id equal to the view_id of
the current picture for use by the MPEG-4 AVC process for reference
list initialization, and passes control to a function block 1020.
The function block 1020 inserts cross-view pictures, with the same
temporal location as the current picture, at the end of the
reference list, and passes control to a function block 1025. The
function block 1025 inserts the current picture in the decoded
picture buffer, and passes control to a decision block 1030. The
decision block 1030 determines whether or not all pictures have
been decoded. If so, then control is passed to an end block 1099.
Otherwise, control is returned to the function block 1010.
[0135] Turning to FIG. 17, an exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction and frame number calculation is indicated generally by
the reference numeral 1700.
[0136] The method 1700 includes a start block 1705 that passes
control to a function block 1710. The function block 1710 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
1715. The function block 1715 lets the number of views be equal to
a variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 1720. The decision block 1720 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 1725. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 1799.
[0137] The function block 1725 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1730. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1745.
[0138] The function block 1730 sets frame_num=frame_num*N+view_id,
sets PicOrderCnt(picX)=PicOrderCnt(picX)*N view_id, and passes
control to a function block 1735. The function block 1735 encodes
picture j in view i, increments j, and passes control to a function
block 1740. The function block 1740 increments frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 1725.
[0139] The function block 1745 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 1720.
[0140] Turning to FIG. 18, another exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction and frame number calculation is indicated generally by
the reference numeral 1800.
[0141] The method 1800 includes a start block 1805 that passes
control to a function block 1810. The function block 1810 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
1815. The function block 1815 lets the number of views be equal to
a variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 1820. The decision block 1820 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 1825. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 1899.
[0142] The function block 1825 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1830. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1845.
[0143] The function block 1830 sets
frame_num=GOP_length*view_id+frame_num, sets
PicOrderCnt(picX)=PicOrderCnt(PicX)+GOP_length*view_id, and passes
control to a function block 1835. The function block 1835 encodes
picture j in view i, increments j, and passes control to a function
block 1840. The function block 1840 increments frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 1825.
[0144] The function block 1845 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 1820.
[0145] Turning to FIG. 19, an exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction and frame number calculation is indicated generally by
the reference numeral 1900. The method 1900 includes a start block
1905 that passes control to a function block 1910. The function
block 910 parses the bitstream, view_id, frame_num, and Picture
Order Count (POC), and passes control to a function block 1915. The
function block 1915 sets frame_num=frame_num*N+view_id, sets
PicOrderCnt(picX)=PicOrderCnt(picX)*N+view_id, and passes control
to a function block 1920. The function block 1920 decodes the
current picture, and passes control to a function block 1925. The
function block 1925 inserts the current picture in the decoded
picture buffer (DPB), and passes control to a decision block 1930.
The decision block 1930 determines whether or not all pictures have
been decoded. If so, then control is passed to an end block 1999.
Otherwise, control is returned to the function block 1910.
[0146] Turning to FIG. 20, another exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction and frame number calculation is indicated generally by
the reference numeral 2000. The method 2000 includes a start block
2005 that passes control to a function block 2010. The function
block 2010 parses the bitstream, view_id, frame_num, and Picture
Order Count (POC), and passes control to a function block 2015. The
function block 2015 sets frame_num=GOP_length*view_id_frame_num,
sets PicOrderCnt(picX)=PicOrderCnt(picX)+GOP_length*view_id, and
passes control to a function block 2020. The function block 2020
decodes the current picture, and passes control to a function block
2025. The function block 2025 inserts the current picture in the
decoded picture buffer (DPB), and passes control to a decision
block 2030. The decision block 2030 determines whether or not all
pictures have been decoded. If so, then control is passed to an end
block 2099. Otherwise, control is returned to the function block
2010.
[0147] Turning to FIG. 21, an exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
initialization with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR)
commands is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2100.
[0148] The method 2100 includes a start block 2105 that passes
control to a function block 2110. The function block 2110 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
2115. The function block 2115 lets the number of views be equal to
a variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 2120. The decision block 2120 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 2125. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 2199.
[0149] The function block 2125 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 2130. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 2145.
[0150] The function block 2130, for inter pictures, performs
default reference list initialization, and passes control to a
function block 2132. The function block 2132 reads RPLR commands
from the encoder configuration file, and passes control to a
function block 2134. The function block 2134 performs the RPLR
commands only with respect to the picture with a view_id equal to
the view_id of the current picture, and passes control to a
function block 2135. The function block 2135 encodes picture j in
view i, increments j, and passes control to a function block 2140.
The function block 2140 increments frame_num and Picture Order
Count (POC), and returns control to the decision block 2130.
[0151] The function block 2145 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 2120.
[0152] Turning to FIG. 22, another exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
initialization with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR)
commands is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2200.
[0153] The method 2200 includes a start block 2205 that passes
control to a function block 2210. The function block 2210 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
2215. The function block 2215 lets the number of views be equal to
a variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 2220. The decision block 2220 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 2225. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 2299.
[0154] The function block 2225 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 2230. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 2245.
[0155] The function block 2230, for inter pictures, performs
default reference list initialization, and passes control to a
function block 2232. The function block 2232 reads RPLR commands
from the encoder configuration file, and passes control to a
function block 2234. The function block 2234 performs the RPLR
commands on the picture specified in the view_id indicated in the
RPLR command, and passes control to a function block 2235. The
function block 2235 encodes picture j in view i, increments j, and
passes control to a function block 2240. The function block 2240
increments frame_num and Picture Order Count (POC), and returns
control to the decision block 2230.
[0156] The function block 2245 increments i, resets frame_num and
Picture Order Count (POC), and returns control to the decision
block 2220.
[0157] Turning to FIG. 23, an exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR) commands
is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2300. The method
2300 includes a start block 2305 that passes control to a function
block 2310. The function block 2310 parses the bitstream, view_id,
frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC), and passes control to a
function block 2315. The function block 2315 includes only pictures
with a view_id equal to the view_id of the current picture for use
by the MPEG-4 AVC process for reference list initialization, and
passes control to a function block 2317. The function block 2317
reads the RPLR commands, and passes control to a function block
2319. The function block 2319 performs the RPLR commands only with
respect to a picture with a view_id equal to the view_id of the
current picture, and passes control to a function block 2320. The
function block 2320 decodes the current picture, and passes control
to a function block 2325. The function block 2325 inserts the
current picture in the decoded picture buffer, and passes control
to a decision block 2330. The decision block 2330 determines
whether or not all pictures have been decoded. If so, then control
is passed to an end block 2399: Otherwise, control is returned to
the function block 2310.
[0158] Turning to FIG. 24, another exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified reference picture list
construction with Reference Picture List Reordering (RPLR) commands
is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2400. The method
2400 includes a start block 2405 that passes control to a function
block 2410. The function block 2410 parses the bitstream, view_id;
frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC), and passes control to a
function block 2415. The function block 2415 includes only pictures
with a view_id equal to the view_id of the current picture for use
by the MPEG-4 AVC process for reference list initialization, and
passes control to a function block 2417. The function block 2417
reads the RPLR commands, and passes control to a function block
2419. The function block 2419 performs the RPLR commands only with
respect to a picture with a view_id equal to the view_id of the
current picture, and passes control to a function block 2420. The
function block 2420 decodes the current picture, and passes control
to a function block 2425. The function block 2325 inserts the
current picture in the decoded picture buffer, and passes control
to a decision block 2430. The decision block 2430 determines
whether or not all pictures have been decoded. If so, then control
is passed to an end block 2499. Otherwise, control is returned to
the function block 2410.
Temporal DIRECT Mode
[0159] As mentioned above, temporal DIRECT mode uses the Picture
Order Count information to derive the motion vector for a given
macroblock. Since we decouple the frame_num and/or Picture Order
Count values, introduce the view_id for each view of multi-view
video content, and allow placing cross-view pictures in the decoder
picture buffer and reference lists, in an embodiment, we also
refine this mode to handle the derivations correctly where
cross-view pictures refer to the pictures from a view that is
different from the current view.
[0160] In temporal DIRECT mode, we have the following exemplary
cases:
[0161] (1) picture in ref list 1 and picture in ref list 0 have
different POC and same view_id;
[0162] (2) picture in ref list 1 and picture in ref list 0 have
different POC and different view_id;
[0163] (3) picture in ref list 1 and picture in ref list 0 have
same POC and different view_id; and
[0164] (4) picture in ref list 1 and picture in ref list 0 have
same POC and same view_id.
[0165] One embodiment of obtaining the motion vector in temporal
DIRECT mode is to use the existing MPEG-4 AVC method of simply
ignoring the view_id information present in the bitstream. In
another embodiment, we redefine temporal DIRECT mode to take into
consideration view_id information along with the Picture Order
Count information.
Implicit Weighted Prediction
[0166] Similar to temporal DIRECT mode, implicit weighted
prediction (as discussed above) also uses Picture Order Count
values to determine the weights to be applied to the reference
pictures. As a result, in an embodiment, all the changes that apply
to temporal DIRECT mode will indirectly fix the implicit weighted
prediction mode. In another embodiment, the method to obtain
weights in implicit weighted prediction mode can be redefined to
take into consideration view_id information along with the Picture
Order Count information. For example, we may calculate the Picture
Order Count by taking into consideration the view_id information
and the number of views as described above and thereafter take the
difference between Picture Order Counts in order to obtain the
required values to perform implicit weighted prediction.
[0167] Turning to FIG. 11, an exemplary method for encoding
multi-view video content using temporal DIRECT mode and implicit
weighted prediction is indicated generally by the reference numeral
1100.
[0168] The method 1100 includes a start block 1105 that passes
control to a function block 1110. The function block 1110 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
1115. The function block 1115 lets the number of views be equal to
a variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 1120. The decision block 1120 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 1125. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 1199.
[0169] The function block 1125 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a decision block 1132. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1145.
[0170] The decision block 1132 determines whether or not weighted
prediction is enabled for the current slice. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1134. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1136.
[0171] The function block 1134 ignores view_id information for
weighted prediction, and passes control to the function block
1136.
[0172] The function block 1136 starts encoding a current
macroblock, and passes control to a decision block 1138. The
decision block 1138 determines whether or not to choose direct mode
for the macroblock. If so, then control is passed to a function
block 1142. Otherwise, control is passed to a function block
1152.
[0173] The function block 1142 ignores view_id for direct mode, and
passes control to the function block 1152.
[0174] The function block 1152 encodes the current macroblock, and
passes control to a decision block 1154. The decision block 1154
determines whether or not all macroblock have been encoded. If so,
the control is passed to a function block 1156. Otherwise, control
is returned to the function block 1136.
[0175] The function block 1156 increment the variable j, and passes
control to a function block 1140. The function block 1140
increments fram_num and Picture Order Count, and returns control to
the decision block 1125.
[0176] The function block 1145 increments i, resets fram_num and
Picture Order Count, and returns control to the decision block
1120.
[0177] Turning to FIG. 12, another exemplary method encoding
multi-view video content using temporal DIRECT mode and implicit
weighted prediction is indicated generally by the reference numeral
1200.
[0178] The method 1200 includes a start block 1205 that passes
control to a function block 1210. The function block 1210 reads the
encoder configuration file, and passes control to a function block
1215. The function block 1215 lets the number of views be equal to
a variable N, sets variables i (view number index) and j (picture
number index) to both be equal to zero, and passes control to a
decision block 1220. The decision block 1220 determines whether or
not i is less than N. If so, the control is passed to a function
block 1225. Otherwise, control is passed to an end block 1299.
[0179] The function block 1225 determines whether or not j is less
than the number of pictures in view i. If so, then control is
passed to a decision block 1232. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1245.
[0180] The decision block 1232 determines whether or not weighted
prediction is enabled for the current slice. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1234. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1236.
[0181] The function block 1234 ignores view_id information for
weighted prediction, and passes control to the function block
1236.
[0182] The function block 1236 starts encoding a current
macroblock, and passes control to a decision block 1238. The
decision block 1238 determines whether or not to choose direct mode
for the macroblock. If so, then control is passed to a function
block 1242. Otherwise, control is passed to a function block
1252.
[0183] The function block 1242 considers view_id for direct mode,
and passes control to the function block 1252.
[0184] The function block 1252 encodes the current macroblock, and
passes control to a decision block 1254. The decision block 1254
determines whether or not all macroblock have been encoded. If so,
the control is passed to a function block 1256. Otherwise, control
is returned to the function block 1236.
[0185] The function block 1256 increment the variable j, and passes
control to a function block 1240. The function block 1240
increments fram_num and Picture Order Count, and returns control to
the decision block 1225.
[0186] The function block 1245 increments i, resets fram_num and
Picture Order Count, and returns control to the decision block
1220
[0187] Turning to FIG. 13, an exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified decoded reference picture
marking is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1300.
[0188] The method 1300 includes a start block 1305 that passes
control to a function block 1310. The function block 1310 parses
the bitstream, view_id, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC),
and passes control to a function block 1315. The function block
1315 parses the macroblock mode, the motion vector, ref_idx, and
passes control to a decision block 1320. The decision block 1320
determines whether or not weighted prediction is enabled for the
picture. If so, the control is passed to a function block 1325.
Otherwise, control is passed to a decision block 1330.
[0189] The function block 1325 ignores view_id information for
weighted prediction, and passes control to the decision block
1330.
[0190] The decision block 1330 determines whether or not a
macroblock is a direct mode macroblock. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1355. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1335.
[0191] The function block 1355 ignores view_id information for
direct mode, and passes control to a function block 1335.
[0192] The function block 1335 decodes the current macroblock, and
passes control to a decision block 1340. The decision block 1340
determines whether or not all macroblocks have been decoded. If so,
the control is passed to a function block 1345. Otherwise, control
is returned to the function block 1315.
[0193] The function block 1345 inserts the current picture in the
decoded picture buffer, and passes control to a decision block
1350. The decision block 1350 determines whether or not all
pictures have been decoded. If so, the control is passed to an end
block 1399. Otherwise, control is returned to the function block
1310.
[0194] Turning to FIG. 14, another exemplary method for decoding
multi-view video content using modified decoded reference picture
marking is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1400.
[0195] The method 1400 includes a start block 1405 that passes
control to a function block 1410. The function block 1410 parses
the bitstream, frame_num, and Picture Order Count (POC), and passes
control to a function block 1415. The function block 1415 parses
the macroblock mode, the motion vector, ref_idx, and passes control
to a decision block 1420. The decision block 1420 determines
whether or not weighted prediction is enabled for the picture. If
so, the control is passed to a function block 1425. Otherwise,
control is passed to a decision block 1430.
[0196] The function block 1425 ignores view_id information for
weighted prediction, and passes control to the decision block
1430.
[0197] The decision block 1430 determines whether or not a
macroblock is a direct mode macroblock. If so, then control is
passed to a function block 1455. Otherwise, control is passed to a
function block 1435.
[0198] The function block 1455 considers view_id information for
direct mode, and passes control to a function block 1435.
[0199] The function block 1435 decodes the current macroblock, and
passes control to a decision block 1440. The decision block 1440
determines whether or not all macroblocks have been decoded. If so,
the control is passed to a function block 1445. Otherwise, control
is returned to the function block 1415.
[0200] The function block 1445 inserts the current picture in the
decoded picture buffer, and passes control to a decision block
1450. The decision block 1450 determines whether or not all
pictures have been decoded. If so, the control is passed to an end
block 1499. Otherwise, control is returned to the function block
1410.
Parallel Coding of MVC
[0201] Due to the amount of data involved in the processing of
multi-view video content sequences, support for parallel
encoding/decoding in Multi-view Video Coding is very important for
many applications, especially those with a real-time constraint. In
the current MPEG-4 AVC compliant implementation of Multi-view Video
Coding, cross-view prediction is enabled but there is no provision
to distinguish temporal references from cross-view references. By
adding view_id support in the Multi-view Video Coding encoder
and/or decoder and including view_id's in the construction of
decoded reference picture management and reference list
construction as we proposed herein, the data dependency between
parallel processing engines is clearly defined, which facilitates
parallel implementation for the MVC codec.
[0202] A description will now be given of some of the many
attendant advantages/features of the present invention, some of
which have been mentioned above. For example, one advantage/feature
is an apparatus that includes an encoder for encoding at least one
picture corresponding to at least one of at least two views of
multi-view video content to form a resultant bitstream. In the
resultant bitstream at least one of coding order information and
output order information for the at least one picture is decoupled
from the at least one view to which the at least one picture
corresponds.
[0203] Another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder as described above, wherein the encoder decouples the at
least one of the coding order information and output order
information for the at least one picture using at least one
existing syntax element (frame_num and pic_order_cnt_lsb)
corresponding to the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving
Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0204] Yet another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder as described above, wherein the encoder decouples the at
least one of the coding order information and output order
information for the at least one picture using a view
identifier.
[0205] Yet still another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
view identifier is present at a slice level in the resultant
bitstream.
[0206] Yet still a further advantage/feature is the apparatus
having the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding
order information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
view identifier is present at a level higher than a macroblock
level in the resultant bitstream.
[0207] Moreover, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier present at the higher level as
described above, wherein the encoder includes the view identifier
in the resultant bitstream for use by a decoded reference picture
marking process.
[0208] Further, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that includes the view identifier in the resultant
bitstream for use by the decoded reference picture marking process
as described above, wherein the encoder includes the view
identifier in the resultant bitstream to indicate to which of the
at least two views a particular picture to be marked by the decoded
reference picture marking process belongs.
[0209] Also, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder uses at least one existing syntax element
(no_output_of_prior_pics_flag, long_term_reference_flag,
adaptive_ref_pic_marking_mode_flag,
memory_management_control_operation, difference_of_pic_nums_minus1,
long_term_pic_num, long_term_frame_idx,
max_long_term_frame_idx_plus1) with semantics of the at least one
existing syntax element redefined for use in a redefined decoded
reference picture marking process corresponding to the
International Organization for Standardization/International
Electrotechnical Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10
Advanced Video Coding standard/International Telecommunication
Union, Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation to support a
use of the view identifier in the redefined decoded reference
picture marking process.
[0210] Additionally, another advantage/feature is the apparatus
having the encoder that uses the view identifier and at least one
existing syntax element as described above, wherein in the
redefined decoded reference picture marking process, only pictures
with a same view identifier as a currently decoded picture are
marked.
[0211] Moreover, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that uses the view identifier and at least one existing
syntax element as described above, wherein at least one of a
sliding window decoded reference picture marking process and an
adaptive memory control decoded reference picture marking process
are applied.
[0212] Further, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that uses the view identifier and at least one existing
syntax element as described above, wherein in the redefined decoded
reference picture marking process, pictures which have a different
view identifier than that of the at least one picture are marked
using a previously unused syntax element
(difference_of_view_ids_minus1).
[0213] Also, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder includes the view identifier in the resultant bitstream for
default reference picture list construction.
[0214] Additionally, another advantage/feature is the apparatus
having the encoder that includes the view identifier in the
resultant bitstream for the default reference picture list
construction as described above, wherein inter-view reference
pictures are prohibited from being added to a reference list for a
default reference picture list creation process corresponding to
the reference picture list construction, according to at least one
existing syntax element (frame_num and pic_order_cnt_lsb), existing
semantics, and an existing decoding process for the reference
picture list construction with an additional support from a view
identifier, the existing syntax, the existing semantics, and the
existing decoding process corresponding to the International
Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical
Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video
Coding standard/International Telecommunication Union,
Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0215] Additionally, another advantage/feature is the apparatus
having the encoder that includes the view identifier in the
resultant bitstream for the default reference picture list
construction as described above, wherein only inter-view reference
pictures are added to a reference list for a default reference
picture list creation process corresponding to the reference
picture list construction, according to at least one existing
syntax element (frame_num and pic_order_cnt_lsb) for the default
reference picture list construction with an additional support from
a view identifier.
[0216] Moreover, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder wherein only inter-view reference pictures are added to
the reference list for the default reference picture list creation
process as described above, wherein the inter-view reference
pictures are added after temporal references.
[0217] Further, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder uses at least one existing syntax element
(ref_pic_list_reordering_flag_l0, reordering_of_pic_nums_idc,
abs_diff_pic_num_minus1, long_term_pic_num,
ref_pic_list_reordering_flag_l1, reordering_of_pic_nums_idc,
abs_diff_pic_num_minus1, long_term_pic_num) redefined for use in a
redefined reference picture list reordering process corresponding
to the International Organization for Standardization/International
Electrotechnical Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10
Advanced Video Coding standard/International Telecommunication
Union, Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation to support a
use of the view identifier in the redefined reference picture list
reordering process.
[0218] Also, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder that uses the view identifier and the at least one existing
syntax element as described above, wherein in the redefined
reference picture list reordering process, only pictures with a
same view identifier as a currently decoded picture are
reordered.
[0219] Additionally, another advantage/feature is the apparatus
having the encoder wherein only pictures with the same view
identifier as the currently decoded picture are reordered as
described above, wherein the view identifier indicates to which of
the at least two views corresponds a particular picture to be moved
to a current index in a corresponding reference picture list.
[0220] Moreover, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder wherein only pictures with the same view identifier as
the currently decoded picture are reordered as described above,
wherein the view identifier is only required when the view
identifier of a reference picture to be ordered is different from
that of the at least one picture.
[0221] Further, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder uses an existing syntax element (pic_order_cnt_lsb)
redefined for temporal DIRECT mode, the existing syntax
corresponding to the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving
Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation to support a use of the view identifier
in the temporal DIRECT mode.
[0222] Further, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that uses the view identifier and the existing syntax
element as described above, wherein the temporal DIRECT mode is
derived based on at least one of a Picture Order Count value and a
view identifier.
[0223] Also, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder uses an existing syntax element (pic_order_cnt_lsb),
existing semantics, and an existing decoding process for temporal
DIRECT mode, the existing syntax, the existing semantics, and the
existing decoding process corresponding to the International
Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical
Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video
Coding standard/International Telecommunication Union,
Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0224] Additionally, another advantage/feature is the apparatus
having the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding
order information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder uses an existing syntax element (pic_order_cnt_lsb)
redefined for implicit weighted prediction, the existing syntax
corresponding to the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving
Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding
standard/International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication
Sector H.264 recommendation to support a use of the view identifier
in the implicit weighted prediction.
[0225] Moreover, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that uses the view identifier and the existing syntax
element as described above, wherein the implicit weighted
prediction is derived based on at least one of a Picture Order
Count value and a view identifier.
[0226] Further, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having
the encoder that decouples the at least one of the coding order
information and output order information for the at least one
picture using the view identifier as described above, wherein the
encoder uses an existing syntax element (pic_order_cnt_lsb),
existing semantics, and an existing decoding process for implicit
weighted prediction, the existing syntax, the existing semantics,
and the existing decoding process corresponding to the
International Organization for Standardization/International
Electrotechnical Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10
Advanced Video Coding standard/International Telecommunication
Union, Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0227] Also, another advantage/feature is the apparatus having the
encoder as described above, wherein the encoder uses a particular
one of the at least two views corresponding to a particular picture
to specify an inter-view dependency in a parallel encoding of
different ones of the at least two views.
[0228] Yet another advantage/feature is an apparatus that includes
an encoder for encoding at least one of at least two views
corresponding to multi-view video content. The encoder encodes the
at least one of the at least two views using redefined variables in
a default reference picture list construction process and reference
picture list reordering corresponding to the International
Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical
Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video
Coding standard/International Telecommunication Union,
Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0229] Moreover, another advantage/feature is an apparatus that
includes the encoder as described above, wherein at least one of a
number of views and view identifier information is used to redefine
the variables.
[0230] Further, another advantage/feature is an apparatus that
includes the encoder as described above, wherein at least one of a
Group Of Pictures length and view identifier information is used to
redefine the variables.
[0231] Yet another advantage/feature is an apparatus that includes
an encoder for encoding at least one of at least two views
corresponding to multi-view video content. The encoder encodes the
at least one of the at least two views using redefined variables in
a decoded reference picture marking process of the International
Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical
Commission Moving Picture Experts Group-4 Part 10 Advanced Video
Coding standard/International Telecommunication Union,
Telecommunication Sector H.264 recommendation.
[0232] Moreover, another advantage/feature is an apparatus that
includes the encoder as described above, wherein at least one of a
number of views and view identifier information is used to redefine
the variables.
[0233] Further, another advantage/feature is an apparatus that
includes the encoder as described above, wherein at least one of a
Group Of Pictures length and view identifier information is used to
redefine the variables.
[0234] It is to be appreciated that the selection of particular
syntax names, particularly previously unused syntax names as
described with respect to various inventive aspects of the present
principles, is for purposes of illustration and clarity and, thus,
given the teachings of the present principles provided herein,
other names and/or characters and so forth may also be used in
place of and/or in addition to the syntax names provided herein,
while maintaining the spirit of the present principles.
[0235] These and other features and advantages of the present
principles may be readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in
the pertinent art based on the teachings herein. It is to be
understood that the teachings of the present principles may be
implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware,
special purpose processors, or combinations thereof.
[0236] Most preferably, the teachings of the present principles are
implemented as a combination of hardware and software. Moreover,
the software may be implemented as an application program tangibly
embodied on a program storage unit. The application program may be
uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable
architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on a computer
platform having hardware such as one or more central processing
units ("CPU"), a random access memory ("RAM"), and input/output
("I/O") interfaces. The computer platform may also include an
operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes
and functions described herein may be either part of the
microinstruction code or part of the application program, or any
combination thereof, which may be executed by a CPU. In addition,
various other peripheral units may be connected to the computer
platform such as an additional data storage unit and a printing
unit.
[0237] It is to be further understood that, because some of the
constituent system components and methods depicted in the
accompanying drawings are preferably implemented in software, the
actual connections between the system components or the process
function blocks may differ depending upon the manner in which the
present principles are programmed. Given the teachings herein, one
of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will be able to contemplate
these and similar implementations or configurations of the present
principles.
[0238] Although the illustrative embodiments have been described
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that the present principles is not limited to those
precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may
be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
principles. All such changes and modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present principles as set forth in
the appended claims.
* * * * *