Abstract: Innovations are provided for encoding and/or decoding video and/or image content using transform coefficient level gradual updating. Transform coefficient level gradual updating can be applied by encoding (or decoding) different subsets of the transform coefficients for the blocks, macroblocks, or other coding unit for each of a sequence of pictures. For example, a first subset of the transform coefficients of the blocks of a first picture can be encoded with the first picture, a second subset of the transform coefficients of the blocks of a second picture can be encoded with the second picture, and so on. A decoder can reconstruct pictures with increasing quality by receiving additional subsets of the transform coefficients.

Abstract: Innovations in encoding of video pictures in a high-resolution chroma sampling format (such as YUV 4:4:4) using a video encoder operating on coded pictures in a low-resolution chroma sampling format (such as YUV 4:2:0) are presented. For example, according to a set of decision rules, high chroma resolution details are selectively encoded on a region-by-region basis such that increases in bit rate (due to encoding of sample values for the high chroma resolution details) happen when and where corresponding increases in chroma resolution are likely to improve quality in noticeable ways. In this way, available encoders operating on coded pictures in the low-resolution chroma sampling format can be effectively used to provide high chroma resolution details.

Abstract: Innovations in encoding and decoding of video pictures in a high-resolution chroma sampling format (such as YUV 4:4:4) using a video encoder and decoder operating on coded pictures in a low-resolution chroma sampling format (such as YUV 4:2:0) are presented. For example, high chroma resolution details are selectively encoded on a region-by-region basis. Or, as another example, coded pictures that contain sample values for low chroma resolution versions of input pictures and coded pictures that contain sample values for high chroma resolution details of the input pictures are encoded as separate sub-sequences of a single sequence of coded pictures, which can facilitate effective motion compensation. In this way, available encoders and decoders operating on coded pictures in the low-resolution chroma sampling format can be effectively used to provide high chroma resolution details.

Abstract: Variations of rho-domain rate control for video encoding or other media encoding are presented. For example, in some of the variations, an encoder sets a rho value for a unit of media based at least in part on a bit allocation for the unit. The encoder also computes transform coefficients for the unit using a frequency transform having multiple location-dependent scale factors, sets a value of quantization parameter (“QP”) for the unit using a mapping of QP values to rho values, and uses the value of QP for the unit during quantization of the transform coefficients of the unit. When the QP-rho mapping is determined, a location-independent scale factor that approximates the multiple location-dependent scale factors is used and/or certain scaling operations are integrated, which reduces computational complexity while still supporting accurate rate control decisions. Implementations of such variations of rate control can exploit opportunities for caching and parallel computation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing graphical data received at a computing system from a remote source are described. One method includes decoding received graphical content, the received graphical content including an image being compressed using a plurality of codecs, wherein decoding the received graphical content includes creating a decoded image. The method also includes, based on quality of the received graphical content, selecting from among a plurality of filters to apply to the decoded image. The method further includes applying a plurality of filters to at least a portion of the decoded image.

Abstract: Syntax structures that indicate the completion of coded regions of pictures are described. For example, a syntax structure in an elementary bitstream indicates the completion of a coded region of a picture. The syntax structure can be a type of network abstraction layer unit, a type of supplemental enhancement information message or another syntax structure. For example, a media processing tool such as an encoder can detect completion of a coded region of a picture, then output, in a predefined order in an elementary bitstream, syntax structure(s) that contain the coded region as well as a different syntax structure that indicates the completion of the coded region. Another media processing tool such as a decoder can receive, in a predefined order in an elementary bitstream, syntax structure(s) that contain a coded region of a picture as well as a different syntax structure that indicates the completion of the coded region.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering screen content to a client device are disclosed. One method includes, for each of a plurality of coding units corresponding to screen regions included in a screen at a particular time, classifying screen content included in the coding unit as having a content type selected from among a plurality of content types, at least one of the content types comprising a screen image type, and, based on a determination that the screen content has a screen image type, applying a progressive standards-based encoding to the screen content of that coding unit. The method also includes transmitting encoded screen content for each of the screen regions to the client device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering screen content to a client device are disclosed. One method includes, for each of a plurality of coding units corresponding to screen regions included in a screen at a particular time, classifying screen content included in the coding unit as having a content type selected from among a plurality of content types, at least one of the content types comprising a screen image type, and, based on a determination that the screen content has a screen image type, applying a progressive standards-based encoding to the screen content of that coding unit. The method also includes transmitting encoded screen content for each of the screen regions to the client device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatic detection of image or video resolution from raw image or video data are provided by the present principles. The methods find statistical metrics in the image or video data based on a look-up table of potential resolution and subsampling combinations. The methods compute statistics comprising spatial correlation, temporal correlation, and variances in addition to considering color sampling and luminance levels. The methods determine the strength of correlation between portions of the raw image or video data and find the best match between the data and a plurality of possible resolution and subsampling formats.

Abstract: The present principles relate to a hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) for a Scalable Video Coding extension for a compression algorithm. One such implementation proposes to modify the H.264/AVC HRD for use with the SVC of AVC. That implementation defines HRD constraints for each interoperability point of SVC. One implementation in particular is described, but other implementations are possible and are contemplated by the present principles. The changes for spatial, temporal, and SNR scalability are shown. There are also changes to the related HRD parameters followed that are shown. The several mentioned implementations provide rules for an HRD for SVC. At least one implementation proposes the SVC-HRD rules as modifications to the AVC-HRD rules. A user may use the proposed SVC-HRD rules to build an SVC-HRD and test a bitstream for SVC compliance.

Abstract: Innovations in intra block copy (“BC”) prediction as well as innovations in encoder-side search patterns and approaches to partitioning. For example, some of the innovations relate to use of asymmetric partitions for intra BC prediction. Other innovations relate to search patterns or approaches that an encoder uses during block vector estimation (for intra BC prediction) or motion estimation. Still other innovations relate to uses of BV search ranges that have a horizontal or vertical bias during BV estimation.

Abstract: Innovations in encoder-side options for intra block copy (“BC”) prediction mode facilitate intra BC prediction that is more effective in terms of rate-distortion performance and/or computational efficiency of encoding. For example, some of the innovations relate to estimation of sample values within an overlap area of a current block during block vector estimation. Other innovations relate to prediction of block vector (“BV”) values during encoding or decoding using “ping-pong” approaches.

Abstract: In an implementation, a supplemental sequence parameter set (“SPS”) structure is provided that has its own network abstraction layer (“NAL”) unit type and allows transmission of layer-dependent parameters for non-base layers in an SVC environment. The supplemental SPS structure also may be used for view information in an MVC environment. In a general aspect, a structure is provided that includes (1) information (1410) from an SPS NAL unit, the information describing a parameter for use in decoding a first-layer encoding of a sequence of images, and (2) information (1420) from a supplemental SPS NAL unit having a different structure than the SPS NAL unit, and the information from the supplemental SPS NAL unit describing a parameter for use in decoding a second-layer encoding of the sequence of images. Associated methods and apparatuses are provided on the encoder and decoder sides, as well as for the signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing chrominance of screen content, including up-conversion and down-conversion of screen content, are disclosed. One method includes down-converting chrominance of screen content at a computing device from a first format to a second format, the second format compatible with a video codec. The method also includes compressing the down-converted screen content in the second format using the video codec to generate compressed down-converted screen content. The method further includes transmitting the compressed down-converted screen content to a second computing device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a universal screen content codec are described. One method includes receiving screen content comprising a plurality of screen frames, wherein at least one of the screen frames includes a plurality of types of screen content. The method also includes encoding the at least one of the screen frames, including the plurality of types of screen content, using a single codec, to generate an encoded bitstream compliant with a standards-based codec. The plurality of types of screen content can include text, video, or image content. Blocks containing the various content types can be individually and collectively encoded.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing graphical data received at a computing system from a remote source are described. One method includes decoding received graphical content, the received graphical content including an image being compressed using a plurality of codecs, wherein decoding the received graphical content includes creating a decoded image. The method also includes, based on quality of the received graphical content, selecting from among a plurality of filters to apply to the decoded image. The method further includes applying a plurality of filters to at least a portion of the decoded image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using an ultra-low delay mode of a hypothetical reference decoder. The method is provided in a video decoder, and includes defining (320) a hypothetical reference decoder timing model to specify timing constraints based on an arrival time and a removal time of hypothetical reference decoder access units included in a video bitstream with respect to a hypothetical reference decoder buffer. The hypothetical reference decoder access units are selected from among a slice access unit and a picture access unit. The method also includes evaluating (325) the video bitstream for conformance to requirements of the hypothetical reference decoder buffer based on the hypothetical reference decoder timing model.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering screen content to a client device are disclosed. One method includes, for each of a plurality of coding units corresponding to screen regions included in a screen at a particular time, classifying screen content included in the coding unit as having a content type selected from among a plurality of content types, at least one of the content types comprising a screen image type, and, based on a determination that the screen content has a screen image type, applying a progressive standards-based encoding to the screen content of that coding unit. The method also includes transmitting encoded screen content for each of the screen regions to the client device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional video processing system. In particular, the present invention is directed towards a method and system for the three dimensional (3D) visualization of a disparity map. The 3D visualization system selectably provides 3D surface visualization for disparity map, 3D bar visualization for the disparity map and the 3D line meshing visualization for the disparity map. Based on the 3D visualization system, a user can analyze the disparity map of a stereo content, and then adjusting for different viewing environments to promote comfortable viewing standards.

Abstract: An image processing method for boundary resolution enhancement is disclosed. Firstly, an image is transferred into an image layer. Noise of the image layer is removed by a bilateral filter and crisp edges are retained at the same time. Moreover, the image layer is interpolated by an interpolation filter for resolution enhancement. The image processing method of the present invention can lower the image blur degree substantially, enhance the image resolution and be widely implemented in all sorts of image/video processing hardware devices.