Patents by Inventor Jonathan PFAFF

Jonathan PFAFF has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12120321
    Abstract: The refinement of block-based predictive coding and decoding of pictures as applicable in, e.g., hybrid video codecs, using additional reconstructed samples or residuals is described. An apparatus for block-based predictive decoding of a picture is described. The apparatus includes a combiner configured to combine a residual signal a predetermined block of the picture and a reference signal for the predetermined block so as to obtain a first spectrum, the residual signal correcting a prediction error of a prediction of the predetermined block of the picture; a reducer configured to perform thresholding on the first spectrum to obtain a second spectrum so that coefficients below a threshold value are set to a predefined value; an extractor configured to obtain from the second spectrum a modified version of the residual signal; and a reconstructor block configured to decode the predetermined block of the picture from the data stream on the basis of the modified version of the residual signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Phan Hoang Tung Nguyen, Gerhard Tech, Jonathan Pfaff, Michael Schäfer, Jennifer Rasch, Tobias Hinz, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20240323360
    Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one processor for decoding a block of a picture using intra-prediction that is configured to: decode, from a data stream, a mode index, the mode index indicating a matrix-based intra-prediction mode out of a plurality of matrix-based intra-prediction modes based on a size of the block, derive an input vector based on downsampling reference samples neighboring the block, determine a matrix based on the size of the block and the mode index, compute a respective output for each component of a matrix-vector product between the the input vector and the determined matrix, the respective output computed by performing, a right shift by a number of bits which is independent of the matrix-based intra-prediction mode indicated by the mode index, and for each component of the matrix-vector product, use the respective output to predict a respective sample of the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Philipp MERKLE, Björn STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHÄFER, Benjamin BROSS, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Patent number: 12101510
    Abstract: A previously encoded or reconstructed version of a neighborhood of a predetermined block to be predicted is exploited so as to result into a more efficient predictive coding of the prediction block. In particular, a spectral decomposition of a region composed of this neighborhood and a first version of a predicted filling of the predetermined block results into a first spectrum which is subject to noise reduction and the thus resulting second spectrum may be subject to a spectral composition, thereby resulting in a modified version of this region including a second version of the predicted filling of the predetermined block. Owing to the exploitation of the already processed, i.e. encoded/reconstructed, neighborhood of the predetermined block, the second version of the predicted filling of the predetermined block tends to improve the coding efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Martin Winken, Christian Rudat, Heiko Schwarz, Thomas Wiegand, Detlev Marpe
  • Publication number: 20240314305
    Abstract: Apparatus configured to derive a set-selective syntax element indicating whether the predetermined block is to be predicted using one of a first set of intra-prediction modes comprising a DC intra prediction mode and angular prediction modes. If the set-selective syntax element indicates that the predetermined block is to be predicted using one of the first set of intra-prediction modes, the apparatus is configured to use a list of most probable intra-prediction modes. If the set-selective syntax element indicates that the predetermined block is not to be predicted using one of the first set of intra-prediction modes, the apparatus is configured to use a matrix-based intra-prediction mode. The list of most probable intra-prediction modes is formed such that the list of most probable intra-prediction modes is free of the DC intra prediction mode in case of the neighbouring blocks being predicted by any of the angular intra prediction modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Philipp MERKLE, Bjoern STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHAEFER, Benjamin BROSS, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20240298033
    Abstract: A method for decoding a predetermined block of a picture using intra-prediction by reading, for each of predetermined intra-prediction blocks, from a data stream, a mode index identifying a matrix-based intra-prediction mode is disclosed. Samples of each predetermined intra-prediction block are predicted by computing a matrix-vector product between an input vector derived from reference samples and a prediction matrix associated with the identified matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k)-and associating components of an output vector obtained by the matrix-vector product onto sample positions of the predetermined block. Further predetermined intra-predicted blocks of the picture are predicted to obtain a prediction signal. A transformation flag is decoded from the data stream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, and a prediction residual is decoded and re-transformed using a reverse transformation based on the transformation flag to obtain a prediction residual signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Björn STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHAFER, Philipp MERKLE, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND, Benjamin BROSS, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN
  • Patent number: 12075091
    Abstract: Techniques for encoding/decoding of video signals are described, e.g. implemented in decoders, encoder, methods and non-transitory storage units storing instructions to perform the methods. A decoder or encoder may be configured to predict a predetermined block of the picture using a plurality of neighbouring samples by reducing the plurality of neighbouring samples to obtain a reduced set of samples values lower, in number of samples, than compared to the plurality of neighbouring samples, subjecting the reduced set of sample values to a linear or affine linear transformation to obtain predicted values for predetermined samples of the predetermined block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Philipp Helle, Michael Schaefer, Roman Rischke, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Merkle, Bjoern Stallenberger, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20240275971
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an encoder, which receives image or video data, encodes the data and provides a bitstream. The encoder includes a CABAC encoder, which receives a binary valued syntax element associated with a block of the data to be encoded, and encodes, using a selected context model, the syntax element into coded bits for the bitstream. The syntax element includes a tool flag indicating whether or not certain coding tool is employed when encoding a block of the data. For a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio larger than 2 and for a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio less than or equal to 2, and to which blocks the certain coding tool is applicable, first and second context models for encoding the tool flag are selected from a group of one or more first and second context models, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Philipp HELLE, Michael SCHÄFER, Tobias HINZ, Björn STALLENBERGER, Philipp MERKLE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Patent number: 12041222
    Abstract: Apparatus for decoding a predetermined block (18) of a picture using intra-prediction, configured to read, from the data stream (12), a mode index (200), the mode index pointing to one out of a list (204) of matrix-based intra-prediction modes. Additionally, the apparatus is configured to predict samples (108) of the predetermined block (18) by computing a matrix-vector product (206) between an input vector (102) derived from reference samples (17) in a neighborhood of the predetermined block (18) and a prediction matrix (19) associated with the matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k) pointed to by the mode index (200) and associating components (210) of an output vector (208) obtained by the matrix vector product (206) onto sample positions (104) of the predetermined block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung derangewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Philipp Merkle, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schäfer, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Patent number: 12041228
    Abstract: Apparatus configured to derive a set-selective syntax element indicating whether the predetermined block is to be predicted using one of a first set of intra-prediction modes comprising a DC intra prediction mode and angular prediction modes. If the set-selective syntax element indicates that the predetermined block is to be predicted using one of the first set of intra-prediction modes, the apparatus is configured to use a list of most probable intra-prediction modes. If the set-selective syntax element indicates that the predetermined block is not to be predicted using one of the first set of intra-prediction modes, the apparatus is configured to use a matrix-based intra-prediction mode. The list of most probable intra-prediction modes is formed such that the list of most probable intra-prediction modes is free of the DC intra prediction mode in case of the neighbouring blocks being predicted by any of the angular intra prediction modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Philipp Merkle, Bjoern Stallenberger, Michael Schaefer, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Patent number: 12022120
    Abstract: A method, computer program, and apparatus for decoding a predetermined block of a picture using intra-prediction by reading, for each of predetermined intra-prediction blocks, from a data stream, a mode index identifying a matrix-based intra-prediction mode. Samples of each predetermined intra-prediction block are predicted by computing a matrix-vector product between an input vector derived from reference samples and a prediction matrix associated with the identified matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k) and associating components of an output vector obtained by the matrix-vector product onto sample positions of the predetermined block. Further predetermined intra-predicted blocks of the picture are predicted to obtain a prediction signal. A transformation flag is decoded from the data stream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, and a prediction residual is decoded and re-transformed using a reverse transformation based on the transformation flag to obtain a prediction residual signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schafer, Philipp Merkle, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann
  • Publication number: 20240205385
    Abstract: Coding efficiency increases are achieved by using composed prediction signals to predict a predetermined block of a picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas WIEGAND, Detlev MARPE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Martin WINKEN, Christian BARTNIK, Jonathan PFAFF, Philipp HELLE, Mischa SIEKMANN
  • Patent number: 11997280
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an encoder, which receives image or video data, encodes the data and provides a bitstream representing the data. The encoder includes a CABAC encoder, which receives a binary valued syntax element associated with a block of the data to be encoded, and encodes, using a selected context model, the syntax element into coded bits for the bitstream. The syntax element includes a tool flag indicating whether or not certain coding tool, like linear weighted intra prediction, is employed when encoding a block of the data. For a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio larger than 2 and for a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio less than or equal to 2, and to which blocks the certain coding tool is applicable, first and second context models for encoding the tool flag are selected from a group of one or more first and second context models, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Philipp Helle, Michael Schäfer, Tobias Hinz, Björn Stallenberger, Philipp Merkle, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20240137500
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, an improved compression efficiency is achieved by letting a block-wise picture codec support a set of intra-prediction modes according to which the intra-prediction signal for a current block of a picture is determined by applying a set of neighboring samples of the current block onto a neural network. A second aspect of the present application is that, additionally or alternatively to the spending of neural network-based intra-prediction modes, the mode selection may be rendered more effective by the usage of a neural network dedicated to determine a rank or a probability value for each of the set of intra-prediction modes by applying a set of neighboring samples thereonto with the rank or probability value being used for the selection of one intra-prediction mode out of the plurality of intra-prediction modes including or coinciding with the set of intra-prediction modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Philipp HELLE, Dominique MANIRY, Thomas WIEGARD, Wojciech SAMEK, Stephan KALTENSTADLER, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Mischa SIEKMANN, Martin WINKEN
  • Publication number: 20240114138
    Abstract: In transform coefficient coding, predetermined sets of transforms may be used. Embodiments of the present invention provide an encoder and a decoder for encoding a picture into/from a data stream using block-based prediction and block-based residual coding, the encoder and decoder supporting a set of transforms for the block-based residual coding. The encoder and decoder are configured to determine a transform candidate list of transforms for a current residual block out of the set of transforms based on a height and a width of the current residual block, and to encode/decode a prediction residual within the residual block using one selected transform out of the selectable list of transforms and selectively signal/derive the selected transform in/from the data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Mischa SIEKMANN, Bjoern STALLENBERGER, Christian BARTNIK, Sebastian BOSSE, Jonathan PFAFF, Philipp HELLE, Jackie MA, Martin WINKEN, Detlev MARPE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20240048719
    Abstract: Apparatus for encoding a video having a sequence of frames using rate control, configured to determine a global quantization parameter for the sequence of frames based on a target bit-rate, and to perform a coding pass, coding the sequence of frames, using the global quantization parameter by determining a frame quantization parameter per frame of the sequence of frames on the basis of the global quantization parameter, and subjecting the sequence of frames to R/D optimizing encoding by using, for each frame, the frame quantization parameter determined for the respective frame so as to obtain an encoded version of an associated coding size for the respective frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Helmrich, Ivan Zupancic, Benjamin Bross, Adam Wieckowski, Jonathan Pfaff, Jens Brandenburg, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe
  • Patent number: 11895290
    Abstract: A video coding method and apparatus for codes a video in a data stream using block-based predictive coding by deriving a collection of one or more primitive predictions for a block using a set of primitive prediction modes adapted for predicting blocks of a picture of the video. Each primitive prediction in the collection of primitive predictions is derived using a respective primitive prediction mode from the set of primitive prediction modes. A composite prediction signal for the block is composed by combining primitive predictions from the collection of one or more primitive predictions, and the block is predicted using the composite prediction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Wiegand, Detlev Marpe, Heiko Schwarz, Martin Winken, Christian Bartnik, Jonathan Pfaff, Philipp Helle, Mischa Siekmann
  • Patent number: 11889066
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, an improved compression efficiency is achieved by letting a block-wise picture codec support a set of intra-prediction modes according to which the intra-prediction signal for a current block of a picture is determined by applying a set of neighboring samples of the current block onto a neural network. A second aspect of the present application is that, additionally or alternatively to the spending of neural network-based intra-prediction modes, the mode selection may be rendered more effective by the usage of a neural network dedicated to determine a rank or a probability value for each of the set of intra-prediction modes by applying a set of neighboring samples thereonto with the rank or probability value being used for the selection of one intra-prediction mode out of the plurality of intra-prediction modes including or coinciding with the set of intra-prediction modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Philipp Helle, Dominique Maniry, Thomas Wiegard, Wojciech Samek, Stephan Kaltenstadler, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Mischa Siekmann, Martin Winken
  • Patent number: 11882284
    Abstract: In transform coefficient coding, predetermined sets of transforms may be used. Embodiments of the present invention provide an encoder and a decoder for encoding a picture into/from a data stream using block-based prediction and block-based residual coding, the encoder and decoder supporting a set of transforms for the block-based residual coding. The encoder and decoder are configured to determine a transform candidate list of transforms for a current residual block out of the set of transforms based on a height and a width of the current residual block, and to encode/decode a prediction residual within the residual block using one selected transform out of the selectable list of transforms and selectively signal/derive the selected transform in/from the data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Mischa Siekmann, Bjoern Stallenberger, Christian Bartnik, Sebastian Bosse, Jonathan Pfaff, Philipp Helle, Jackie Ma, Martin Winken, Detlev Marpe, Heiko Schwarz, Thomas Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20230388518
    Abstract: A coding concept for encoding a picture uses a multi-layered convolutional neural network for determining a feature representation of the picture, the feature representation comprising first to third partial representations which have mutually different resolutions. Further, an encoder for encoding a picture determines a quantization of the picture using a polynomial function which provides an estimated distortion associated with the quantization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Michael SCHÄFER, Sophie PIENTKA, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20230353788
    Abstract: A previously encoded or reconstructed version of a neighborhood of a predetermined block to be predicted is exploited so as to result into a more efficient predictive coding of the prediction block. In particular, a spectral decomposition of a region composed of this neighborhood and a first version of a predicted filling of the predetermined block results into a first spectrum which is subject to noise reduction and the thus resulting second spectrum may be subject to a spectral composition, thereby resulting in a modified version of this region including a second version of the predicted filling of the predetermined block. Owing to the exploitation of the already processed, i.e. encoded/reconstructed, neighborhood of the predetermined block, the second version of the predicted filling of the predetermined block tends to improve the coding efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Martin WINKEN, Christian RUDAT, Heiko SCHWARZ, Thomas WIEGAND, Detlev MARPE