Abstract: Innovations in hash table construction and hash-based block matching for image encoding or video encoding are described. For example, an encoder determines hash values for base-size candidate blocks in a reference picture. The encoder stores, in a hash table, the hash values for the base-size candidate blocks. The encoder encodes a trial-size current block in a current picture. In some cases, the trial-size current block has a block size larger than the base block size. As part of the encoding, the encoder uses hash-based block matching, between base-size current blocks of the trial-size current block and the base-size candidate blocks, to identify a trial-size matching block, if any, in the reference picture. The encoder stores hash values only for the base-size candidate blocks. This can significantly reduce the computational cost and memory cost for hash table construction during encoding, without hurting compression efficiency or the overall speed of encoding.

Abstract: Techniques are described for efficiently encoding video data by skipping evaluation of certain encoding modes based on various evaluation criteria. In some solutions, intra-block evaluation is performed in a specific order during encoding, and depending on encoding cost calculations of potential intra-block encoding modes, evaluation of some of the potential modes can be skipped. In some solutions, some encoding modes can be skipped depending on whether blocks are simple (e.g., simple vertical, simple horizontal, or both) or non-simple. In some solutions, various criteria are applied to determine whether chroma-from-luma mode evaluation can be skipped. The various solutions can be used independently and/or in combination.

Abstract: Techniques are described for efficiently encoding video data by skipping evaluation of certain encoding modes based on various evaluation criteria. In some solutions, intra-block evaluation is performed in a specific order during encoding, and depending on encoding cost calculations of potential intra-block encoding modes, evaluation of some of the potential modes can be skipped. In some solutions, some encoding modes can be skipped depending on whether blocks are simple (e.g., simple vertical, simple horizontal, or both) or non-simple. In some solutions, various criteria are applied to determine whether chroma-from-luma mode evaluation can be skipped. The various solutions can be used independently and/or in combination.

Abstract: Innovations described herein provide a framework for advertising encoder capabilities, initializing encoder configuration, and signaling run-time control messages for video coding and decoding. For example, an encoding controller receives a request for encoder capability data from a decoding host controller, determines the capability data, and sends the capability data in reply. The capability data can include data that indicate a number of bitstreams, each providing an alternative version of input video, as well as data that indicate scalable video coding capabilities. The decoding host controller creates stream configuration request data based on the encoder capability data, and sends the configuration request data to the encoding controller. During decoding, the decoding host controller can create and send a control message for run-time control of encoding, where the control message includes a stream identifier for a bitstream and layer identifiers for a given layer of the bitstream.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to encoding techniques. More specifically, some embodiments relate to encoding techniques for screen data. Intra block copy (IntraBC) using motion compensation within a frame (not between frames) is very useful for encoding data captured from screen. Unfortunately, this tool is not included in most of video coding standards, including the base version of HEVC (i.e., H.265). Various embodiments of the present technology utilize encoding techniques to simulate IntraBC with compliant syntax. For example, embodiments divide a high-resolution frame into smaller areas and then encode these areas independently as if these smaller areas were independent frames.

Abstract: When encoding/decoding a current block of a current picture using intra block copy (“BC”) prediction, the location of a reference block is constrained so that it can be entirely within an inner search area of the current picture or entirely within an outer search area of the current picture, but cannot overlap both the inner search area and the outer search area. In some hardware-based implementations, on-chip memory buffers sample values of the inner search area, and off-chip memory buffers sample values of the outer search area. By enforcing this constraint on the location of the reference block, an encoder/decoder can avoid memory access operations that are split between on-chip memory and off-chip memory when retrieving the sample values of the reference block. At the same time, a reference block close to the current block may be used for intra BC prediction, helping compression efficiency.

Abstract: An LED (Light Emitting Diode) drive circuit includes a magnetic device, a power transistor, a current-sense resistor, and a controller. The magnetic device has a first terminal for receiving an input voltage derived from an input of the LED drive circuit, and a second terminal. The magnetic device generates an output current to drive at least one LED. The power transistor has a drain coupled to the second terminal of the magnetic device, a control terminal, and a source. The current-sense resistor has a first terminal coupled to the source of the power transistor for forming a current input signal, and a second terminal coupled to ground. The controller generates a switching signal coupled to control the power transistor to switch current through the magnetic device based on both a programmable signal derived from the input of the LED drive circuit, and the current input signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for using machine learning models with private and public domains. Operations can be applied to transform input to a machine learning model in a private domain that is kept secret or otherwise made unavailable to third parties. In one example of the disclosed technology, a method includes applying a private transform to produce transformed input, providing the transformed input to a machine learning model that was trained using a training set modified by the private transform, and generating inferences with the machine learning model using the transformed input. Examples of suitable transforms that can be employed include matrix multiplication, time or spatial domain to frequency domains, and partitioning a neural network model such that an input and at least one hidden layer form part of the private domain, while the remaining layers form part of the public domain.

Abstract: When encoding/decoding a current block of a current picture using intra block copy (“BC”) prediction, the location of a reference block is constrained so that it can be entirely within an inner search area of the current picture or entirely within an outer search area of the current picture, but cannot overlap both the inner search area and the outer search area. In some hardware-based implementations, on-chip memory buffers sample values of the inner search area, and off-chip memory buffers sample values of the outer search area. By enforcing this constraint on the location of the reference block, an encoder/decoder can avoid memory access operations that are split between on-chip memory and off-chip memory when retrieving the sample values of the reference block. At the same time, a reference block close to the current block may be used for intra BC prediction, helping compression efficiency.

Abstract: Techniques are described for encapsulating AV1 encoded video data within NAL units. For example, the NAL units can be H.264 or HEVC NAL units. Encapsulation can comprise using a reserved NAL unit type. For example, an open bitstream unit comprising AV1 encoded video data can be encapsulated within a NAL unit using a reserved NAL unit type. The NAL unit can be packetized for delivery to another computing device via a computer network.

Abstract: An operating circuit including a system circuit and a power control circuit is provided. The system circuit operates according to the voltage of the node. The power control circuit includes a first connection port, a second connection port, a first always-on switch, a second always-on switch, a first current limiter, and a second current limiter. The first connection port is configured to receive first power provided by a first external device. The second connection port is configured to receive second power provided by a second external device. The first always-on switch is coupled to the first connection port to transmit the first power. The second always-on switch is coupled to the second connection port to transmit the second power. The first current limiter is coupled between the first always-on switch and the node. The second current limiter is coupled between the second always-on switch and the node.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for video coding/decoding with motion resolution switching and sub-block transform coding/decoding are described. For example, a video encoder adaptively switches the resolution of motion estimation and compensation between quarter-pixel and half-pixel resolutions; a corresponding video decoder adaptively switches the resolution of motion compensation between quarter-pixel and half-pixel resolutions. For sub-block transform sizes, for example, a video encoder adaptively switches between 8×8, 8×4, and 4×8 DCTs when encoding 8×8 prediction residual blocks; a corresponding video decoder switches between 8×8, 8×4, and 4×8 inverse DCTs during decoding.

Abstract: Techniques for recording video from a bitstream are described. In at least some implementations, video data generated as part of a communication session is recorded. According to various implementations, techniques described herein enable portions of an encoded bitstream of video data to be directly recorded as encoded frames and without requiring re-encoding of decoded frames.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to encoding techniques. More specifically, some embodiments relate to encoding techniques for screen data. Intra block copy (IntraBC) using motion compensation within a frame (not between frames) is very useful for encoding data captured from screen. Unfortunately, this tool is not included in most of video coding standards, including the base version of HEVC (i.e., H.265). Various embodiments of the present technology utilize encoding techniques to simulate IntraBC with compliant syntax. For example, embodiments divide a high-resolution frame into smaller areas and then encode these areas independently as if these smaller areas were independent frames.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of innovations in the area of encoding pictures or portions of pictures and determining whether and how certain encoding operations should be performed and flagged for performance by the decoder in the bitstream. In particular examples, various implementations for selectively encoding picture portions (e.g., blocks) in a skip mode (e.g., as in the skip mode of the H.265/HEVC standard) are disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosed techniques can be used to improve encoder efficiency, decrease overall encoder resource usage, and/or improve encoder speed. Such embodiments can be used in encoder modes in which efficient, fast encoder performance is desired (e.g., during encoding of live events, such as video conferencing).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to encoding techniques. More specifically, some embodiments relate to encoding techniques for screen data. Intra block copy (IntraBC) using motion compensation within a frame (not between frames) is very useful for encoding data captured from screen. Unfortunately, this tool is not included in most of video coding standards, including the base version of HEVC (i.e., H.265). Various embodiments of the present technology utilize encoding techniques to simulate IntraBC with compliant syntax. For example, embodiments divide a high-resolution frame into smaller areas and then encode these areas independently as if these smaller areas were independent frames.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for video coding/decoding with motion resolution switching and sub-block transform coding/decoding are described. For example, a video encoder adaptively switches the resolution of motion estimation and compensation between quarter-pixel and half-pixel resolutions; a corresponding video decoder adaptively switches the resolution of motion compensation between quarter-pixel and half-pixel resolutions. For sub-block transform sizes, for example, a video encoder adaptively switches between 8×8, 8×4, and 4×8 DCTs when encoding 8×8 prediction residual blocks; a corresponding video decoder switches between 8×8, 8×4, and 4×8 inverse DCTs during decoding.

Abstract: A format for use in encoding moving image data, comprising: a sequence of frames including plurality of the frames in which at least a region is encoded using motion estimation; a respective set of motion vector values representing motion vectors of the motion estimation for each respective one of these frames or each respective one of one or more regions within each of such frames; and at least one respective indicator associated with each of the respective frames or regions, indicating whether the respective motion vector values of the respective frame or region are encoded at a first resolution or a second resolution.

Abstract: An LED (Light Emitting Diode) drive circuit includes a magnetic device, a power transistor, a current-sense resistor, and a controller. The magnetic device has a first terminal for receiving an input voltage derived from an input of the LED drive circuit, and a second terminal. The magnetic device generates an output current to drive at least one LED. The power transistor has a drain coupled to the second terminal of the magnetic device, a control terminal, and a source. The current-sense resistor has a first terminal coupled to the source of the power transistor for forming a current input signal, and a second terminal coupled to ground. The controller generates a switching signal coupled to control the power transistor to switch current through the magnetic device based on both a programmable signal derived from the input of the LED drive circuit, and the current input signal.

Abstract: A transmitting device for generating a plurality of encoded portions of a video to be transmitted to a receiving device over a network configured to: receive an error message over a feedback channel from the receiving device indicating at least one of said plurality of encoded portions that has been lost at the receiving device; encode a recovery portion responsive to said receiving said error message; and transmit said recovery portion to the receiving device over said network; wherein said error message includes information pertaining to a decoded portion successfully decoded at the receiving device and said recovery portion is encoded relative to said decoded portion.