Patents by Inventor Minhua Zhou

Minhua Zhou 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).

  • Publication number: 20250071308
    Abstract: From a bit stream, at least the following are decoded: a stereoscopic image of first and second views; a maximum positive disparity between the first and second views; and a minimum negative disparity between the first and second views. In response to the maximum positive disparity violating a limit on positive disparity, a convergence plane of the stereoscopic image is adjusted to comply with the limit on positive disparity. In response to the minimum negative disparity violating a limit on negative disparity, the convergence plane is adjusted to comply with the limit on negative disparity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Veeramanikandan Raju, Wei Hong, Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20250063209
    Abstract: A method for sample adaptive offset (SAO) filtering and SAO parameter signaling in a video encoder is provided that includes determining SAO parameters for largest coding units (LCUs) of a reconstructed picture, wherein the SAO parameters include an indicator of an SAO filter type and a plurality of SAO offsets, applying SAO filtering to the reconstructed picture according to the SAO parameters, and entropy encoding LCU specific SAO information for each LCU of the reconstructed picture in an encoded video bit stream, wherein the entropy encoded LCU specific SAO information for the LCUs is interleaved with entropy encoded data for the LCUs in the encoded video bit stream. Determining SAO parameters may include determining the LCU specific SAO information to be entropy encoded for each LCU according to an SAO prediction protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Vivienne Sze, Madhukar Budagavi, Woo-Shik Kim, Do-Kyoung Kwon, Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12231638
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving a coded largest coding unit in a video decoder, wherein the coded largest coding unit includes a coded coding unit structure and a plurality of coded quantization parameters, and decoding the coded largest coding unit based on the coded coding unit structure and the plurality of coded quantization parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Minhua Zhou, Mehmet Umut Demircin, Madhukar Budagavi
  • Patent number: 12225184
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes determining a target picture virtual memory access (VMA) bandwidth rate, wherein the target picture VMA bandwidth rate indicates a maximum VMA bandwidth rate for motion compensation of a picture, and verifying the target picture VMA bandwidth rate for a compressed video bit stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12206862
    Abstract: A system for non-reference video-quality prediction includes a video-processing block to receive an input bitstream and to generate a first vector, and a neural network to provide a predicted-quality vector after being trained using training data. The training data includes the first vector and a second vector, and elements of the first vector include high-level features extracted from a high-level syntax processing of the input bitstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE. LIMITED
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12200194
    Abstract: A method for encoding a picture of a video sequence in a bit stream that reduces slice header parsing overhead is provided. The method includes determining weighting factors that may be used for weighted prediction in encoding at least one slice of the picture, wherein a total number of the weighting factors is constrained to not exceed a predetermined threshold number of weighting factors, wherein the threshold number is less than a maximum possible number of weighting factors, and signaling weighted prediction parameters including the weighting factors in a slice header in the bit stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12192465
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sub-picture based raster scanning coding order. The method includes dividing an image into even sub-pictures, and encoding parallel sub-pictures on multi-cores in raster scanning order within sub-pictures, wherein from core to core, coding of the sub-picture is independent around sub-picture boundaries, and wherein within a core, coding of a sub-picture is at least one of dependent or independent around sub-picture boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12170784
    Abstract: A method for coding unit partitioning in a video encoder is provided that includes performing intra-prediction on each permitted coding unit (CU) in a CU hierarchy of a largest coding unit (LCU) to determine an intra-prediction coding cost for each permitted CU, storing the intra-prediction coding cost for each intra-predicted CU in memory, and performing inter-prediction, prediction mode selection, and CU partition selection on each permitted CU in the CU hierarchy to determine a CU partitioning for encoding the LCU, wherein the stored intra-prediction coding costs for the CUs are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hyung Joon Kim, Minhua Zhou, Akira Osamoto, Hideo Tamama
  • Patent number: 12167049
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving pictures of a video sequence in a video encoder, and encoding the pictures to generate a compressed video bit stream that is transmitted to a video decoder in real-time, wherein encoding the pictures includes selecting a picture to be encoded as a delayed duplicate intra-predicted picture (DDI), wherein the picture would otherwise be encoded as an inter-predicted picture (P-picture), encoding the picture as an intra-predicted picture (I-picture) to generate the DDI, wherein the I-picture is reconstructed and stored for use as a reference picture for a decoder refresh picture, transmitting the DDI to the video decoder in non-real time, selecting a subsequent picture to be encoded as the decoder refresh picture, and encoding the subsequent picture in the compressed bit stream as the decoder refresh picture, wherein the subsequent P-picture is encoded as a P-picture predicted using the reference picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ranga Ramanujam Srinivasan, Chaitanya Satish Ghone, Mihir Narendra Mody, Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240397141
    Abstract: A method includes setting, by a controller, a first bit-rate level for a next video segment, and comparing a fill level of a playback buffer to a first threshold. If the fill level of the playback buffer satisfies the first threshold, the first bit-rate level for the next video segment is replaced by setting a second bit-rate level for the next video. A first request is issued to a server for the next video segment encoded at the first bit-rate level or, if the fill level of the playback buffer satisfies the first threshold, encoded at the second bit-rate level and downloading of the requested next video segment and storing the requested video segment in the playback buffer. A decoder decodes the next video segment from the playback buffer for playback on a display device after the next video segment has been downloaded and stored in the playback buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Minhua ZHOU, Xuemin CHEN
  • Patent number: 12143618
    Abstract: From a bit stream, at least the following are decoded: a stereoscopic image of first and second views; a maximum positive disparity between the first and second views; and a minimum negative disparity between the first and second views. In response to the maximum positive disparity violating a limit on positive disparity, a convergence plane of the stereoscopic image is adjusted to comply with the limit on positive disparity. In response to the minimum negative disparity violating a limit on negative disparity, the convergence plane is adjusted to comply with the limit on negative disparity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Veeramanikandan Raju, Wei Hong, Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12143645
    Abstract: A method for sample adaptive offset (SAO) filtering and SAO parameter signaling in a video encoder is provided that includes determining SAO parameters for largest coding units (LCUs) of a reconstructed picture, wherein the SAO parameters include an indicator of an SAO filter type and a plurality of SAO offsets, applying SAO filtering to the reconstructed picture according to the SAO parameters, and entropy encoding LCU specific SAO information for each LCU of the reconstructed picture in an encoded video bit stream, wherein the entropy encoded LCU specific SAO information for the LCUs is interleaved with entropy encoded data for the LCUs in the encoded video bit stream. Determining SAO parameters may include determining the LCU specific SAO information to be entropy encoded for each LCU according to an SAO prediction protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vivienne Sze, Madhukar Budagavi, Woo-Shik Kim, Do-Kyoung Kwon, Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240348838
    Abstract: A method for adaptive loop filtering of a reconstructed picture in a video encoder is provided that includes determining whether or not sample adaptive offset (SAO) filtering is applied to the reconstructed picture, and using adaptive loop filtering with no offset for the reconstructed picture when the SAO filtering is determined to be applied to the reconstructed picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Madhukar Budagavi, Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240340435
    Abstract: Methods are provided for inter-prediction candidate index coding independent of the construction of the corresponding inter-prediction candidate list, i.e., a merging candidate list or an advanced motion vector predictor list. A maximum allowed number of inter-prediction candidates for an inter-prediction candidate list is used for encoding the inter-prediction candidate index in an encoded bit stream. The maximum allowed number may be pre-determined or may be selected by the encoder and encoded in the bit stream. A decoder may then decode the index using the maximum allowed number of inter-prediction candidates independent of the construction of the corresponding inter-prediction candidate list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2024
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240323385
    Abstract: In an example architecture flexible arithmetic coding system, coding circuitry of a device may receive video data that is to be coded (e.g., to be encoded or decoded) by arithmetic coding. The coding circuitry may compute at least one of a least probable symbol (LPS) range or a most probable symbol (MPS) range based on a multiplication operation. The coding circuitry may perform arithmetic coding on the video data using the at least one of the LPS range or the MPS range. Arithmetic coding may be binary arithmetic coding. The computation of the LPS range or the MPS range using the multiplication operation may reduce computational cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventor: Minhua ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20240314363
    Abstract: Deblocking filtering is provided in which an 8×8 filtering block covering eight sample vertical and horizontal boundary segments is divided into filtering sub-blocks that can be independently processed. To process the vertical boundary segment, the filtering block is divided into top and bottom 8×4 filtering sub-blocks, each covering a respective top and bottom half of the vertical boundary segment. To process the horizontal boundary segment, the filtering block is divided into left and right 4×8 filtering sub-blocks, each covering a respective left and right half of the horizontal boundary segment. The computation of the deviation d for a boundary segment in a filtering sub-block is performed using only samples from rows or columns in the filtering sub-block. Consequently, the filter on/off decisions and the weak/strong filtering decisions of the deblocking filtering are performed using samples contained within individual filtering blocks, thus allowing full parallel processing of the filtering blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Mangesh Devidas Sadafale, Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240298042
    Abstract: Techniques for signaling of sample adaptive offset (SAO) information that may reduce the coding rate for signaling such information in the compressed bit stream are provided. More specifically, techniques are provided that allow SAO information common to two or more of the color components to be signaled using one or more syntax elements (flags or indicators) representative of the common information. These techniques reduce the need to signal SAO information separately for each color component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Woo-Shik Kim, Do-Kyoung Kwon, Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240298032
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a low complexity transform unit partitioning structure for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). The method includes determining prediction unit size of a coding unit, and setting the size of transform unit size of Y, U and V according to the prediction unit size of the coding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20240291966
    Abstract: A method for derivation of a temporal motion data (TMD) candidate for a prediction unit (PU) in video encoding or video decoding is provided. The derived TMD candidate is for inclusion in an inter-prediction candidate list for the PU. The method includes determining a primary TMD position relative to a co-located PU in a co-located largest coding unit (LCU), wherein the co-located PU is a block in a reference picture having a same size, shape, and coordinates as the PU, and selecting at least some motion data of a secondary TMD position as the TMD candidate when the primary TMD position is in a bottom neighboring LCU or in a bottom right neighboring LCU of the co-located LCU, wherein the secondary TMD position is determined relative to the co-located PU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 12058408
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes setting, by a controller, a first bit-rate level for a next video segment, and comparing a fill level of a playback buffer to a first threshold. If the fill level of the playback buffer satisfies the first threshold, the first bit-rate level for the next video segment is replaced by setting a second bit-rate level for the next video. A first request is issued to a server for the next video segment encoded at the first bit-rate level or, if the fill level of the playback buffer satisfies the first threshold, encoded at the second bit-rate level and downloading of the requested next video segment and storing the requested video segment in the playback buffer. A decoder decodes the next video segment from the playback buffer for playback on a display device after the next video segment has been downloaded and stored in the playback buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE. LIMITED
    Inventors: Minhua Zhou, Xuemin Chen