Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoder, transcoder and methods thereof. A transcoder embodiment involves transcoding a bitstream representing an original video source from an input video format to an output video format. An encoder embodiment involves providing transform coefficients in side information related to an encoded video bitstream.

Abstract: Method for decoding a picture, comprising: decoding information that the picture is partitioned into more than one segment based on one or more syntax elements in a bitstream; decoding information that the spatial segmentation is uniform based on the one or more syntax elements; determining a segment unit size based on the one or more syntax elements or based on a predefined segment unit size; decoding a first value indicating a segment width from one or more code words in the bitstream; decoding a second value indicating a segment height from the one or more code words; deriving segment column widths based on a picture width in number of segment units and the first value; deriving segment row heights based on a picture height in number of segment units and the second value; deriving a spatial location for a current block based on the derived segment column widths and the derived segment heights; and decoding the current block based on the derived spatial location.

Abstract: An encoder (400), a decoder (450), and methods (230, 30) for partitioning a picture from a sequence of video pictures into a layout having a plurality of flexible tiles or segments is disclosed. Each tile or segment (T) comprises a single rectangular or square region. The encoder generates (22) a partition structure and encodes (28) the tiles according to the partition structure. The encoder also generates a bitstream (12) comprising a plurality of coded picture segments and information indicating the partition structure used to partition the picture into the plurality of flexible tiles or segments, and sends (29) the bitstream to the decoder. Upon receipt, the decoder uses the coded picture segments and information in the bitstream to decode (38) the plurality of coded picture segments.

Abstract: There are provided mechanisms for processing encoded image data. The method comprises receiving an encoded bitstream comprising parameter set information. The parameter set information may comprise a syntax indicator, a first coded portion comprising first coded sample information for a picture and a second coded portion comprising second coded sample information for the picture. The method further comprises, responsive to a first value of the syntax indicator, decoding the first coded sample information using a picture header syntax element from a picture header of the encoded bitstream. The method further comprises, responsive to the first value of the syntax indicator, decoding the second coded sample information using the picture header syntax element from the picture header of the encoded bitstream.

Abstract: A method for decoding a picture from a bitstream, includes decoding a first part of the bitstream to form an address mapping that maps a segment group index value to a segment group address; and decoding a second part of the bitstream. The second part of the bitstream includes code words representing the plurality of segment groups. Decoding the second part of the bitstream includes decoding a first segment group. Decoding the first segment group includes: 1) decoding a first segment group index value for the first segment group; 2) determining a first segment group address for the first segment group; 3) determining a first spatial location for the first segment group; and 4) decoding at least one sample value for the first segment group and assigning the at least one sample value to a location in the decoded picture given by the first spatial location.

Abstract: A method for decoding a current block in a current picture of a video bitstream includes decoding, from the video bitstream, a first motion vector for the current block relative to a first reference block of a first reference picture having a first picture order count, and decoding, from the video bitstream, a second motion vector for the current block relative to a second reference block of a second reference picture having a second picture order count. A similarity metric is generated based on a comparison of the first motion vector and the second motion vector. The method further includes determining whether to refine the first motion vector based on the similarity metric, generating a first refined motion vector from the first motion vector, and performing motion compensation to derive a first reference block from the first reference picture using the first refined motion vector.

Abstract: An encoder calculates an indication to a previous reference picture having temporal identity of zero. The encoder creates a first set of indicators to the previous reference picture, to all reference pictures in a first reference picture set of the previous reference picture, and to all pictures following the previous reference picture in decoding order and precede the current picture in decoding order. The encoder sets a flag for picture order count cycle, when a long term reference picture (LTRP) has least significant bits (LSBs) of a picture order count, for which more than one picture in the first set share same value of the LSBs of picture order count as the LTRP. The decoder obtains LSB of a picture order count for a LTRP in a reference picture set of the current picture. The decoder concludes non-compliant bitstream based on indications provided by the flag.

Abstract: A mode signaling syntax element is provided based on an encoded representation of a picture in a video sequence. The mode signaling syntax element is employed to determine whether a final reference picture list is the same for all slices of a same slice type in the picture. The mode signaling syntax element signals to a decoder that it does not necessarily have to repeat computationally complex reference picture list construction functions for each slice in the picture.

Abstract: The present embodiments introduce a new type of random access point in video bitstreams that can be used for random access operations but can be represented in encoded form at a lower bit-cost as compared to IRAP pictures. The random access point is a dependent random access point (DRAP) picture that is encoded and decoded using an IRAP picture and/or a previous, according to a decoding order, DRAP picture as sole reference picture(s) for the DRAP picture. The DRAP picture is encoded as a trailing picture that may be used for reference and constitutes a random access point in a video bitstream.

Abstract: A picture with multiple slices is encoded by generating a coded slice representation for each of the slices. A slice flag is set to a first value for the first slice in the picture and corresponding slice flags of the remaining slices are set to a second defined value. A respective slice address is generated for each remaining slice to enable identification of the slice start position within the picture for the slice. A coded picture representation of the picture comprises the coded slice representations, the slice addresses and the slice flags. The slice flags enable differentiation between slices for which slice addresses are required and the slice per picture for which no slice address is needed to identify its slice start position.

Abstract: The solution presented herein defines from which previously decoded picture to retrieve the values for calculating POC of the current picture regardless of how many temporal layers have been decoded. That is achieved by determining the POC of the current picture, to be used by the decoder, as a sum of a syntax element pic_order_cnt_lsb and most significant bits of the POC, PicOrderCntMsb, of the current picture, wherein the PicOrderCntMsb of the current picture is derived using at least a prevPicOrderCntMsb and a prevPicOrderCntLsb and the prevPicOrderCntMsb is set equal to the most significant bits of the POC of a previous reference picture in decoding order that has a layer identity equal to zero and prevPicOrderCntLsb is set equal to the value of the least significant bits of the POC of a previous reference picture in decoding order that has a layer identity equal to zero.

Abstract: A length indicator associated with an encoded representation of a slice is parsed. The length indicator is indicative of a length of an extension field present in a slice header of the encoded representation. A decoder can then determine to ignore, during decoding of the encoded representation, any value of the extension field in the slice header where these values are identified based on the length indicator. As a consequence, an extension field can be added to slice headers and still enable legacy decoders to correctly decode the encoded representations.

Abstract: An encoded video sequence including a plurality of images may be decoded. First and second adjacent blocks of an image of an encoded video sequence may be provided. A line of pixels including pixels of the first and second blocks may be defined extending across a boundary between the first and second blocks. A first reference value may be calculated based on a first pixel of the pixels from the first block. A second reference value may be calculated based on a second pixel of the pixels from the second block. Filtered pixel values for each pixel of the line of pixels between the first pixel and the second pixel may be calculated using interpolation based on the first and/or second reference values. Filtered blocks may be generated using the filtered pixel values, and a decoded video sequence may be generated based on the filtered blocks.

Abstract: A method of reducing blocking artifacts associated with pixels of a block boundary of an image. Pixel values of pixels from a first block and a neighboring block, being located on opposite sides of a block boundary, are evaluated. A first offset for the two pixels of each block located next to the block boundary is calculated, after which the first offset is compared to a first threshold value. If abs[first offset]<first threshold, the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the first block and the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the second block are modified by applying normal filtering on the respective pixels, while if instead abs[first offset]>=first threshold, the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the first block and the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the second block are modified by applying weak filtering or no filtering at all on the respective pixels.

Abstract: An encoder and a decoder are provided for encoding, and decoding pictures, respectively. The encoder defines a structure for a picture segment by dividing the picture into multiple picture segment groups and assigning a unique group ID to each group. Each picture segment group is further divided into one or more picture segments or “tiles,” with each picture segment being assigned the ID of its picture segment group. The encoder then encodes the picture segments of the picture segment groups into a bit stream, and sends the bit stream to the decoder. Upon receiving the bit stream, the decoder extracts each picture segment group as a single entity and decodes the picture segments in each picture segment group in a predetermined order.

Abstract: There are provided mechanisms of guided transcoding. The methods are performed by a decoder, for producing original transform coefficients, and by an encoder, for producing coded delta transform coefficients. A decoding method comprises deriving a predicted residual block. The decoding method comprises transforming the predicted residual block using a forward transform, thereby producing a plurality of original estimated coefficients, the plurality of OECs comprising a first OEC. The decoding method comprises quantizing the plurality of OECs, thereby producing a plurality of quantized estimated transform coefficients comprising a first ETC corresponding to the first OEC. The decoding method comprises selecting a category based on the first OEC. The decoding method comprises decoding a first coded delta transform coefficient (DTC) corresponding to the first OEC, thereby producing a first decoded DTC, wherein the decoding comprises using the selected category to decode the first coded DTC.

Abstract: The solution presented herein defines from which previously decoded picture to retrieve the values for calculating POC of the current picture regardless of how many temporal layers have been decoded. That is achieved by determining the POC of the current picture, to be used by the decoder, as a sum of a syntax element pic_order_cnt_lsb and most significant bits of the POC, PicOrderCntMsb, of the current picture, wherein the PicOrderCntMsb of the current picture is derived using at least a prevPicOrderCntMsb and a prevPicOrderCntLsb and the prevPicOrderCntMsb is set equal to the most significant bits of the POC of a previous reference picture in decoding order that has a layer identity equal to zero and prevPicOrderCntLsb is set equal to the value of the least significant bits of the POC of a previous reference picture in decoding order that has a layer identity equal to zero.

Abstract: A method to be performed by a receiving apparatus for decoding an encoded bitstream representing a sequence of pictures of a video stream is provided. In the method, capabilities relating to level of decoding parallelism for the decoder are identified, a parameter indicative of the decoder's capabilities relating to level of decoding parallelism is kept, and for a set of levels of decoding parallelism, information relating to HEVC profile and HEVC level that the decoder is capable of decoding is kept. A method for encoding a bitstream representing a sequence of pictures of a video stream is also provided. In the method, a parameter is received from a transmitting apparatus that should decode the encoded bitstream.

Abstract: A method of reducing blocking artifacts associated with pixels of a block boundary of an image. Pixel values of pixels from a first block and a neighboring block, being located on opposite sides of a block boundary, are evaluated. A first offset for the two pixels of each block located next to the block boundary is calculated, after which the first offset is compared to a first threshold value. If abs[first offset]<first threshold, the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the first block and the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the second block are modified by applying normal filtering on the respective pixels, while if instead abs[first offset]>=first threshold, the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the first block and the pixel values of consecutive pixels from the second block are modified by applying weak filtering or no filtering at all on the respective pixels.

Abstract: A method to be performed by a receiving apparatus for decoding an encoded bitstream representing a sequence of pictures of a video stream is provided. In the method, capabilities relating to level of decoding parallelism for the decoder are identified, a parameter indicative of the decoder's capabilities relating to level of decoding parallelism is kept, and for a set of levels of decoding parallelism, information relating to HEVC profile and HEVC level that the decoder is capable of decoding is kept. A method for encoding a bitstream representing a sequence of pictures of a video stream is also provided. In the method, a parameter is received from a transmitting apparatus that should decode the encoded bitstream.