Abstract: An encoder includes circuitry and memory. Using the memory, the circuitry, in inter prediction processing: derives a first motion vector of a current block to be processed, using a motion vector of a previous block which has been previously processed; derives a second motion vector of the current block by performing motion estimation in the vicinity of the first motion vector; and generates a prediction image of the current block by performing motion compensation using the second motion vector.

Abstract: A decoding unit decodes data corresponding to an N×M array of quantized coefficients from a bit stream. An inverse quantization unit derives orthogonal transform coefficients from the N×M array of quantized coefficients by using at least a quantization matrix. An inverse orthogonal transform unit performs inverse orthogonal transform on the orthogonal transform coefficients generated by the inverse quantization unit to generate prediction residuals corresponding to a block of a P×Q array of pixels. An inverse quantization unit derives the orthogonal transform coefficients by using at least a quantization matrix of an N×M array of elements, and the inverse orthogonal transform unit generates prediction residuals for the P×Q array of pixels having a size larger than the N×M array.

Abstract: A decoding method is a decoding method performed by a decoding device, the decoding method including steps of: acquiring, from among a plurality of slice numbers indicating a plurality of slices associated with encoded data of the entire point cloud distributed in a three-dimensional space, a first slice number indicating a first slice associated with encoded data of a point cloud of a first space that is a portion of the three-dimensional space, on the basis of a pointer indicating the first slice; and acquiring the encoded data of the point cloud of the first space on the basis of the first slice number, and decoding point cloud data of the first space from the encoded data of the point cloud of the first space.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image encoding apparatus for encoding a sequence of images, where the apparatus comprises a prediction unit which generates, for a target block to be encoded having a predetermined size in an image, a predicted image from both an intra-prediction image and an inter-prediction image, and obtains prediction errors that are differences between the target block and the predicted image; a transform unit which frequency-transforms the prediction errors, a quantization unit which quantize, using a quantization matrix, the transform coefficients, and an encoding unit which entropy-encodes quantized transform coefficients, wherein the quantization unit obtains the quantization matrix, using at least one of a predetermined quantization matrix for the intra-prediction and a predetermined quantization matrix for inter-prediction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image encoding apparatus for encoding a sequence of images, where the apparatus comprises a prediction unit which generates, for a target block to be encoded having a predetermined size in an image, a predicted image from both an intra-prediction image and an inter-prediction image, and obtains prediction errors that are differences between the target block and the predicted image; a transform unit which frequency-transforms the prediction errors, a quantization unit which quantize, using a quantization matrix, the transform coefficients, and an encoding unit which entropy-encodes quantized transform coefficients, wherein the quantization unit obtains the quantization matrix, using at least one of a predetermined quantization matrix for the intra-prediction and a predetermined quantization matrix for inter-prediction.

Abstract: A data reduction method and apparatus are provided to improve data reduction performance. In the method a storage device obtains a first service type of first data stored in a first logical unit. The storage device processes the first data based on a first data reduction manner that matches the first service type. The storage device obtains a second service type of second data stored in a second logical unit. The second service type is different from the first service type. The storage device processes the second data based on a second data reduction manner that matches the second service type. The first data reduction manner includes data compression and/or data deduplication. The second data reduction manner includes data compression and/or data deduplication. The first data reduction manner is different from the second data reduction manner.

Abstract: A method for encoding a video sequence is provided that includes signaling in the compressed bit stream that a subset of a plurality of partitioning modes is used for inter-prediction of a portion of the video sequence, using only the subset of partitioning modes for prediction of the portion of the video sequence, and entropy encoding partitioning mode syntax elements corresponding to the portion of the video sequence, wherein at least one partitioning mode syntax element is binarized according to a pre-determined binarization corresponding to the subset of partitioning modes, wherein the pre-determined binarization differs from a pre-determined binarization for the least one partitioning mode syntax element that would be used if the plurality of partitioning modes is used for inter-prediction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a shared digital video stream. A first and a second digital video stream are collected. The shared stream is produced based on the first stream so that the first source is visible in the shared stream, but so that the second source is not visible in the shared stream. The first and/or second stream are analysed to detect a trigger, based on detection of a predetermined image and/or audio pattern, the trigger being a detected gazing or a gesture. The shared stream based on the second stream and/or based on the first source but with at least one of a different cropping, a different zooming, a different panning, or a different focus plane selection. The output stream is provided to a consumer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image encoding apparatus for encoding a sequence of images, where the apparatus comprises a prediction unit which generates, for a target block to be encoded having a predetermined size in an image, a predicted image from both an intra-prediction image and an inter-prediction image, and obtains prediction errors that are differences between the target block and the predicted image; a transform unit which frequency-transforms the prediction errors, a quantization unit which quantize, using a quantization matrix, the transform coefficients, and an encoding unit which entropy-encodes quantized transform coefficients, wherein the quantization unit obtains the quantization matrix, using at least one of a predetermined quantization matrix for the intra-prediction and a predetermined quantization matrix for inter-prediction.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an encoding processing unit and a determination unit. The encoding processing unit performs error correction encoding processing in which a plurality of bit sequences are output from one or more bit sequences. The determination unit divides the plurality of bit sequences into a first bit sequence group (BS1) and a second bit sequence group (BS2), and determines to transmit the first bit sequence group (BS1) and the second bit sequence group (BS2) through different propagation paths, the first bit sequence group (BS1) being decodable without performing error correction decoding processing corresponding to the error correction encoding processing, and the second bit sequence group (BS2) being used for the error correction decoding processing.

Abstract: A video coding mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes receiving a bitstream comprising a slice and a luma mapping with chroma scaling (LMCS) adaptation parameter set (APS) including LMCS parameters. The mechanism further includes determining that the LMCS APS is referenced in data related to the slice. The mechanism further includes decoding the slice using LMCS parameters from the LMCS APS based on the reference to the LMCS APS. The mechanism further includes forwarding the slice for display as part of a decoded video sequence.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for video compression. The present implementations more specifically relate to video compression techniques that account for spatial-temporal changes in pixel values. In some aspects, an encoder may determine a change importance factor (CIF) for each image tile of a current image to be encoded. The encoder may calculate the CIF for an image tile of the current image (the “current image tile”) based on a degree of variation among the pixel values in the current image tile, a degree of change between the current image tile and a respective image tile of a previously-encoded image (the “previous image tile”), and a degree of variation among the pixel values in the previous image tile. In some implementations, the encoder may determine whether to transmit each of the current image tiles to a receiving device based on the CIF associated with the respective image tile.

Abstract: A video coding mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes receiving a bitstream comprising a plurality of sub-pictures partitioned from a picture such that a union of the sub-pictures covers a total area of the picture without overlap. The bitstream is parsed to obtain the one or more sub-pictures. The one or more sub-pictures are decoded to create a video sequence. The video sequence is forwarded for display.

Abstract: To encode a picture, a coding tree unit (CTU) in the picture is partitioned by a quadtree structure, and the quadtree leaf nodes can be further partitioned by a multi-type tree (MTT) structure. To increase the set of reachable coding tree nodes and leaves, we propose to increase the maximum allowed MTT hierarchy depth to be twice the difference between the CTU size and the minimum allowed size for a CU. The maximum allowed MTT hierarchy depth can be specified for all QT levels in order to provide more flexibility in the split tree. Alternatively, only two levels of maximum allowed MTT depth are signaled: one when QT splits are allowed, and another one when no more QT splits are allowed. In addition, an upper bound can be set for the minimum allowed coding block size, based on the coding tree unit size or the maximum allowed transform size.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for video compression. The present implementations more specifically relate to video compression techniques that account for spatial-temporal changes in pixel values. In some aspects, an encoder may determine a change importance factor (CIF) for each image tile of a current image to be encoded. The encoder may calculate the CIF for an image tile of the current image (the “current image tile”) based on a degree of variation among the pixel values in the current image tile, a degree of change between the current image tile and a respective image tile of a previously-encoded image (the “previous image tile”), and a degree of variation among the pixel values in the previous image tile. In some implementations, the encoder may determine whether to transmit each of the current image tiles to a receiving device based on the CIF associated with the respective image tile.

Abstract: A method performed by a video decoder includes receiving a coded video bitstream including a current picture that includes at least one block. The method includes determining that the at least one block is to be predicted in a reconstruction-reordered intra block copy (RR-IBC) mode. The method includes obtaining a syntax element from the at least one block, the syntax element indicating a flip mode. The method includes determining whether reconstruction flip is applied to the at least one block. The method includes, in response to determining the reconstruction flip is applied to the at least one block, predicting a flip pattern for the at least one block based on neighboring reconstruction samples of the at least block and a corresponding reference block of the at least one block. The method further includes decoding the at least one block based on the flip mode and the predicted flip pattern.

Abstract: Different implementations are described, particularly implementations for video encoding and decoding based on linear weighted intra prediction, also called matrix based intra prediction, are presented. Accordingly, for a block being encoded or decoded in linear weighted intra prediction, obtaining intra predicted samples from at least two matrix-vector products between at least two selected weight matrices of reduced size and a set of neighboring reference samples. Advantageously, such arrangement allows to reduce the amount of memory for storing data and to reduce the complexity of the intra prediction samples computation.

Abstract: A transmitter circuit including an impedance setting circuit having first and second legs, wherein each leg includes an adjustable pull-up resistance and an adjustable pull-down resistance connected in series between a supply terminal and a reference terminal. A first-leg-node, between the adjustable resistances of the first leg, is connected to a first bus terminal. A second-leg-node, between the adjustable resistances of the second leg, is connected to a second bus terminal. The controller detects a transition in a transmission data signal, and in response to a dominant to recessive transition the controller controls a voltage setting circuit to set the differential driver voltage on the bus to a recessive value; adjusts each of the adjustable pull-up resistances and the adjustable pull-down resistances with the same target impedance profile such that the transmitter circuit drives the bus with a target driver impedance for an active recessive period of a bit time.

Abstract: A system and method for coding video in which deblocking artifacts are reduced by using modified filtering that is based, at least in part on pixel intensity associated with a coding unit, such that filtering levels are increased as pixel intensity increases. In some embodiments, an offset value or indicator of an offset value for parameters associated with deblocking filter parameters can be associated with a filtering level that is based at least in part on an intensity value.

Abstract: When removing a block distortion occurring in a local decoded image, a loop filtering part 11 of an image coding device carries out a filtering process on each of signal components (a luminance signal component and color difference signal components) after setting the intensity of a filter for removing the block distortion for each of the signal components according to a coding mode (an intra coding mode or an inter coding mode) selected by a coding controlling part 1.

Abstract: Disclosed are a filtering method and device, an encoder and a computer storage medium. The method comprises: acquiring sample information to be filtered, acquiring at least one piece of side information, and inputting at least two components of the sample information to be filtered and at least one piece of side information into a filter based on a neural network so as to output at least one component after the sample information to be filtered is filtered. Further provided are a filtering device, an encoder and a computer storage medium.

Abstract: A method is implemented by a PCC decoder and comprises: receiving, by the PCC decoder, a point cloud bitstream; performing, by the PCC decoder, buffering of the point cloud bitstream based on a time, the performing comprising determining the time based on a delay and a delay offset; and decoding, by the PCC decoder, the point cloud bitstream based on the buffering. A method is implemented by a PCC decoder and comprises: receiving, by the PCC decoder, a point cloud bitstream; performing, by the PCC decoder, buffering of the point cloud bitstream based on a delay, the delay is based on a first delay and a second delay; and decoding, by the PCC decoder, the point cloud bitstream based on the buffering.

Abstract: A receiver circuit associated with a communication device is disclosed. The receiver circuit comprises a digital data compression circuit configured to receive a plurality of digital receive signals derived from a plurality of analog receive signals respectively associated with the receiver circuit. The digital data compression circuit is further configured to compress the plurality of digital receive signals to form one or more compressed digital data signals based thereon, to be provided to an input output (I/O) interface associated therewith. In some embodiments, a compressed digital signal dimension associated with the one or more compressed digital data signals is less than a digital signal dimension associated with the plurality of digital receive signals.

Abstract: Several systems and methods for intra-prediction estimation of video pictures are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes accessing four ‘N×N’ pixel blocks comprising luma-related pixels. The four ‘N×N’ pixel blocks collectively configure a ‘2N×2N’ pixel block. A first pre-determined number of candidate luma intra-prediction modes is accessed for each of the four ‘N×N’ pixel blocks. A presence of one or more luma intra-prediction modes that are common among the candidate luma intra-prediction modes of at least two of the four ‘N×N’ pixel blocks is identified. The method further includes performing, based on the identification, one of (1) selecting a principal luma intra-prediction mode for the ‘2N×2N’ pixel block and (2) limiting a partitioning size to a ‘N×N’ pixel block size for a portion of the video picture corresponding to the ‘2N×2N’ pixel block.

Abstract: The present application relates to a repeater and a communication system. The repeater comprises a proximal device for connecting with a donor antenna and a remote device for connecting with a retransmission antenna; wherein the proximal device comprises a first multi-band combining and splitting network, a first bidirectional signal amplifying link, a first uplink and downlink combining and splitting network, and a first laser transceiver component; the remote device comprises a second multi-band combining and splitting network, a second bidirectional signal amplifying link, a second uplink and downlink combining and splitting network, and a second laser transceiver component; the first laser transceiver component is connected to the second laser transceiver component through an optical fiber. Through the above methods, the present application can reduce loss and cost.

Abstract: A memory system may include: a memory device including at least one word line and at least one memory cell coupled to the word line, and a controller including a write buffer configured to store a program command and data received from a host, the controller suitable for controlling a program operation of storing the data in the word line based on the program command, setting state check time of the word line during a performance period of the program operation, and checking a state of the word line according to a timeout signal generated based on the set state check time.

Abstract: A decoder that decodes a current block using a motion vector includes: a processor; and memory. Using the memory, the processor: derives a first candidate vector from one or more candidate vectors of one or more neighboring blocks that neighbor the current block; determines, in a first reference picture for the current block, a first adjacent region that includes a position indicated by the first candidate vector; calculates evaluation values of a plurality of candidate regions included in the first adjacent region; and determines a first motion vector of the current block, based on a first candidate region having a smallest evaluation value among the evaluation values. The first adjacent region is included in a first motion estimation region determined based on the position indicated by the first candidate vector.

Abstract: Intra block copy with triangular partitions is described. One example method includes determining for a conversion between a block of a video and a bitstream representation of the block, that at least one of intra block copy (IBC) mode, intra mode, inter mode and palette mode is applied to multiple sub-regions of the block, wherein the block is split into two or multiple triangular or wedgelet sub-regions; and performing the conversion based on the determination.

Abstract: Elastic message tracking apparatus and methods are provided that opportunistically improve on the latency of a message processing system and increase the accuracy of a consolidated message stream generated from message streams received from multiple message sources. The elastic message tracking apparatus and methods reduce that latency in situations where the actual latency of all the message streams is lower than a predetermined latency value.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for adaptive neural image compression by meta-learning. The method may include generating a substitute input image and a substitute target quality control parameter using an original input image and a target quality control parameter, wherein the substitute input image is a modified version of the original input image and the substitute target quality control parameter is a modified version of the target quality control parameter. The method may further include encoding the substitute input image, based on the substitute input image and the substitute target quality control parameter, using an encoding neural network, to generate a compressed representation of the substitute input image.

Abstract: Among other things, a communication system comprising remote units and a controller is described. The remote units wirelessly exchanges radio frequency (RF) signals with mobile devices. Each RF signal comprises information destined for, or originating from, at least one of the mobile devices. The remote units and the controller communicate baseband data corresponding to the information across an intermediate network. The remote units each implement at least some physical layer processing for an air interface used to wirelessly communicate with the mobile devices. Two or more of the remote units transmit a downlink reference signal to a mobile device of the mobile devices.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods and systems for coding video. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining encoded video data comprising a plurality of blocks and obtaining a motion vector predictor (MVP) candidate block from a MVP list based on a MVP index. The method further includes in accordance with a determination that a block of the plurality of blocks is designated for a warp extend mode, determining whether the MVP candidate block is suitable for the warp extend mode. The method also includes, in accordance with a determination that the MVP candidate block is not suitable for the warp extend mode, identifying a backup MVP candidate block that is suitable for the warp extend mode. The method further includes obtaining a warp model from the backup MVP candidate block; and performing a warp extend operation on the block using the warp model.

Abstract: An example method includes determining, for each respective coding block of a plurality of coding blocks of a current coding tree unit (CTU) of video data in a current picture of video data, a respective search area of a plurality of respective search areas, wherein at least one of the plurality of search areas includes samples of the current picture located outside of the current CTU, and wherein at least one of the plurality of search areas does not include samples of the current picture located outside of the current CTU; selecting, for each respective coding block and from within the respective search area for the respective coding block, a respective predictor block of a plurality of predictor blocks; and reconstructing samples of each respective coding block based on samples included in a corresponding predictor block in the plurality of predictor blocks.

Abstract: Video coding methods and apparatuses are provided. A set of two or more pictures is coded. The set includes at least a first picture coded with a first spatial resolution, and a second picture coded with a second spatial resolution different from the first spatial resolution. The set of two or more pictures is stored in a decoded picture buffer based on corresponding spatial resolutions. The set of two or more pictures stored in the decoded picture buffer is used as a set of reference pictures for coding one or more successive pictures subsequent to the set of two or more pictures. The set of two or more pictures is incorporated into a reference picture list that contains pictures with at least two different spatial resolutions.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device that, while displaying an image, displays a moving image of interest different from the image in a predetermined region inside a display region in which the image is being displayed, and, according to an instruction by a user, arrays and displays, inside the display region, an image string including a plurality of frame images extracted from the moving image of interest, and that displays the image string at a position determined according to the predetermined region inside the display region.

Abstract: An iterative detection and decoding (IDD) device in a receiving device of a wireless communication system by using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and a channel code by connecting is provided. The IDD device includes an MIMO detector that generates an output log likelihood ratio (LLR) value by using signals received from a plurality of antennas and a feedback LLR value, a channel decoder for outputting a channel decoded LLR value through channel decoding and a second operation by using the LLR value of the MIMO detector, and a feedback compensator for generating the feedback LLR value so that the channel decoded LLR value is within the range of an upper threshold and a lower threshold determined based on a bit width of an LLR used by the receiving device.

Abstract: A processing system estimates motion between blocks of images based on differences in pixel activities between blocks. Blocks having similar pixel activities are more likely to be matches for motion estimation than are blocks having dissimilar pixel activities. Accordingly, the processing system compares pixel activity between current block of a current image and candidate blocks within a search area in the reference image, and estimates motion based on a subset of candidate blocks having a difference in pixel activity from that of the current block within a threshold.

Abstract: A method of operating a network node of a communication network includes receiving, by a first decoder of the network node, a first upstream-processed signal associated with an original signal. The method further includes receiving, by a second decoder of the network node, a second upstream-processed signal associated with the original signal. The method further includes determining, by the first decoder, a first downstream-processed signal based on the first upstream-processed signal and outputting, by the first decoder, the first downstream-processed signal. The method further includes responsive to the first decoder outputting the first downstream-processed signal, determining, by the second decoder, a second downstream-processed signal based on the second upstream-processed signal and the first downstream-processed signal and outputting, by the second decoder, the second downstream-processed signal.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus is a video encoding apparatus for subjecting a video image to motion compensated prediction coding, comprising an acquisition module to acquire available blocks of blocks having motion vectors from encoded blocks adjacent to a to-be-encoded block and number of the available blocks, an acquisition/selection module to select one selection block from the encoded available blocks, a selection information encoder to encode selection information specifying the selection block using a code table corresponding to the number of available blocks, and an image encoder to subject the to-be-encoded block to motion compensated prediction coding using a motion vector of the selection block.

Abstract: An image coding method includes: writing, into a sequence parameter set, buffer description defining information for defining a plurality of buffer descriptions; selecting one of the buffer descriptions for each processing unit that is a picture or a slice, and writing buffer description selecting information for specifying the selected buffer description, into a first header of the processing unit which is included in the coded bitstream; and coding the processing unit using the selected buffer description, and the buffer description defining information includes long-term information for identifying, among a plurality of reference pictures indicated in the buffer descriptions, a reference picture to be assigned as a long-term reference picture.

Abstract: The present embodiment, for an intra prediction method used by an intra prediction device, provides the method comprising: decoding, from a bitstream, mode information indicating use of a prediction derivation mode for a prediction mode block; deriving an intra prediction mode of each pixel group from intra prediction modes of pre-reconstructed reference pixels at a plurality of positions near the prediction mode block for each pixel group including one or more pixels in the prediction mode block; and intra-predicting the pixels in each pixel group using the intra prediction mode of each pixel group.

Abstract: An apparatus for downmixing a multi-channel signal having at least two channels, has: a downmixer for calculating a downmix signal from the multi-channel signal, wherein the downmixer is configured to calculate the downmix using an absolute phase compensation, so that a channel having a lower energy among the at least two channels is only rotated or is rotated stronger than a channel having a greater energy in calculating the downmix signal; and an output interface for generating an output signal, the output signal having information on the downmix signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, an electronic device, and a computer program product for processing data. The method includes determining encoded data for a target object by performing hybrid encoding on multiple types of data for the target object, the multiple types of data including image data of the target object. The method further includes determining, by transforming the encoded data, an invariant portion for a shape of the target object and a variable portion for an expression of the target object. The method improves data processing efficiency, saves time and computing resources, and reduces the amount of data transmission.

Abstract: A computer vision system is provided that includes a camera capture component configured to capture an image from a camera, a memory, and an image compression decompression engine (ICDE) coupled to the memory and configured to receive each line of the image, and compress each line to generate a compressed bit stream. To compress a line, the ICDE is configured to divide the line into compression units, and compress each compression unit, wherein to compress a compression unit, the ICDE is configured to perform delta prediction on the compression unit to generate a delta predicted compression unit, compress the delta predicted compression unit using exponential Golomb coding to generate a compressed delta predicted compression unit, and add the compressed delta predicted compression unit to the compressed bit stream.

Abstract: A low voltage drive circuit (LVDC) includes a data splitter operable to split transmit digital data into a plurality of streams of digital data. The LVDC further includes a plurality of signal generators operable to receive the plurality of streams of digital data at a plurality of data rates and generate a plurality of analog outbound data signals for the plurality of streams of digital data. A first signal generator receives a first stream of digital data of the plurality of streams of digital data at a first data rate. A second signal generator receives a second stream of digital data of the plurality of streams of digital data at a second data rate. The LVDC further includes a signal combiner operable to combine the plurality of analog outbound data signals into analog outbound data and a drive sense circuit operable to drive the analog outbound data onto a bus.

Abstract: In order to record communication data via a communication network, in a storage apparatus in accordance with an appropriate data recording method, a data processing apparatus includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain communication data including one or more packets continuously communicated via a communication network; a recording unit configured to record the communication data in a storage; and a reading processing unit configured to read the communication data from the storage, wherein the recording unit selects a first data compression method from among a plurality of data compression methods based on compression rate for each data compression method, reading speed of the communication data from the storage, and decompression speed of the communication data required from reading of the communication data to decompression of the communication data in accordance with each compression method, and records the communication data in accordance with the first data compression method.

Abstract: According to the disclosure of the present document, it is possible to derive a residual sample by applying an adaptive color transform (ACT) to a current block on the basis of ACT related information, and at this time, the residual sample is derived through clipping on the basis of a clipping range, and the clipping range is determined on the basis of the bit depth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices and computer program products for encoding and decoding a stereo audio signal based on an input signal. According to the disclosure, a hybrid approach of using both parametric stereo coding and a discrete representation of the stereo audio signal is used which may improve the quality of the encoded and decoded audio for certain bitrates.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program is described including circuitry configured for using a transmitter algorithm to convert one or more inputs at a transmitter of a transmission system into one or more data symbols, wherein: the transmission system includes the transmitter implementing said transmitter algorithm, a channel and a receiver including a receiver algorithm; the transmitter algorithm includes trainable parameters for converting one or more received data symbols into one or more outputs; and the transmitter algorithm is stochastic.

Abstract: A method for decoding encoded blocks of pixels from an encoded video bit stream is provided that includes decoding a block vector corresponding to an encoded block of pixels from the encoded bit stream, verifying that the block vector indicates a block of reconstructed pixels in a search area including reconstructed pixels of a largest coding unit (LCU) including the encoded block of pixels and N left neighboring reconstructed LCUs of the LCU, and decoding the encoded block of pixels, wherein the block of reconstructed pixels is used as a predictor for the encoded block of pixels.