A method of signaling additional chroma QP offset values that are specific to quantization groups is provided, in which each quantization group explicitly specifies its own set of chroma QP offset values. Alternatively, a table of possible sets of chroma QP offset values is specified in the header area of the picture, and each quantization group uses an index to select an entry from the table for determining its own set of chroma QP offset values. The quantization group specific chroma QP offset values are then used to determine the chroma QP values for blocks within the quantization group in addition to chroma QP offset values already specified for higher levels of the video coding hierarchy.

A method of operating a semiconductor device includes receiving a video stream including a plurality of frames encoded in a hierarchical manner. Each frame is classified as one of a plurality of layers, and the plurality of layers includes a first layer and a second layer. The method further includes decoding the frames classified as the first layer in a chronological order, storing the decoded frames classified as the first layer in a decoded picture buffer (DPB), decoding a latest one of the frames classified as the second layer, storing the decoded latest one of the frames classified as the second layer in the DPB, reading the DPB to display the latest one of the frames classified as the second layer, and decoding and displaying the frames classified as the second layer other than the latest one of the frames classified as the second layer in a reverse chronological order.

A method of operating a semiconductor device includes receiving a video stream including a plurality of frames encoded in a hierarchical manner. Each frame is classified as one of a plurality of layers, and the plurality of layers includes a first layer and a second layer. The method further includes decoding the frames classified as the first layer in a chronological order, storing the decoded frames classified as the first layer in a decoded picture buffer (DPB), decoding a latest one of the frames classified as the second layer, storing the decoded latest one of the frames classified as the second layer in the DPB, reading the DPB to display the latest one of the frames classified as the second layer, and decoding and displaying the frames classified as the second layer other than the latest one of the frames classified as the second layer in a reverse chronological order.

Operations of a method include obtaining a segment of image data that represents a portion of a frame of video image data to be encoded. The operations include determining, based on the segment and a target bitrate, a quantization parameter (QP) value for the segment. The operations include determining a minimum QP value and a maximum QP value that establishes a range of QP values an integrated bit rate control algorithm may use to encode the segment. The operations include encoding the segment with a first QP value that is greater than the minimum QP value and less than the maximum QP value. The operations include adjusting, by the bit rate control algorithm, the first QP value to a second QP value that is greater than the minimum QP value and less than the maximum QP value. The operations include transmitting the encoded segment to a remote device.

Methods and systems for improving coding decoding efficiency of video by providing a syntax modeler, a buffer, and a decoder. The syntax modeler may associate a first sequence of symbols with syntax elements. The buffer may store tables, each represented by a symbol in the first sequence, and each used to associate a respective symbol in a second sequence of symbols with encoded data. The decoder decodes the data into a bitstream using the second sequence retrieved from a table.

Methods and systems for improving coding decoding efficiency of video by providing a syntax modeler, a buffer, and a decoder. The syntax modeler may associate a first sequence of symbols with syntax elements. The buffer may store tables, each represented by a symbol in the first sequence, and each used to associate a respective symbol in a second sequence of symbols with encoded data. The decoder decodes the data into a bitstream using the second sequence retrieved from a table.

Apparatus and methods for the pre-processing of image data so as to enhance quality of subsequent encoding and rendering. In one embodiment, a capture device is disclosed that includes a processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable apparatus comprising a storage medium have one or more instructions stored thereon. The one or more instructions, when executed by the processing apparatus, are configured to: receive captured image data (such as that sourced from two or more separate image sensors) and pre-process the data to enable stabilization of the corresponding images prior to encoding. In some implementations, the pre-processing includes combination (e.g., stitching) of the captured image data associated with the two or more sensors to facilitates the stabilization. Advantageously, undesirable artifacts such as object “jitter” can be reduced or eliminated. Methods and non-transitory computer readable apparatus are also disclosed.

Apparatus and methods for the pre-processing of image data so as to enhance quality of subsequent encoding and rendering. In one embodiment, a capture device is disclosed that includes a processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable apparatus comprising a storage medium have one or more instructions stored thereon. The one or more instructions, when executed by the processing apparatus, are configured to: receive captured image data (such as that sourced from two or more separate image sensors) and pre-process the data to enable stabilization of the corresponding images prior to encoding. In some implementations, the pre-processing includes combination (e.g., stitching) of the captured image data associated with the two or more sensors to facilitates the stabilization. Advantageously, undesirable artifacts such as object “jitter” can be reduced or eliminated. Methods and non-transitory computer readable apparatus are also disclosed.

A transmission device according to an embodiment includes one or more processors. The processors divide a plurality of pieces of transmission data to be transmitted into first data and second data. The processors transmit the first data to a server device configured to distribute the transmission data to a reception device. The processors store the second data in storage. The processors receive, from the reception device or the server device, a request for transmission of the second data. The processors transmit the second data to the server device in accordance with the request for transmission.

A transmission device according to an embodiment includes one or more processors. The processors divide a plurality of pieces of transmission data to be transmitted into first data and second data. The processors transmit the first data to a server device configured to distribute the transmission data to a reception device. The processors store the second data in storage. The processors receive, from the reception device or the server device, a request for transmission of the second data. The processors transmit the second data to the server device in accordance with the request for transmission.