Several methods and systems for estimating motion in a plurality of multimedia pictures are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one temporal distance between a multimedia picture and one or more reference pictures corresponding to the multimedia picture in a capture order associated with the plurality of multimedia pictures is computed. The at least one temporal distance is computed subsequent to an encoding of the multimedia picture. At least one motion estimation parameter is determined based on the at least one temporal distance. Motion associated with a subsequent multimedia picture to be encoded is estimated based on the at least one motion estimation parameter.

Various embodiments relate to a video coding system in which some elements required for decoding are generated according to a process that not specified within the video coding system. This process is hereafter referenced to as being the “external” process. This external process may generate “external” reference pictures to be used by a decoder that is adapted to use these external pictures. Encoding method, decoding method, encoding apparatus, decoding apparatus based on this post-processing method are proposed.

Several methods and systems for estimating motion in a plurality of multimedia pictures are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one temporal distance between a multimedia picture and one or more reference pictures corresponding to the multimedia picture in a capture order associated with the plurality of multimedia pictures is computed. The at least one temporal distance is computed subsequent to an encoding of the multimedia picture. At least one motion estimation parameter is determined based on the at least one temporal distance. Motion associated with a subsequent multimedia picture to be encoded is estimated based on the at least one motion estimation parameter.

Several methods and systems for estimating motion in a plurality of multimedia pictures are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one temporal distance between a multimedia picture and one or more reference pictures corresponding to the multimedia picture in a capture order associated with the plurality of multimedia pictures is computed. The at least one temporal distance is computed subsequent to an encoding of the multimedia picture. At least one motion estimation parameter is determined based on the at least one temporal distance. Motion associated with a subsequent multimedia picture to be encoded is estimated based on the at least one motion estimation parameter.

A decoding method includes obtaining an identifier from a bitstream, where the identifier indicates a minimum decoding time interval k between library pictures that is allowed in the bitstream, obtaining, when parsing the bitstream, a decoding moment t.sub.i of a current decoded picture and a decoding moment t.sub.j of a first decoded picture that is closest to the current decoded picture and that references a new library picture when the current decoded picture is decoded by referencing a library picture, where the new library picture is a library picture that is not decoded or needs to be re-decoded when the first decoded picture is decoded, and determining a preset quantity of library pictures as candidate reference pictures of the current decoded picture based on a relationship between k and a difference between t.sub.i and t.sub.j.

Several improvements for use with Bidirectionally Predictive (B) pictures within a video sequence are provided. In certain improvements Direct Mode encoding and/or Motion Vector Prediction are enhanced using spatial prediction techniques. In other improvements Motion Vector prediction includes temporal distance and subblock information, for example, for more accurate prediction. Such improvements and other presented herein significantly improve the performance of any applicable video coding system/logic.

Several improvements for use with Bidirectionally Predictive (B) pictures within a video sequence are provided. In certain improvements Direct Mode encoding and/or Motion Vector Prediction are enhanced using spatial prediction techniques. In other improvements Motion Vector prediction includes temporal distance and subblock information, for example, for more accurate prediction. Such improvements and other presented herein significantly improve the performance of any applicable video coding system/logic.

Disclosed is an encoding/decoding method and apparatus related to adaptive deblocking filtering. There is provided an image decoding method performing adaptive filtering in inter-prediction, the method including: reconstructing, from a bitstream, an image signal including a reference block on which block matching is performed in inter-prediction of a current block to be encoded; obtaining, from the bitstream, a flag indicating whether the reference block exists within a current picture where the current block is positioned; reconstructing the current block by using the reference block; adaptively applying an in-loop filter for the reconstructed current block based on the obtained flag; and storing the current block to which the in-loop filter is or is not applied in a decoded picture buffer (DPB).

Disclosed is an encoding/decoding method and apparatus related to adaptive deblocking filtering. There is provided an image decoding method performing adaptive filtering in inter-prediction, the method including: reconstructing, from a bitstream, an image signal including a reference block on which block matching is performed in inter-prediction of a current block to be encoded; obtaining, from the bitstream, a flag indicating whether the reference block exists within a current picture where the current block is positioned; reconstructing the current block by using the reference block; adaptively applying an in-loop filter for the reconstructed current block based on the obtained flag; and storing the current block to which the in-loop filter is or is not applied in a decoded picture buffer (DPB).

Techniques are described related to output and removal of decoded pictures from a decoded picture buffer (DPB). The example techniques may remove a decoded picture from the DPB prior to coding a current picture. For instance, the example techniques may remove the decoded picture if that decoded picture is not identified in the reference picture set of the current picture.