JP7514611B2 - Video decoding device, video encoding device, and predicted image generating device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a predictive image generating device, a video decoding device, and a video encoding device.

To efficiently transmit or record video, video encoding devices are used that generate encoded data by encoding video, and video decoding devices are used that generate decoded images by decoding the encoded data.

Specific examples of video encoding methods include H.264/AVC and the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) method.

In such video coding methods, images (pictures) that make up a video are managed in a hierarchical structure consisting of slices obtained by dividing images, coding tree units (CTUs) obtained by dividing slices, coding units (sometimes called coding units: CUs) obtained by dividing coding tree units, and transform units (TUs) obtained by dividing coding units, and are coded/decoded for each CU.

In such video coding methods, a predicted image is usually generated based on a locally decoded image obtained by encoding/decoding an input image, and the prediction error (sometimes called a "difference image" or "residual image") obtained by subtracting the predicted image from the input image (original image) is coded. Methods for generating predicted images include inter-prediction and intra-prediction.

Another recent example of video coding and decoding technology is Non-Patent Document 1. Non-Patent Document 1 employs a technology called Reference Picture Resampling (RPR). This technology encodes and decodes the reference picture to match its size to the size of the coded picture when the size of the coded picture differs from that of the reference picture. When the size of the reference picture differs from that of the coded picture, there is a problem that the positions do not match when the motion vector information stored in the reference picture is used in the coded picture. Regarding this problem, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a method of prohibiting the generation of coded data using motion vector information of a reference picture whose size differs from that of the coded picture.

"Versatile Video Coding (Draft 5)", JVET-N1001-v7, Joint Video Exploration Team (JVET) of ITU-T SG 16 WP 3 and ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29/WG 11, 2019-05-29

However, in the method described in Non-Patent Document 1, which prohibits the generation of coded data using motion vector information of a reference picture that is a different size from the coded picture, prohibited coded data is generated, and when the prohibited coded data is decoded, the decoding process is not specified, so there is a problem in that the operation cannot be guaranteed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video decoding device, comprising: a predicted image generating unit configured to scale a reference picture when a size of a coded picture and a size of a reference picture are different;
In the case where the prediction image generation involves encoding and decoding encoded data that refers to information on a motion vector of a reference picture that is different in size from the size of the encoded picture,
The present invention is characterized in that a predicted image is generated assuming that the use of the motion vector information of the reference picture is prohibited.

According to one aspect of the present invention, in video encoding/decoding processing, it is not possible to generate encoded data whose operation cannot be guaranteed for the decoding process, so that the operation of the decoding process can be guaranteed.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a transmitting device equipped with a video encoding device according to the present embodiment, and a receiving device equipped with a video decoding device, in which PROD_A indicates the transmitting device equipped with the video encoding device, and PROD_B indicates the receiving device equipped with the video decoding device. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a recording device equipped with a video encoding device according to the present embodiment, and a playback device equipped with a video decoding device, in which PROD_C indicates a recording device equipped with a video encoding device, and PROD_D indicates a playback device equipped with a video decoding device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of data in an encoded stream. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image to be processed in the image transmission system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a reference picture and a reference picture list. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a video decoding device. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation of the video decoding device. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a syntax table of a slice header. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of the present application. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an inter-prediction parameter derivation unit. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a merge prediction parameter derivation unit and an AMVP prediction parameter derivation unit. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an inter-prediction image generating unit. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video encoding device. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an inter-prediction parameter encoding unit. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow in which the BIO unit derives a predicted image. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a BIO section.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image transmission system 1 according to this embodiment.

Image transmission system 1 is a system that transmits an encoded stream in which images of different resolutions have been converted, decodes the transmitted encoded stream, and converts the images back to the original resolution for display. Image transmission system 1 includes a resolution conversion device (resolution conversion unit) 51, a video encoding device (image encoding device) 11, a network 21, a video decoding device (image decoding device) 31, a resolution inverse conversion device (resolution inverse conversion unit) 61, and a video display device (image display device) 41.

The resolution conversion device 51 converts the resolution of an image T included in the video, and supplies a variable resolution video signal including images of different resolutions to the image coding device 11. The resolution conversion device 51 also supplies information indicating whether or not the resolution of an image is to be converted to the video coding device 11. If the information indicates resolution conversion, the video coding device sets the resolution conversion information ref_pic_resampling_enabled_flag, described later, to 1, and includes it in the sequence parameter set SPS (Sequence Parameter Set) of the coded data for coding.

The resolution-converted image T is input to the video encoding device 11.

The network 21 transmits the encoded stream Te generated by the video encoding device 11 to the video decoding device 31. The network 21 is the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or a combination of these. The network 21 is not necessarily limited to a two-way communication network, and may be a one-way communication network that transmits broadcast waves such as terrestrial digital broadcasting and satellite broadcasting. The network 21 may also be replaced by a storage medium on which the encoded stream Te is recorded, such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc: registered trademark) or a BD (Blue-ray Disc: registered trademark).

The video decoding device 31 decodes each of the encoded streams Te transmitted by the network 21, generates a variable resolution decoded image signal, and supplies it to the resolution inverse conversion device 61.

When the resolution conversion information included in the variable resolution decoded image signal indicates a resolution conversion, the resolution inverse conversion device 61 generates a decoded image signal of the original size by inversely converting the resolution-converted image.

The video display device 41 displays all or part of one or more decoded images Td indicated by the decoded image signal input from the resolution inverse conversion unit. The video display device 41 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display. Display forms include stationary, mobile, HMD, etc. If the video decoding device 31 has high processing power, it displays high quality images, and if it has only low processing power, it displays images that do not require high processing power or display power.

Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of an image to be processed in the image transmission system 1 shown in Figure 1, showing changes in the resolution of the image over time. However, in Figure 5, no distinction is made as to whether the image is encoded or not. Figure 5 shows an example of transmitting an image to the image decoding device 31 with a reduced resolution during processing in the image transmission system 1. As shown in Figure 5, the resolution conversion device 51 normally performs conversion to reduce the resolution of the image in order to reduce the amount of information to be transmitted.

<Operator>
The operators used in this specification are listed below.

>> is a right bit shift, << is a left bit shift, & is a bitwise AND, | is a bitwise OR, |= is the OR assignment operator, and || indicates logical OR.

x?y:z is a ternary operator that takes y if x is true (non-zero) and z if x is false (0).

Clip3(a,b,c) is a function that clips c to a value between a and b, and returns a if c<a, returns b if c>b, and returns c otherwise (where a<=b).

abs(a) is a function that returns the absolute value of a.

Int(a) is a function that returns the integer value of a.

floor(a) is a function that returns the largest integer less than or equal to a.

ceil(a) is a function that returns the smallest integer greater than or equal to a.

a/d represents the division of a by d (truncated to an integer).

<Structure of the coded stream Te>
Before describing in detail the video encoding device 11 and the video decoding device 31 according to this embodiment, the data structure of the encoded stream Te generated by the video encoding device 11 and decoded by the video decoding device 31 will be described.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of data in an encoded stream Te. The encoded stream Te illustratively includes a sequence and a number of pictures that make up the sequence. Figure 4 shows a coded video sequence that defines a sequence SEQ, a coded picture that specifies a picture PICT, a coded slice that specifies a slice S, coded slice data that specifies slice data, a coding tree unit included in the coded slice data, and a coding unit included in the coding tree unit.

(Coded Video Sequence)
The coded video sequence defines a set of data that the video decoding device 31 refers to in order to decode the sequence SEQ to be processed. As shown in Fig. 4, the sequence SEQ includes a video parameter set VPS (Video Parameter Set), a sequence parameter set SPS (Sequence Parameter Set), a picture parameter set PPS (Picture Parameter Set), an adaptation parameter set (APS), a picture PICT, and supplemental enhancement information SEI (Supplemental Enhancement Information).

The video parameter set VPS specifies a set of coding parameters common to multiple videos composed of multiple layers, as well as a set of coding parameters related to multiple layers and individual layers included in the video.

The sequence parameter set SPS specifies a set of coding parameters that the video decoding device 31 references to decode the target sequence. For example, the width and height of a picture are specified. Note that there may be multiple SPSs. In that case, one of the multiple SPSs is selected from the PPS.

Here, the sequence parameter set SPS includes the following syntax:
ref_pic_resampling_enabled_flag: A flag that specifies whether or not to use a function that changes the resolution (resampling) when decoding each image included in a single sequence that references the target SPS. In other words, this flag indicates that the size of the reference picture referenced in generating a predicted image changes between each image indicated by a single sequence. If the value of this flag is 1, the resampling is applied, and if the value is 0, it is not applied.
pic_width_max_in_luma_samples: This syntax specifies the width of the image with the maximum width among the images in a single sequence in units of luminance blocks. The value of this syntax is required to be a non-zero integer multiple of Max(8, MinCbSizeY), where MinCbSizeY is a value determined by the minimum size of a luminance block.
pic_height_max_in_luma_samples: This syntax specifies the height of the image with the maximum height among the images in a single sequence in units of luminance blocks. The value of this syntax is required to be a non-zero integer multiple of Max(8, MinCbSizeY).
sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag: A flag that specifies whether or not to use temporal motion vector prediction when decoding a target sequence. If the value of the flag is 1, temporal motion vector prediction is used, and if the value is 0, temporal motion vector prediction is not used. In addition, by specifying the flag, it is possible to prevent the coordinate position to be referenced from shifting when, for example, referring to a reference picture with a different resolution.

The picture parameter set PPS specifies a set of coding parameters that the video decoding device 31 references in order to decode each picture in the target sequence. For example, it includes the reference value of the quantization width used in decoding the picture (pic_init_qp_minus26) and a flag indicating the application of weighted prediction (weighted_pred_flag). Note that there may be multiple PPSs. In that case, one of the multiple PPSs is selected for each picture in the target sequence.

Here, the picture parameter set PPS includes the following syntax.
pic_width_in_luma_samples: Syntax that specifies the width of the target picture. The value of this syntax is required to be a non-zero integer multiple of Max(8, MinCbSizeY) and equal to or less than pic_width_max_in_luma_samples.
pic_height_in_luma_samples: Syntax that specifies the height of the target picture. The value of this syntax is required to be a non-zero integer multiple of Max(8, MinCbSizeY) and equal to or less than pic_height_max_in_luma_samples.
conformance_window_flag: a flag indicating whether conformance (cropping) window offset parameters will be signaled subsequently, and where the conformance window will be displayed. If this flag is 1, the parameters will be signaled, if it is 0, the conformance window offset parameters are not present.
conf_win_left_offset, conf_win_right_offset, conf_win_top_offset, conf_win_bottom_offset: offset values for specifying the left, right, top, and bottom positions of a picture output by a decoding process with respect to a rectangular area specified by the output picture coordinates. In addition, when the value of conformance_window_flag is 0, the values of conf_win_left_offset, conf_win_right_offset, conf_win_top_offset, and conf_win_bottom_offset are estimated to be 0.
scaling_window_flag: A flag indicating whether a scaling window offset parameter exists in the target PPS, and is a flag related to the specification of the output image size. When this flag is 1, it indicates that the parameter exists in the PPS, and when this flag is 0, it indicates that the parameter does not exist in the PPS. In addition, when the value of ref_pic_resampling_enabled_flag is 0, the value of scaling_window_flag is also required to be 0.
-scaling_win_left_offset, scaling_win_right_offset, scaling_win_top_offset, scaling_win_bottom_offset: Syntax to specify the offsets applied to the image size for scaling ratio calculation in luminance samples for the left, right, top, and bottom positions of the target picture, respectively. If the value of scaling_window_flag is 0, the values of scaling_win_left_offset, scaling_win_right_offset, scaling_win_top_offset, and scaling_win_bottom_offset are presumed to be 0. It is also required that the value of scaling_win_left_offset + scaling_win_right_offset is less than pic_width_in_luma_samples, and the value of scaling_win_top_offset + scaling_win_bottom_offset is less than pic_height_in_luma_samples.

The width PicOutputWidthL and height PicOutputHeightL of the output picture are derived as follows:

PicOutputWidthL = pic_width_in_luma_samples - (scaling_win_right_offset + scaling_win_left_offset)
PicOutputHeightL = pic_height_in_pic_size_units - (scaling_win_bottom_offset + scaling_win_top_offset)
pps_collocated_from_l0_idc: Syntax indicating whether collocated_from_l0_flag is present in the slice header of the slice that references the PPS. When the value of this syntax is 0, collocated_from_l0_flag is present in the slice header, and when the value is 1 or 2, it is not present in the slice header.

(Encoded Picture)
A coded picture defines a set of data to be referenced by the video decoding device 31 in order to decode a picture PICT to be processed. As shown in Fig. 4, a picture PICT includes a picture header PH and slices 0 to NS-1 (NS is the total number of slices included in the picture PICT).

In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between slices 0 to NS-1, the subscripts of the symbols may be omitted. The same applies to other data that are included in the encoded stream Te described below and have subscripts.

The picture header contains the following syntax:
pic_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag: A flag that specifies whether or not temporal motion vector prediction is used for inter prediction of a slice associated with the picture header. If the value of the flag is 0, the syntax elements of the slice associated with the picture header are restricted so that temporal motion vector prediction is not used in decoding the slice. If the value of the flag is 1, it indicates that temporal motion vector prediction is used in decoding the slice associated with the picture header. If the flag is not specified, the value is presumed to be 0.

(Coding Slice)
A coded slice defines a set of data to be referenced by the video decoding device 31 in order to decode a target slice S. As shown in Fig. 4, a slice includes a slice header and slice data.

The slice header includes a set of coding parameters that the video decoding device 31 refers to in order to determine the decoding method for the target slice. Slice type specification information (slice_type) that specifies the slice type is an example of a coding parameter included in the slice header.

Slice types that can be specified by the slice type specification information include (1) an I slice that uses only intra prediction during encoding, (2) a P slice that uses unidirectional prediction or intra prediction during encoding, and (3) a B slice that uses unidirectional prediction, bidirectional prediction, or intra prediction during encoding. Note that inter prediction is not limited to unidirectional or bidirectional prediction, and a predicted image may be generated using more reference pictures. Hereinafter, when referring to P or B slice, it refers to a slice that includes a block for which inter prediction can be used.

Note that the slice header may also contain a reference to the picture parameter set PPS (pic_parameter_set_id).

Furthermore, the slice header may include the following syntax as shown in FIG.
collocated_from_l0_flag: a flag that specifies from which reference picture list the collocated picture used for temporal motion vector prediction is derived. When the value of the flag is 1, it indicates that the picture is derived from reference picture list 0 (L0 list), and when the value of the flag is 0, it indicates that the picture is derived from reference picture list 1 (L1 list). When the flag is not specified, a value of 0 or 1 is estimated depending on the slice type and pps_collocated_from_l0_idc.

If the slice type is other than B, collocated_from_l0_flag is inferred to be 1. If the slice type is B, collocated_from_l0_flag is inferred to be pps_collocated_from_l0_idc - 1.
collocated_ref_idx: a reference index of the collocated picture used for temporal motion vector prediction. The value of collocated_ref_idx is also specified by the slice type or the value of collocated_from_l0_flag. If the slice type is P, or if the slice type is B and collocated_from_l0_flag is 1, collocated_ref_idx refers to a picture in List0. If the slice type is B and collocated_from_l0_flag is 0, collocated_ref_idx refers to a picture in List1. If collocated_ref_idx is not present, it is inferred to be 0.

In this embodiment, if the value of the variable RefPicIsScaled[collocated_from_l0_flag? 0:1][collocated_ref_idx], which indicates that the size of the coded picture and the size of the reference picture are different, is 1, the variable SliceTemporalMvpEnableFlag is set to 0. Otherwise, the variable SliceTemporalMvpEnableFlag is set to the value of pic_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag. As a result, if a reference picture of a size different from the size of the coded picture is specified by collocated_ref_idx, the variable SliceTemporalMvpEnableFlag is forcibly set to 0, and coding and decoding processes are performed for that slice without using the motion vector information of the reference picture.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the above process. First, the collocated picture used for temporal motion vector prediction is stored in the variable X.
(S201) Next, to check whether the size of the collocated-picture picture indicated by collocated_ref_idx is different from the size of the coding picture, the value of the variable RefPicIsScaled is compared to see if it is 1. (S202) If it is 1, it is determined that the size of the collocated-picture picture is different from the size of the coding picture, and the variable SliceTemporalMvpEnableFlag is set to 0, and the motion vector information of the collocated picture is not used. (S203) If it is not 1, the value of picTemporalMvpEnableFlag, a flag at the picture level, is substituted for the variable SliceTemporalMvpEnableFlag. (S204)
In another embodiment, if a reference picture of a size different from the size of the coded picture is specified by collocated_ref_idx, the smallest value of ref_idx among reference pictures of the same size as the coded picture is set to collocated_ref_idx, and if there is no reference picture of the same size as the coded picture, the variable SliceTemporalMvpEnableFlag is forcibly set to 0, and coding and decoding processes are performed in the slice without using motion vector information of the reference picture.

In any case, if a reference picture of a size different from the size of the coded picture is specified in collocated_ref_idx, a procedure is set up so that the decoding process always operates in the same way.

In this way, rather than prohibiting the generation of encoded data in which a reference picture of a size different from the size of the encoded picture is specified in collocated_ref_idx, it is possible to ensure that the operation of the decoding process is always the same by defining the processing to be performed when a reference picture of a size different from the size of the encoded picture is specified in collocated_ref_idx.

(Encoded slice data)
The coded slice data specifies a set of data to be referenced by the video decoding device 31 in order to decode the slice data to be processed. The slice data includes a CTU, as shown in the coded slice header in Fig. 4. A CTU is a block of a fixed size (e.g., 64x64) that constitutes a slice, and is also called a Largest Coding Unit (LCU).

(coding tree unit)
4 specifies a set of data that the video decoding device 31 refers to in order to decode a CTU to be processed. The CTU is divided into coding units CU, which are basic units of encoding processing, by recursive quad tree division (QT (Quad Tree) division), binary tree division (BT (Binary Tree) division), or ternary tree division (TT (Ternary Tree) division). BT division and TT division are collectively called multi tree division (MT (Multi Tree) division). A node of a tree structure obtained by recursive quad tree division is called a coding node. Intermediate nodes of a quad tree, binary tree, and ternary tree are coding nodes, and the CTU itself is specified as the top coding node.

CT includes, as CT information, a CU split flag (split_cu_flag) indicating whether CT splitting is performed, a QT split flag (qt_split_cu_flag) indicating whether QT splitting is performed, an MT split direction (mtt_split_cu_vertical_flag) indicating the split direction of MT splitting, and an MT split type (mtt_split_cu_binary_flag) indicating the split type of MT splitting. split_cu_flag, qt_split_cu_flag, mtt_split_cu_vertical_flag, and mtt_split_cu_binary_flag are transmitted for each encoding node.

Different trees may be used for luminance and chrominance. The type of tree is indicated by treeType. For example, when using a common tree for luminance (Y, cIdx=0) and chrominance (Cb/Cr, cIdx=1,2), the common single tree is indicated by treeType=SINGLE_TREE. When using two different trees (DUAL trees) for luminance and chrominance, the luminance tree is indicated by treeType=DUAL_TREE_LUMA and the chrominance tree is indicated by treeType=DUAL_TREE_CHROMA.

(Encoding Unit)
4 specifies a set of data to be referenced by the video decoding device 31 in order to decode a coding unit to be processed. Specifically, a CU is composed of a CU header CUH, prediction parameters, transformation parameters, quantization transformation coefficients, etc. The CU header specifies a prediction mode, etc.

Prediction processing may be performed on a CU basis, or on a sub-CU basis, which is a further division of a CU. If the size of the CU and sub-CU are the same, there is one sub-CU in the CU. If the size of the CU is larger than the size of the sub-CU, the CU is divided into sub-CUs. For example, if the CU is 8x8 and the sub-CU is 4x4, the CU is divided into 2 parts horizontally and 2 parts vertically, into 4 sub-CUs.

There are two types of prediction (prediction modes): intra prediction and inter prediction. Intra prediction is a prediction within the same picture, while inter prediction refers to a prediction process performed between different pictures (e.g., between display times or between layer images).

The transformation and quantization processes are performed on a CU basis, but the quantized transformation coefficients may be entropy coded on a subblock basis, such as 4x4.

(Prediction parameters)
The predicted image is derived from prediction parameters associated with the block, which include intra-prediction and inter-prediction parameters.

The prediction parameters of inter prediction are explained below. The inter prediction parameters are composed of prediction list usage flags predFlagL0 and predFlagL1, reference picture indexes refIdxL0 and refIdxL1, and motion vectors mvL0 and mvL1. predFlagL0 and predFlagL1 are flags indicating whether or not a reference picture list (L0 list, L1 list) is used, and when the value is 1, the corresponding reference picture list is used. Note that in this specification, when the term "flag indicating whether or not XX is true" is used, a flag other than 0 (for example, 1) is XX, and 0 is not XX, and in logical negation, logical product, etc., 1 is treated as true and 0 is treated as false (same below). However, in actual devices and methods, other values can be used as true and false values.

Syntax elements for deriving inter prediction parameters include, for example, the affine flag affine_flag used in merge mode, the merge flag merge_flag, the merge index merge_idx, the MMVD flag mmvd_flag, the inter prediction identifier inter_pred_idc for selecting a reference picture to be used in AMVP mode, the reference picture index refIdxLX, the prediction vector index mvp_LX_idx for deriving a motion vector, the difference vector mvdLX, and the motion vector precision mode amvr_mode.

(See picture list)
The reference picture list is a list of reference pictures stored in the reference picture memory 306. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a reference picture and a reference picture list. In the conceptual diagram showing an example of a reference picture in FIG. 6, a rectangle indicates a picture, an arrow indicates a reference relationship between pictures, the horizontal axis indicates time, I, P, and B in the rectangle indicate an intra picture, a uni-predictive picture, and a bi-predictive picture, respectively, and numbers in the rectangle indicate a decoding order. As shown in the figure, the decoding order of pictures is I0, P1, B2, B3, and B4, and the display order is I0, B3, B2, B4, and P1. FIG. 6 shows an example of a reference picture list of a picture B3 (target picture). A reference picture list is a list representing candidates for a reference picture, and one picture (slice) may have one or more reference picture lists. In the example shown in the figure, the target picture B3 has two reference picture lists, an L0 list RefPicList0 and an L1 list RefPicList1. In each CU, refIdxLX specifies which picture in the reference picture list RefPicListX (X=0 or 1) is actually referenced. The diagram shows an example where refIdxL0=2 and refIdxL1=0. Note that LX is a description method used when there is no distinction between L0 prediction and L1 prediction, and hereinafter, parameters for the L0 list and parameters for the L1 list are distinguished by replacing LX with L0 and L1, respectively.

(Merge prediction and AMVP prediction)
The prediction parameter decoding (encoding) method includes a merge prediction mode and an AMVP (Advanced Motion Vector Prediction) mode, and merge_flag is a flag for identifying these. The merge prediction mode is a mode in which the prediction list usage flag predFlagLX, the reference picture index refIdxLX, and the motion vector mvLX are not included in the encoded data, but are derived from the prediction parameters of the neighboring blocks that have already been processed. The AMVP mode is a mode in which inter_pred_idc, refIdxLX, and mvLX are included in the encoded data. Note that mvLX is encoded as mvp_LX_idx, which identifies the prediction vector mvpLX, and the difference vector mvdLX. In addition to the merge prediction mode, there may be an affine prediction mode and an MMVD prediction mode.

inter_pred_idc is a value indicating the type and number of reference pictures, and can take one of the values PRED_L0, PRED_L1, or PRED_BI. PRED_L0 and PRED_L1 indicate uni-prediction using one reference picture managed in the L0 list and L1 list, respectively. PRED_BI indicates bi-prediction using two reference pictures managed in the L0 list and L1 list.

merge_idx is an index that indicates which prediction parameter among the prediction parameter candidates (merge candidates) derived from the blocks for which processing has been completed will be used as the prediction parameter for the target block.

(Motion Vector)
mvLX indicates the amount of shift between blocks on two different pictures. A prediction vector and a difference vector related to mvLX are called mvpLX and mvdLX, respectively.

(Inter prediction identifier inter_pred_idc and prediction list usage flag predFlagLX)
The relationship between inter_pred_idc, predFlagL0, and predFlagL1 is as follows, and they are mutually convertible.

inter_pred_idc = (predFlagL1<<1) + predFlagL0
predFlagL0 = inter_pred_idc & 1
predFlagL1 = inter_pred_idc >> 1
In addition, the inter prediction parameter may use a prediction list usage flag or an inter prediction identifier. Furthermore, the determination using the prediction list usage flag may be replaced with a determination using the inter prediction identifier. Conversely, the determination using the inter prediction identifier may be replaced with a determination using the prediction list usage flag.

(Bi-prediction biPred decision)
The flag biPred indicating whether or not the prediction is performed can be derived based on whether or not two prediction list usage flags are both 1. For example, the flag can be derived by the following formula.

biPred = (predFlagL0==1 && predFlagL1==1)
Alternatively, biPred can be derived based on whether the inter prediction identifier is a value indicating the use of two prediction lists (reference pictures). For example, biPred can be derived using the following formula:

biPred = (inter_pred_idc==PRED_BI) ? 1 : 0
(Configuration of video decoding device)
The configuration of a video decoding device 31 (FIG. 7) according to this embodiment will be described.

The video decoding device 31 includes an entropy decoding unit 301, a parameter decoding unit (prediction image decoding device) 302, a loop filter 305, a reference picture memory 306, a prediction parameter memory 307, a prediction image generating unit (prediction image generating device) 308, an inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311, an addition unit 312, and a prediction parameter derivation unit 320. Note that, in accordance with the video encoding device 11 described below, the video decoding device 31 may also be configured not to include the loop filter 305.

The parameter decoding unit 302 further includes a header decoding unit 3020, a CT information decoding unit 3021, and a CU decoding unit 3022 (prediction mode decoding unit), and the CU decoding unit 3022 further includes a TU decoding unit 3024. These may be collectively referred to as a decoding module. The header decoding unit 3020 decodes parameter set information such as VPS, SPS, PPS, and APS, and slice headers (slice information) from the encoded data. The CT information decoding unit 3021 decodes the CT from the encoded data. The CU decoding unit 3022 decodes the CU from the encoded data. The TU decoding unit 3024 decodes QP update information (quantization correction value) and quantization prediction error (residual_coding) from the encoded data when a prediction error is included in the TU.

When in a mode other than skip mode (skip_mode==0), the TU decoding unit 3024 decodes the QP update information and the quantized prediction error from the encoded data. More specifically, when skip_mode==0, the TU decoding unit 3024 decodes the flag cu_cbp indicating whether or not the current block contains a quantized prediction error, and decodes the quantized prediction error when cu_cbp is 1. When cu_cbp does not exist in the encoded data, it derives it as 0.

The TU decoding unit 3024 decodes an index mts_idx indicating the transformation base from the encoded data. The TU decoding unit 3024 also decodes an index stIdx indicating the use of a secondary transformation and the transformation base from the encoded data. When stIdx is 0, it indicates no application of a secondary transformation, when it is 1, it indicates one transformation of a set (pair) of secondary transformation bases, and when it is 2, it indicates the other transformation of the pair.

The TU decoding unit 3024 may also decode the sub-block transform flag cu_sbt_flag. When cu_sbt_flag is 1, the CU is divided into multiple sub-blocks, and the residual of only one specific sub-block is decoded. The TU decoding unit 3024 may further decode a flag cu_sbt_quad_flag indicating whether the number of sub-blocks is 4 or 2, cu_sbt_horizontal_flag indicating the division direction, and cu_sbt_pos_flag indicating a sub-block that includes a non-zero transform coefficient.

The predicted image generation unit 308 includes an inter predicted image generation unit 309 and an intra predicted image generation unit 310.

The prediction parameter derivation unit 320 includes an inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 and an intra prediction parameter derivation unit 304.

In the following, an example will be described in which CTU and CU are used as processing units, but this is not limiting and processing may be performed in sub-CU units. Alternatively, CTU and CU may be interpreted as blocks and sub-CU as sub-blocks, and processing may be performed in block or sub-block units.

The entropy decoding unit 301 performs entropy decoding on the externally input encoded stream Te to decode each code (syntax element). There are two types of entropy coding: one is to perform variable-length coding of syntax elements using a context (probability model) adaptively selected according to the type of syntax element and surrounding circumstances, and the other is to perform variable-length coding of syntax elements using a predefined table or formula. The former CABAC (Context Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding) stores the CABAC state of the context (probability state index pStateIdx that specifies the type (0 or 1) and probability of the most probable symbol) in memory. The entropy decoding unit 301 initializes all CABAC states at the beginning of a segment (tile, CTU row, slice). The entropy decoding unit 301 converts the syntax elements into a binary string (Bin String) and decodes each bit of the Bin String. When a context is used, a context index ctxInc is derived for each bit of the syntax element, the bit is decoded using the context, and the CABAC state of the used context is updated. Bits that do not use a context are decoded with equal probability (EP, bypass), and the ctxInc derivation and CABAC state are omitted. The decoded syntax elements include prediction information for generating a predicted image and prediction error for generating a difference image.

The entropy decoding unit 301 outputs the decoded code to the parameter decoding unit 302. The decoded code is, for example, the prediction mode predMode, merge_flag, merge_idx, inter_pred_idc, refIdxLX, mvp_LX_idx, mvdLX, amvr_mode, etc. Control of which code to decode is performed based on an instruction from the parameter decoding unit 302.

(Basic flow)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation of the video decoding device 31.

(S1100: Decoding parameter set information) The header decoding unit 3020 decodes parameter set information such as VPS, SPS, and PPS from the encoded data.

(S1200: Slice information decoding) The header decoding unit 3020 decodes the slice header (slice information) from the encoded data.

The video decoding device 31 then repeats the processes from S1300 to S5000 for each CTU included in the target picture to derive a decoded image for each CTU.

(S1300: Decoding CTU information) The CT information decoding unit 3021 decodes the CTU from the encoded data.

(S1400: CT information decoding) The CT information decoding unit 3021 decodes the CT from the encoded data.

(S1500: CU decoding) The CU decoding unit 3022 performs S1510 and S1520 to decode the CU from the encoded data.

(S1510: CU information decoding) The CU decoding unit 3022 decodes CU information, prediction information, the TU split flag split_transform_flag, the CU residual flags cbf_cb, cbf_cr, cbf_luma, etc. from the encoded data.

(S1520: TU information decoding) When a prediction error is included in a TU, the TU decoding unit 3024 decodes the QP update information, the quantization prediction error, and the transform index mts_idx from the encoded data. Note that the QP update information is a difference value from the quantization parameter predicted value qPpred, which is a predicted value of the quantization parameter QP.

(S2000: Generation of predicted image) The predicted image generation unit 308 generates a predicted image for each block included in the target CU based on the prediction information.

(S3000: Inverse quantization and inverse transform) The inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311 performs inverse quantization and inverse transform processing on each TU included in the target CU.

(S4000: Decoded image generation) The adder 312 generates a decoded image of the target CU by adding the predicted image supplied from the predicted image generation unit 308 and the prediction error supplied from the inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311.

(S5000: Loop filter) The loop filter 305 applies a loop filter such as a deblocking filter, SAO, or ALF to the decoded image to generate a decoded image.

(Configuration of inter prediction parameter derivation unit)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 according to this embodiment. The inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 derives inter prediction parameters by referring to the prediction parameters stored in the prediction parameter memory 307 based on the syntax elements input from the parameter decoding unit 302. In addition, the inter prediction parameters are output to the inter prediction image generation unit 309 and the prediction parameter memory 307. The inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 and its internal elements, the AMVP prediction parameter derivation unit 3032, the merge prediction parameter derivation unit 3036, the affine prediction unit 30372, the MMVD prediction unit 30373, the triangle prediction unit 30377, the DMVR unit 30537, and the MV addition unit 3038, are means common to the video encoding device and the video decoding device, and therefore may be collectively referred to as a motion vector derivation unit (motion vector derivation device).

The scale parameter derivation unit 30378 derives the horizontal scaling ratio of the reference picture, RefPicScale[i][j][0], the vertical scaling ratio of the reference picture, RefPicScale[i][j][1], and RefPicIsScaled[i][j] indicating whether the reference picture has been scaled. Here, i indicates whether the reference picture list is the L0 list or the L1 list, and j is the value of the L0 reference picture list or the L1 reference picture y list, and is derived as follows:

RefPicScale[i][j][0] =
((fRefWidth << 14)+(PicOutputWidthL >> 1)) / PicOutputWidthL
RefPicScale[ i ][ j ][ 1 ] =
((fRefHeight << 14)+(PicOutputHeightL >> 1)) / PicOutputHeightL
RefPicIsScaled[i][j] =
(RefPicScale[i][j][0] != (1<<14)) || (RefPicScale[i][j][1] != (1<<14))
Here, the variable PicOutputWidthL is a value used when calculating a horizontal scaling ratio when a coded picture is referenced, and is calculated by subtracting left and right offset values from the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the luminance of the coded picture. The variable PicOutputHeightL is a value used when calculating a vertical scaling ratio when a coded picture is referenced, and is calculated by subtracting top and bottom offset values from the number of pixels in the vertical direction of the luminance of the coded picture. The variable fRefWidth is the value of PicOutputWidthL of the reference picture with reference list value j of list i, and the variable fRefHight is the value of PicOutputHeightL of the reference picture with reference picture list value j of list i.

When affine_flag is 1, i.e., indicating affine prediction mode, the affine prediction unit 30372 derives inter prediction parameters on a subblock basis.

When mmvd_flag is 1, i.e., indicates MMVD prediction mode, the MMVD prediction unit 30373 derives inter prediction parameters from the merge candidates and difference vector derived by the merge prediction parameter derivation unit 3036.

When TriangleFlag is 1, i.e., indicates triangle prediction mode, the triangle prediction unit 30377 derives triangle prediction parameters.

If merge_flag is 1, i.e., indicates merge prediction mode, merge_idx is derived and output to the merge prediction parameter derivation unit 3036.

When merge_flag is 0, i.e., indicates AMVP prediction mode, the AMVP prediction parameter derivation unit 3032 derives mvpLX from inter_pred_idc, refIdxLX, or mvp_LX_idx.

(MV addition section)
The MV adder 3038 adds the derived mvpLX and mvdLX to derive mvLX.

(Affine prediction unit)
The affine prediction unit 30372 1) derives motion vectors of two control points CP0 and CP1, or three control points CP0, CP1, and CP2 of the target block, 2) derives affine prediction parameters for the target block, and 3) derives motion vectors of each sub-block from the affine prediction parameters.

In the case of merge affine prediction, the motion vector cpMvLX[] of each control point CP0, CP1, CP2 is derived from the motion vector of the block adjacent to the target block. In the case of inter-affine prediction, the cpMvLX[] of each control point is derived from the sum of the predicted vector of each control point CP0, CP1, CP2 and the difference vector mvdCpLX[] derived from the encoded data.
spMvLX is derived as the motion vector of the point (xPosCb, yPosCb) located at the center of each sub-block.

The affine prediction unit 30372 derives the affine prediction parameters (mvScaleHor, mvScalerVer, dHorX, dHorY, dHorX, dVerY) of the target block from the motion vector of the control point.

mvScaleHor = cpMvLX[ 0 ][ 0 ] << 7
mvScaleVer = cpMvLX[ 0 ][ 1 ] << 7
dHorX = ( cpMvLX[ 1 ][ 0 ] - cpMvLX[ 0 ][ 0 ] ) << ( 7 - log2CbW )
dVerX = ( cpMvLX[ 1 ][ 1 ] - cpMvLX[ 0 ][ 1 ] ) << ( 7 - log2CbW )
If numCpMv==3,
dHorY = ( cpMvLX[ 2 ][ 0 ] - cpMvLX[ 0 ][ 0 ] ) << ( 7 - log2CbH )
dVerY = ( cpMvLX[ 2 ][ 1 ] - cpMvLX[ 0 ][ 1 ] ) << ( 7 - log2CbH )
If numCpMv != 3,
dHorY = - dVerX
dVerY = dHorX
Here, log2CbW and log2CbH are the logarithmic values of the width bW and height bH of the target block.

The affine prediction unit 30372 derives spMvLX[i][j] (i=0,1,2,...,(bW/sbW)-1, j=0,1,2,...,(bH/sbH)-1) in the target block based on the affine prediction parameters of the target block using the following formula.

xPosCb = 2 + (i<<2)
yPosCb = 2 + (j<<2)
spMvLX[i][j][0] = mvScaleHor + dHorX * xPosCb + dHorY * yPosCb
spMvLX[i][j][1] = mvScaleVer + dVerX * xPosCb + dVerY * yPosCb
It may also be round shifted and clipped.

spMvLX[i][j][0] = Clip3(-2^17, 2^17, (spMvLX[i][j][0]+64)>>7 )
spMvLX[i][j][1] = Clip3(-2^17, 2^17, (spMvLX[i][j][1]+64)>>7 )
Here, sbW and sbH are the width and height of the current sub-block.

Furthermore, at the coordinates (xSb, ySb) of the upper left block of the subblock, spMvLX[i][j] is assigned to the corresponding mvLX in the screen, where x = 0..sbW-1, y = 0..sbH-1.

mvLX[xSb + x][yXb + y] = spMv[i][j]
(Merge prediction)
12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the merge prediction parameter derivation unit 3036 according to this embodiment. The merge prediction parameter derivation unit 3036 includes a merge candidate derivation unit 30361 and a merge candidate selection unit 30362. Note that a merge candidate includes prediction parameters (predFlagLX, mvLX, refIdxLX) and is stored in a merge candidate list. An index is assigned to the merge candidates stored in the merge candidate list according to a predetermined rule.

The merge candidate derivation unit 30361 derives merge candidates by directly using the motion vectors and refIdxLX of the decoded adjacent blocks. In addition, the merge candidate derivation unit 30361 may apply a spatial merge candidate derivation process, a temporal merge candidate derivation process, a pair-wise merge candidate derivation process, and a zero merge candidate derivation process, which will be described later.

As a spatial merge candidate derivation process, the merge candidate derivation unit 30361 reads out prediction parameters stored in the prediction parameter memory 307 according to a predetermined rule, and sets them as merge candidates. The method of specifying the reference picture is, for example, prediction parameters related to each of adjacent blocks within a predetermined range from the target block (for example, all or part of blocks adjacent to the left A1, right B1, upper right B0, lower left A0, and upper left B2 of the target block). The respective merge candidates are called A1, B1, B0, A0, and B2.
Here, A1, B1, B0, A0, and B2 are motion information derived from blocks containing the following coordinates: The positions of A1, B1, B0, A0, and B2 are shown in the arrangement of merging candidates in the target picture of FIG.

A1: (xCb - 1, yCb + cbHeight - 1)
B1: (xCb + cbWidth - 1, yCb - 1)
B0: (xCb + cbWidth, yCb - 1)
A0: (xCb - 1, yCb + cbHeight)
B2: (xCb - 1, yCb - 1)
The upper left coordinates of the target block are (xCb, yCb), its width is cbWidth, and its height is cbHeight.

As a temporal merge derivation process, the merge candidate derivation unit 30361 reads the prediction parameters of the lower right CBR of the target block or block C in the reference image including the center coordinates from the prediction parameter memory 307, as shown in the collocated picture in Figure 9, sets it as a merge candidate Col, and stores it in the merge candidate list mergeCandList[].

In general, block CBR is given priority when it is added to mergeCandList[], and when CBR does not have a motion vector (for example, an intra-prediction block) or is located outside the picture, the motion vector of block C is added as a prediction vector candidate. By adding the motion vector of a co-located block, which is likely to have different motion, as a prediction candidate, the number of prediction vector options increases, improving coding efficiency.

If SliceTemporalMvpEnabledFlag is 0 or cbWidth*cbHeight is less than or equal to 32, set the colocated motion vector mvLXCol of the target block to 0 and set the availability flag of the colocated block availableFlagLXCol to 0.

Otherwise (SliceTemporalMvpEnabledFlag is 1), do the following:

For example, the merge candidate derivation unit 30361 may derive the position of C (xColCtr, yColCtr) and the position of CBR (xColCBr, yColCBr) using the following formula.

xColCtr = xCb + (cbWidth>>1)
yColCtr = yCb + (cbHeight>>1)
xColCBr = xCb+cbWidth
yColCBr = yCb + cbHeight
If CBR is available, a motion vector of CBR is used to derive a merge candidate COL. If CBR is not available, COL is derived using C. Then, availableFlagLXCol is set to 1. Note that the reference picture may be collocated_ref_idx notified in the slice header.

The pairwise candidate derivation unit derives pairwise candidate avgK from the average of the two merge candidates (p0Cand, p1Cand) already stored in mergeCandList, and stores it in mergeCandList[].

mvLXavgK[0] = (mvLXp0Cand[0]+mvLXp1Cand[0])/2
mvLXavgK[1] = (mvLXp0Cand[1]+mvLXp1Cand[1])/2
The merging candidate derivation unit 30361 derives zero merging candidates Z0, . . . , ZM, in which refIdxLX is 0...M and the X and Y components of mvLX are both 0, and stores them in a merging candidate list.

The order of storing the mergeCandList[] is, for example, spatial merge candidates (A1, B1, B0, A0, B2), temporal merge candidates Col, pairwise candidates avgK, and zero merge candidates ZK. Note that reference blocks that are unavailable (e.g., blocks that are intra-predicted) are not stored in the merge candidate list.
i = 0
if( availableFlagA1 )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = A1
if( availableFlagB1 )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = B1
if( availableFlagB0 )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = B0
if( availableFlagA0 )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = A0
if( availableFlagB2 )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = B2
if( availableFlagCol )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = COL
if( availableFlagAvgK )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = avgK
if( i < MaxNumMergeCand )
mergeCandList[ i++ ] = ZK
The merging candidate selection unit 30362 selects a merging candidate N indicated by merge_idx from among the merging candidates included in the merging candidate list, using the following formula.

N = mergeCandList[merge_idx]
Here, N is a label indicating a merging candidate, and can be A1, B1, B0, A0, B2, Col, avgK, ZK, etc. The motion information of the merging candidate indicated by label N is indicated by (mvLXN[0], mvLXN[0]), predFlagLXN, and refIdxLXN.

The selected (mvLXN[0], mvLXN[0]), predFlagLXN, and refIdxLXN are selected as the inter prediction parameters for the current block. The merging candidate selection unit 30362 stores the inter prediction parameters of the selected merging candidate in the prediction parameter memory 307, and also outputs them to the inter prediction image generation unit 309.

(DMVR)
Next, the DMVR (Decoder side Motion Vector Refinement) process performed by the DMVR unit 30375 will be described. When merge_flag is 1 for a target CU, or when the skip flag skip_flag is 1, the DMVR unit 30375 corrects the mvLX of the target CU derived by the merge prediction unit 30374 using a reference image. Specifically, when the prediction parameters derived by the merge prediction unit 30374 are bi-predictive, the motion vector is corrected using a predicted image derived from the motion vector corresponding to two reference pictures. The corrected mvLX is supplied to the inter-prediction image generation unit 309.

In addition, in deriving the flag dmvrFlag that specifies whether or not to perform DMVR processing, one of the conditions for setting dmvrFlag to 1 is that the above-mentioned values of RefPicIsScaled[0][refIdxL0] are 0 and the values of RefPicIsScaled[1][refIdxL1] are 0. When the value of dmvrFlag is set to 1, DMVR processing is performed by the DMVR unit 30375.

(Prof.)
Also, the value of cbProfFlagLX is set to FALSE if the value of RefPicIsScaled[0][refIdxLX] is 1 or the value of RefPicIsScaled[1][refIdxLX] is 1. Here, cbProfFlagLX is a flag that specifies whether or not to perform Prediction refinement (PROF) of affine prediction.

(AMVP Prediction)
12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the AMVP prediction parameter derivation unit 3032 according to this embodiment. The AMVP prediction parameter derivation unit 3032 includes a vector candidate derivation unit 3033 and a vector candidate selection unit 3034. The vector candidate derivation unit 3033 derives a prediction vector candidate from the motion vector of the decoded adjacent block stored in the prediction parameter memory 307 based on refIdxLX, and stores the candidate in a prediction vector candidate list mvpListLX[].

The vector candidate selection unit 3034 selects the motion vector mvpListLX[mvp_LX_idx] indicated by mvp_LX_idx as mvpLX from among the predicted vector candidates in mvpListLX[]. The vector candidate selection unit 3034 outputs the selected mvpLX to the MV addition unit 3038.

(MV addition section)
The MV addition unit 3038 calculates mvLX by adding the mvpLX input from the AMVP prediction parameter derivation unit 3032 and the decoded mvdLX. The addition unit 3038 outputs the calculated mvLX to the inter predicted image generation unit 309 and the prediction parameter memory 307.

mvLX[0] = mvpLX[0] + mvdLX[0]
mvLX[1] = mvpLX[1] + mvdLX[1]
(Detailed classification of subblock merges)
The types of prediction processes related to sub-block merging are summarized below. As described above, they are roughly divided into merge prediction and AMVP prediction.

Merge predictions are further categorized as follows:

・Normal merge prediction (block-based merge prediction)
Sub-block merge prediction is further categorized as follows:

・Subblock prediction (ATMVP)
・Affine prediction ・Inferred affine prediction
Constructed affine prediction
On the other hand, AMVP predictions are categorized as follows:

・AMVP (translation)
・MVD affine prediction
MVD affine prediction is further categorized as follows:

- 4-parameter MVD affine prediction - 6-parameter MVD affine prediction Note that MVD affine prediction refers to affine prediction that uses a decoded difference vector.

In subblock prediction, similar to the temporal merge derivation process, the availability of the collocated subblock COL of the target subblock, availableFlagSbCol, is determined, and if available, prediction parameters are derived. At least when the above-mentioned SliceTemporalMvpEnabledFlag is 0, availableFlagSbCol is set to 0.

MMVD prediction (Merge with Motion Vector Difference) may be classified as merge prediction or AMVP prediction. In the former case, mmvd_flag and MMVD-related syntax elements are decoded when merge_flag=1, and in the latter case, mmvd_flag and MMVD-related syntax elements are decoded when merge_flag=0.

The loop filter 305 is a filter provided in the encoding loop that removes block distortion and ringing distortion to improve image quality. The loop filter 305 applies filters such as a deblocking filter, sample adaptive offset (SAO), and adaptive loop filter (ALF) to the decoded image of the CU generated by the adder 312.

The reference picture memory 306 stores the decoded image of the CU in a predetermined location for each target picture and target CU.

The prediction parameter memory 307 stores prediction parameters at a predetermined location for each CTU or CU. Specifically, the prediction parameter memory 307 stores the parameters decoded by the parameter decoding unit 302 and the parameters derived by the prediction parameter derivation unit 320.

The parameters derived by the prediction parameter derivation unit 320 are input to the prediction image generation unit 308. The prediction image generation unit 308 also reads a reference picture from the reference picture memory 306. The prediction image generation unit 308 generates a prediction image of a block or sub-block using the parameters and a reference picture (reference picture block) in the prediction mode indicated by predMode. Here, a reference picture block is a set of pixels on a reference picture (usually rectangular, so called a block), and is an area referenced to generate a prediction image.

(Inter-prediction image generation unit 309)
When predMode indicates inter prediction mode, the inter prediction image generation unit 309 generates a prediction image of a block or sub-block by inter prediction using the inter prediction parameters and reference picture input from the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the inter-prediction image generation unit 309 included in the prediction image generation unit 308 according to this embodiment. The inter-prediction image generation unit 309 includes a motion compensation unit (prediction image generation device) 3091 and a synthesis unit 3095. The synthesis unit 3095 includes an IntraInter synthesis unit 30951, a Triangle synthesis unit 30952, a BIO unit 30954, and a weight prediction unit 3094.

(Motion Compensation)
The motion compensation unit 3091 (interpolated image generation unit 3091) generates an interpolated image (motion compensated image) by reading a reference block from the reference picture memory 306 based on the inter prediction parameters (predFlagLX, refIdxLX, mvLX) input from the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303. The reference block is a block at a position shifted by mvLX from the position of the target block on the reference picture RefPicLX specified by refIdxLX. Here, if mvLX does not have integer precision, a filter for generating pixels at decimal positions called a motion compensation filter is applied to generate an interpolated image.

The motion compensation unit 3091 first derives the integer position (xInt, yInt) and phase (xFrac, yFrac) corresponding to the coordinates (x, y) in the prediction block using the following formula:

xInt = xPb+(mvLX[0]>>(log2(MVPREC)))+x
xFrac = mvLX[0]&(MVPREC-1)
yInt = yPb+(mvLX[1]>>(log2(MVPREC)))+y
yFrac = mvLX[1]&(MVPREC-1)
Here, (xPb, yPb) are the upper left coordinates of a block of size bW*bH, where x=0...bW-1, y=0...bH-1, and MVPREC indicates the accuracy of mvLX (1/MVPREC pixel accuracy), e.g., MVPREC=16.

The motion compensation unit 3091 derives the temporary image temp[][] by performing horizontal interpolation processing on the reference picture refImg using an interpolation filter. In the following, Σ is the sum over k, where k=0..NTAP-1, shift1 is a normalization parameter that adjusts the value range, and offset1=1<<(shift1-1).

temp[x][y] = (ΣmcFilter[xFrac][k]*refImg[xInt+k-NTAP/2+1][yInt]+offset1)>>shift1
Next, the motion compensation unit 3091 derives the interpolated image Pred[][] by vertically interpolating the temporary image temp[][]. In the following, Σ is the sum for k=0..NTAP-1, shift2 is a normalization parameter that adjusts the value range, and offset2=1<<(shift2-1).

Pred[x][y] = (ΣmcFilter[yFrac][k]*temp[x][y+k-NTAP/2+1]+offset2)>>shift2 In the case of bi-prediction, the above Pred[][] is derived for each L0 list and L1 list (called the interpolated images PredL0[][] and PredL1[][]), and the interpolated image Pred[][] is generated from PredL0[][] and PredL1[][].

The motion compensation unit 3091 has a function of scaling the interpolated image according to the horizontal scaling ratio RefPicScale[i][j][0] of the reference picture derived by the scale parameter derivation unit 30378 and the vertical scaling ratio RefPicScale[i][j][1] of the reference picture.

The synthesis unit 3095 includes an IntraInter synthesis unit 30951, a Triangle synthesis unit 30952, a weighted prediction unit 3094, and a BIO unit 30954.

(IntraInter compositing process)
The IntraInter synthesis unit 30951 generates a predicted image by a weighted sum of an inter predicted image and an intra predicted image.

(Triangle synthesis processing)
The triangle synthesis unit 30952 generates a predicted image using the above-mentioned triangle prediction.

(BIO forecast)
Next, a description will be given of details of the BIO prediction (Bi-Directional Optical Flow, BDOF processing) performed by the BIO unit 30954. In a bi-prediction mode, the BIO unit 30954 generates a predicted image by referring to two predicted images (a first predicted image and a second predicted image) and a gradient correction term.

Figure 16 is a flowchart explaining the process of deriving a predicted image.

If the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 determines that L0 is unidirectional prediction (inter_pred_idc is 0 in S101), the motion compensation unit 3091 generates PredL0[x][y] (S102). If the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 determines that L1 is unidirectional prediction (inter_pred_idc is 1 in S101), the motion compensation unit 3091 generates PredL1[x][y] (S103). On the other hand, if the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 determines that the mode is bi-prediction mode (inter_pred_idc is 2 in S101), the process proceeds to S104 below. In S104, the synthesis unit 3095 refers to bioAvailableFlag, which indicates whether or not to perform BIO processing, and determines whether or not BIO processing is required. If bioAvailableFlag indicates TRUE, the BIO unit 30954 executes BIO processing to generate a bidirectional predicted image (S106), and if it indicates FALSE, the synthesis unit 3095 generates a predicted image using normal bidirectional predicted image generation (S105).

The inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 may derive TRUE for bioAvailableFlag when the L0 reference image refImgL0 and the L1 reference image refImgL1 are different reference images and the two pictures are in opposite directions with respect to the target picture. Specifically, when the target picture is currPic, bioAvailableFlag indicates TRUE when the condition DiffPicOrderCnt(currPic, refImgL0)*DiffPicOrderCnt(currPic, refImgL1)<0 is satisfied.
Here, DiffPicOrderCnt() is a function that derives the difference between POC (Picture Order Count: picture display order) of two images as follows:

DiffPicOrderCnt(picA,picB) = PicOrderCnt(picA) - PicOrderCnt(picB)
Furthermore, if the value of the above-mentioned RefPicIsScaled[0][refIdxL0] is 0 and the value of RefPicIsScaled[1][refIdxL1] is 0, the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 may set the value of bioAvailableFlag to TRUE.

The specific processing performed by the BIO unit 30954 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. The BIO unit 30954 includes an L0,L1 predicted image generation unit 309541, a gradient image generation unit 309542, a correlation parameter calculation unit 309543, a motion compensation correction value derivation unit 309544, and a bidirectional predicted image generation unit 309545. The BIO unit 30954 generates a predicted image from the interpolated image received from the motion compensation unit 3091 and the inter prediction parameters received from the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303, and outputs the predicted image to the addition unit 312. Note that the process of deriving the motion compensation correction value bdofOffset (motion compensation correction image) from the gradient image and correcting and deriving PredL0 and PredL1 is called bidirectional gradient change processing.

The L0, L1 predicted image generation unit 309541 generates the L0, L1 predicted images used in BIO processing.

The gradient image generation unit 309542 generates a gradient image. Specifically, the gradient images lx0, ly0, lx1, and ly1 are derived as follows. lx0 and lx1 indicate the gradient along the horizontal direction, and ly0 and ly1 indicate the gradient along the vertical direction.

lx0[x][y] = (PredL0[x+1][y]-PredL0[x-1][y])>>shift0
ly0[x][y] = (PredL0[x][y+1]-PredL0[x][y-1])>>shift0
lx1[x][y] = (PredL1[x+1][y]-PredL1[x-1][y])>>shift0
ly1[x][y] = (PredL1[x][y+1]-PredL1[x][y-1])>>shift0
Here, shift0=14-InternalBitDepth. Define the internal bit depth InternalBitDepth, which is independent of the pixel bit depth bitDepth, as the calculation precision within the BIO section. The value of InternalBitDepth is 7 or more and 12 or less.

Next, the correlation parameter calculation unit 309543 derives gradient product sums s1, s2, s3, s5, and s6 for each block of NxN pixels in the CU.

s1 = sum(phiX[x][y]*phiX[x][y])
s2 = sum(phiX[x][y]*phiY[x][y])
s3 = sum(-theta[x][y]*phiX[x][y])
s5 = sum(phiY[x][y]*phiY[x][y])
s6 = sum(-theta[x][y]*phiY[x][y])
Here, sum(a) represents the sum of a for the coordinates (x, y) in the (N+2) x (N+2) pixel block. Also, derive the variables theta, phiX, and phiY.

theta[x][y] = -(PredL1[x][y]>>shift4) + (PredL0[x][y]>>shift4)
phiX[x][y] = (lx1[x][y] + lx0[x][y])>>shift5
phiY[x][y] = (ly1[x][y] + ly0[x][y])>>shift5
Here, shift4 and shift5 are derived as follows.

shift4 = Max (InternalBitDepth-4, bitDept + InternalBitDepth-16)
shift5=Max(InternalBitDepth-7, bitDepth+InternalBitDepth-19)
Next, the motion compensation modification value derivation unit 309544 derives a correction weight vector (u, v) in units of NxN pixels using the derived gradient product sums s1, s2, s3, s5, and s6.

u = (s3<<3) >> floor(log2(s1))
v = ((s6<<3)-((((u*s2m)<<12)+u*s2s)>>1)) >> floor(log2(s5))
Here, s2m = s2>>12 and s2s = s2&((1<<12)-1).

The motion compensation correction value derivation unit 309544 derives bdofOffset using the NxN pixel-based correction weight vector (u, v) and gradient images lx0, ly0, lx1, and ly1.

bdofOffset[x][y] = Round(((lx1[x][y]-lx0[x][y])*u)>>1)+Round(((ly1[x][y]-ly0[x][y])*v)>>1)
The bidirectional predicted image generation unit 309545 uses the above parameters to derive the pixel value Pred of a predicted image of NxN pixels according to the following equation.

Pred[x][y] = Clip3(0, (1<<bitDepth)-1,( PredL0[x][y]+PredL1[x][y]+bdofOffset[x][y]+offset2)>>shift2)
Here, shift2=Max(3,15-bitDepth) and offset2=1<<(shift2-1).

(Weighted Prediction)
The weighted prediction unit 3094 generates a predicted image of the block by multiplying the interpolated image PredLX by a weighting coefficient. When one of the prediction list usage flags (predFlagL0 or predFlagL1) is 1 (uniprediction) and weighted prediction is not used, the following equation is processed to match PredLX (LX is L0 or L1) to the pixel bit count bitDepth.

Pred[x][y] = Clip3(0,(1<<bitDepth)-1,(PredLX[x][y]+offset1)>>shift1)
Here, shift1=14-bitDepth and offset1=1<<(shift1-1).
Furthermore, when both prediction list usage flags (predFlagL0 and predFlagL1) are 1 (bi-prediction PRED_BI) and weighted prediction is not used, the following equation is processed to average PredL0 and PredL1 and match them to the number of pixel bits.

Pred[x][y] = Clip3(0,(1<<bitDepth)-1,(PredL0[x][y]+PredL1[x][y]+offset2)>>shift2)
Here, shift2=15-bitDepth and offset2=1<<(shift2-1).

Furthermore, when performing uni-prediction and weighted prediction, the weighted prediction unit 3094 derives the weighted prediction coefficient w0 and offset o0 from the encoded data and performs the processing of the following equation.

Pred[x][y] = Clip3(0,(1<<bitDepth)-1,((PredLX[x][y]*w0+2^(log2WD-1))>>log2WD)+o0)
Here, log2WD is a variable indicating a predetermined shift amount.

Furthermore, when performing bi-prediction PRED_BI and weighted prediction, the weighted prediction unit 3094 derives the weighted prediction coefficients w0, w1, o0, and o1 from the encoded data and performs the processing of the following equations.

Pred[x][y] = Clip3(0,(1<<bitDepth)-1,(PredL0[x][y]*w0+PredL1[x][y]*w1+((o0+o1+1)<<log2WD))>>(log2WD+1))
The inter-prediction image generation unit 309 outputs the generated prediction image of the block to the addition unit 312 .

The inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311 inverse quantizes the quantized transform coefficients input from the parameter decoding unit 302 to obtain transform coefficients.

The adder 312 adds, for each pixel, the predicted image of the block input from the predicted image generation unit 308 and the prediction error input from the inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311 to generate a decoded image of the block. The adder 312 stores the decoded image of the block in the reference picture memory 306, and also outputs it to the loop filter 305.

(Configuration of the video encoding device)
Next, the configuration of the video encoding device 11 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video encoding device 11 according to this embodiment. The video encoding device 11 includes a prediction image generating unit 101, a subtraction unit 102, a transformation/quantization unit 103, an inverse quantization/inverse transformation unit 105, an addition unit 106, a loop filter 107, a prediction parameter memory (prediction parameter storage unit, frame memory) 108, a reference picture memory (reference image storage unit, frame memory) 109, an encoding parameter determining unit 110, a parameter encoding unit 111, a prediction parameter derivation unit 120, and an entropy encoding unit 104.

The predicted image generation unit 101 generates a predicted image for each CU. The predicted image generation unit 101 includes the inter predicted image generation unit 309 and the intra predicted image generation unit 310, which have already been explained, and so explanations will be omitted.

The subtraction unit 102 subtracts the pixel values of the predicted image of the block input from the predicted image generation unit 101 from the pixel values of image T to generate a prediction error. The subtraction unit 102 outputs the prediction error to the transformation and quantization unit 103.

The transform/quantization unit 103 calculates transform coefficients by frequency transforming the prediction error input from the subtraction unit 102, and derives quantized transform coefficients by quantizing the prediction error. The transform/quantization unit 103 outputs the quantized transform coefficients to the parameter coding unit 111 and the inverse quantization/inverse transform unit 105.

The inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 105 is the same as the inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311 (Figure 7) in the video decoding device 31, so a description thereof will be omitted. The calculated prediction error is output to the addition unit 106.

The parameter coding unit 111 includes a header coding unit 1110, a CT information coding unit 1111, and a CU coding unit 1112 (prediction mode coding unit). The CU coding unit 1112 further includes a TU coding unit 1114. The general operation of each module is explained below.

The header encoding unit 1110 performs encoding processing of parameters such as header information, splitting information, prediction information, and quantized transform coefficients.

The CT information encoding unit 1111 encodes QT, MT (BT, TT) division information, etc.

The CU encoding unit 1112 encodes CU information, prediction information, split information, etc.

When a TU contains a prediction error, the TU encoding unit 1114 encodes the QP update information and the quantized prediction error.

The CT information encoding unit 1111 and the CU encoding unit 1112 supply syntax elements such as inter prediction parameters (predMode, merge_flag, merge_idx, inter_pred_idc, refIdxLX, mvp_LX_idx, mvdLX), intra prediction parameters (intra_luma_mpm_flag, intra_luma_mpm_idx, intra_luma_mpm_reminder, intra_chroma_pred_mode), and quantized transform coefficients to the parameter encoding unit 111.

The entropy coding unit 104 receives the quantized transform coefficients and coding parameters (split information, prediction parameters) from the parameter coding unit 111. The entropy coding unit 104 entropy codes these to generate and output the coded stream Te.

The prediction parameter derivation unit 120 is a means including at least the inter-prediction parameter encoding unit 112, and derives intra-prediction parameters and intra-prediction parameters from the parameters input from the encoding parameter determination unit 110. The derived intra-prediction parameters and intra-prediction parameters are output to the parameter encoding unit 111.

(Configuration of the inter-prediction parameter encoding unit)
15, the inter prediction parameter encoding unit 112 includes a parameter encoding control unit 1121 and an inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303. The inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 has the same configuration as the video decoding device. The parameter encoding control unit 1121 includes a merge index derivation unit 11211 and a vector candidate index derivation unit 11212.

The merge index derivation unit 11211 derives merge candidates, etc., and outputs them to the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303. The vector candidate index derivation unit 11212 derives prediction vector candidates, etc., and outputs them to the inter prediction parameter derivation unit 303 and the parameter coding unit 111.

The adder 106 generates a decoded image by adding, for each pixel, the pixel value of the predicted block input from the predicted image generation unit 101 and the prediction error input from the inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 105. The adder 106 stores the generated decoded image in the reference picture memory 109.

The loop filter 107 applies a deblocking filter, SAO, and ALF to the decoded image generated by the adder 106. Note that the loop filter 107 does not necessarily have to include the above three types of filters, and may be configured, for example, as only a deblocking filter.

The prediction parameter memory 108 stores the prediction parameters generated by the encoding parameter determination unit 110 in a predetermined location for each target picture and CU.

The reference picture memory 109 stores the decoded image generated by the loop filter 107 in a predetermined location for each target picture and CU.

The coding parameter determination unit 110 selects one set from among multiple sets of coding parameters. The coding parameters are the above-mentioned QT, BT or TT division information, prediction parameters, or parameters to be coded that are generated in relation to these. The predicted image generation unit 101 generates a predicted image using these coding parameters.

The coding parameter determination unit 110 calculates an RD cost value indicating the amount of information and the coding error for each of the multiple sets. The RD cost value is, for example, the sum of the code amount and the value obtained by multiplying the squared error by the coefficient λ. The code amount is the information amount of the coding stream Te obtained by entropy coding the quantization error and the coding parameters. The squared error is the sum of the squares of the prediction errors calculated in the subtraction unit 102. The coefficient λ is a real number greater than zero that is set in advance. The coding parameter determination unit 110 selects the set of coding parameters for which the calculated cost value is the smallest. The coding parameter determination unit 110 outputs the determined coding parameters to the parameter coding unit 111 and the prediction parameter derivation unit 120.

In addition, a part of the video encoding device 11 and the video decoding device 31 in the above-mentioned embodiment, for example, the entropy decoding unit 301, the parameter decoding unit 302, the loop filter 305, the predicted image generating unit 308, the inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 311, the addition unit 312, the prediction parameter derivation unit 320, the predicted image generating unit 101, the subtraction unit 102, the transform and quantization unit 103, the entropy encoding unit 104, the inverse quantization and inverse transform unit 105, the loop filter 107, the encoding parameter determination unit 110, the parameter encoding unit 111, and the prediction parameter derivation unit 120 may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize it. In addition, the "computer system" referred to here is a computer system built into either the video encoding device 11 or the video decoding device 31, and includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may also include devices that dynamically store a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, or devices that store a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be one that realizes part of the functions described above, or may be one that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

In addition, part or all of the video encoding device 11 and video decoding device 31 in the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the video encoding device 11 and video decoding device 31 may be individually processed, or part or all of them may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

One embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Application example]
The above-mentioned video encoding device 11 and video decoding device 31 can be mounted on various devices that transmit, receive, record, and play videos. The video may be a natural video captured by a camera or the like, or an artificial video (including CG and GUI) generated by a computer or the like.

First, with reference to FIG. 2, it will be explained that the above-mentioned video encoding device 11 and video decoding device 31 can be used to transmit and receive video.

PROD_A in FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transmitting device PROD_A equipped with a video encoding device 11. As shown in the figure, the transmitting device PROD_A includes an encoding unit PROD_A1 that obtains encoded data by encoding a video, a modulation unit PROD_A2 that obtains a modulated signal by modulating a carrier wave with the encoded data obtained by the encoding unit PROD_A1, and a transmitting unit PROD_A3 that transmits the modulated signal obtained by the modulation unit PROD_A2. The above-mentioned video encoding device 11 is used as this encoding unit PROD_A1.

The transmitting device PROD_A may further include a camera PROD_A4 that captures moving images, a recording medium PROD_A5 on which moving images are recorded, an input terminal PROD_A6 for inputting moving images from the outside, and an image processing unit A7 that generates or processes images, as a source of moving images to be input to the encoding unit PROD_A1. In the figure, a configuration in which the transmitting device PROD_A is provided with all of these components is illustrated, but some may be omitted.

The recording medium PROD_A5 may record unencoded video, or may record video encoded using an encoding method for recording that is different from the encoding method for transmission. In the latter case, it is preferable to interpose a decoding unit (not shown) between the recording medium PROD_A5 and the encoding unit PROD_A1, which decodes the encoded data read from the recording medium PROD_A5 in accordance with the encoding method for recording.

PROD_B in FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a receiving device PROD_B equipped with a video decoding device 31. As shown in the figure, the receiving device PROD_B includes a receiving unit PROD_B1 that receives a modulated signal, a demodulation unit PROD_B2 that obtains coded data by demodulating the modulated signal received by the receiving unit PROD_B1, and a decoding unit PROD_B3 that obtains video by decoding the coded data obtained by the demodulation unit PROD_B2. The video decoding device 31 described above is used as this decoding unit PROD_B3.

The receiving device PROD_B may further include, as destinations for the moving image output by the decoding unit PROD_B3, a display PROD_B4 for displaying the moving image, a recording medium PROD_B5 for recording the moving image, and an output terminal PROD_B6 for outputting the moving image to the outside. In the figure, a configuration in which the receiving device PROD_B includes all of these components is illustrated, but some of them may be omitted.

The recording medium PROD_B5 may be for recording unencoded video, or may be encoded using an encoding method for recording that is different from the encoding method for transmission. In the latter case, it is preferable to interpose an encoding unit (not shown) between the decoding unit PROD_B3 and the recording medium PROD_B5, which encodes the video acquired from the decoding unit PROD_B3 according to the encoding method for recording.

The transmission medium for transmitting the modulated signal may be wireless or wired. The transmission mode for transmitting the modulated signal may be broadcast (here, this refers to a transmission mode in which the destination is not specified in advance) or communication (here, this refers to a transmission mode in which the destination is specified in advance). In other words, the transmission of the modulated signal may be realized by any of wireless broadcasting, wired broadcasting, wireless communication, and wired communication.

For example, a broadcasting station (such as broadcasting equipment)/receiving station (such as a television receiver) for terrestrial digital broadcasting is an example of a transmitting device PROD_A/receiving device PROD_B that transmits and receives modulated signals via wireless broadcasting. Also, a broadcasting station (such as broadcasting equipment)/receiving station (such as a television receiver) for cable television broadcasting is an example of a transmitting device PROD_A/receiving device PROD_B that transmits and receives modulated signals via cable broadcasting.

In addition, a server (such as a workstation)/client (such as a television receiver, personal computer, smartphone, etc.) of an Internet-based VOD (Video On Demand) service or video sharing service is an example of a transmitting device PROD_A/receiving device PROD_B that transmits and receives modulated signals by communication (usually, in a LAN, either wireless or wired is used as the transmission medium, and in a WAN, wired is used as the transmission medium). Here, personal computers include desktop PCs, laptop PCs, and tablet PCs. Smartphones also include multi-function mobile phone terminals.

The client of the video-sharing service has the function of decoding the encoded data downloaded from the server and displaying it on a display, as well as the function of encoding video images captured by a camera and uploading them to the server. In other words, the client of the video-sharing service functions as both a transmitting device PROD_A and a receiving device PROD_B.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, it will be explained how the above-mentioned video encoding device 11 and video decoding device 31 can be used for recording and playing back video.

PROD_C in FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recording device PROD_C equipped with the above-mentioned video encoding device 11. As shown in the figure, the recording device PROD_C includes an encoding unit PROD_C1 that obtains encoded data by encoding video, and a writing unit PROD_C2 that writes the encoded data obtained by the encoding unit PROD_C1 onto a recording medium PROD_M. The above-mentioned video encoding device 11 is used as this encoding unit PROD_C1.

Note that the recording medium PROD_M may be (1) a type that is built into the recording device PROD_C, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), (2) a type that is connected to the recording device PROD_C, such as an SD memory card or USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, or (3) a type that is loaded into a drive device (not shown) built into the recording device PROD_C, such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc: registered trademark) or BD (Blu-ray Disc: registered trademark).

The recording device PROD_C may further include a camera PROD_C3 that captures moving images, an input terminal PROD_C4 for inputting moving images from the outside, a receiving unit PROD_C5 for receiving moving images, and an image processing unit PROD_C6 that generates or processes images, as a source of moving images to be input to the encoding unit PROD_C1. The figure shows an example of a configuration in which the recording device PROD_C includes all of these components, but some may be omitted.

The receiving unit PROD_C5 may receive unencoded video, or may receive encoded data encoded using an encoding method for transmission that is different from the encoding method for recording. In the latter case, it is preferable to interpose a transmission decoding unit (not shown) between the receiving unit PROD_C5 and the encoding unit PROD_C1, which decodes the encoded data encoded using the encoding method for transmission.

Examples of such recording devices PROD_C include DVD recorders, BD recorders, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorders (in this case, the input terminal PROD_C4 or the receiving unit PROD_C5 is the main source of video images). Other examples of such recording devices PROD_C include camcorders (in this case, the camera PROD_C3 is the main source of video images), personal computers (in this case, the receiving unit PROD_C5 or the image processing unit C6 is the main source of video images), and smartphones (in this case, the camera PROD_C3 or the receiving unit PROD_C5 is the main source of video images).

Figure 3PROD_D is a block diagram showing the configuration of a playback device PROD_D equipped with the above-mentioned video decoding device 31. As shown in the figure, the playback device PROD_D includes a reading unit PROD_D1 that reads out encoded data written to a recording medium PROD_M, and a decoding unit PROD_D2 that obtains video by decoding the encoded data read by the reading unit PROD_D1. The above-mentioned video decoding device 31 is used as this decoding unit PROD_D2.

The recording medium PROD_M may be (1) a type that is built into the playback device PROD_D, such as an HDD or SSD, (2) a type that is connected to the playback device PROD_D, such as an SD memory card or USB flash memory, or (3) a type that is loaded into a drive device (not shown) built into the playback device PROD_D, such as a DVD or BD.

The playback device PROD_D may further include, as destinations for the video output by the decoding unit PROD_D2, a display PROD_D3 that displays the video, an output terminal PROD_D4 for outputting the video to the outside, and a transmission unit PROD_D5 that transmits the video. In the figure, the playback device PROD_D is shown as having all of these components, but some may be omitted.

The transmission unit PROD_D5 may transmit unencoded video, or may transmit encoded data encoded using an encoding method for transmission that is different from the encoding method for recording. In the latter case, it is preferable to interpose an encoding unit (not shown) between the decoding unit PROD_D2 and the transmission unit PROD_D5, which encodes the video using an encoding method for transmission.

Examples of such playback devices PROD_D include DVD players, BD players, and HDD players (in this case, the output terminal PROD_D4 to which a television receiver or the like is connected is the main destination of the video image). Other examples of such playback devices PROD_D include television receivers (in this case, the display PROD_D3 is the main destination of the video image), digital signage (also called electronic billboards or electronic bulletin boards, and the display PROD_D3 or the transmission unit PROD_D5 is the main destination of the video image), desktop PCs (in this case, the output terminal PROD_D4 or the transmission unit PROD_D5 is the main destination of the video image), laptop or tablet PCs (in this case, the display PROD_D3 or the transmission unit PROD_D5 is the main destination of the video image), and smartphones (in this case, the display PROD_D3 or the transmission unit PROD_D5 is the main destination of the video image).

(Hardware and Software Realizations)
In addition, each block of the above-mentioned video decoding device 31 and video encoding device 11 may be realized in hardware by a logic circuit formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip), or in software by using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

In the latter case, each of the above devices includes a CPU that executes the commands of the program that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the above program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the above program, and a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory that stores the above program and various data. The object of the embodiment of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying each of the above devices with a recording medium on which the program code (executable program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of each of the above devices, which is software that realizes the above functions, is recorded in a computer-readable manner, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium.

Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy disks (registered trademark) and hard disks, disks including optical disks such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), MO disks (Magneto-Optical discs), MDs (Mini Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs: registered trademark), CD-Rs (CD Recordable), and Blu-ray Discs (registered trademark), cards such as IC cards (including memory cards) and optical cards, semiconductor memories such as mask ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory: registered trademark), and flash ROMs, and logic circuits such as PLDs (Programmable logic devices) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

The above devices may also be configured to be connectable to a communications network, and the program code may be supplied via the communications network. This communications network may be any network capable of transmitting the program code, and is not limited to any particular network. For example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), a VAN (Value-Added Network), a CATV (Community Antenna television/Cable Television) communications network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communications network, a satellite communications network, and the like may be used. Furthermore, the transmission media constituting this communications network may be any medium capable of transmitting the program code, and is not limited to any particular configuration or type. For example, the program code can be used in wired communication such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, or ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, or wireless communication such as infrared communication such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) or remote control, BlueTooth (registered trademark), IEEE802.11 wireless, HDR (High Data Rate), NFC (Near Field Communication), DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance: registered trademark), mobile phone network, satellite line, or terrestrial digital broadcasting network. Note that the embodiment of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention can be suitably applied to a video decoding device that decodes coded data in which image data is coded, and a video coding device that generates coded data in which image data is coded. They can also be suitably applied to the data structure of coded data that is generated by a video coding device and referenced by the video decoding device.

31 Image Decoding Device
301 Entropy Decoding Unit
302 Parameter Decoding Unit
303 Inter-prediction parameter derivation unit
304 Intra prediction parameter derivation unit
305, 107 Loop Filter
306, 109 Reference Picture Memory
307, 108 Prediction parameter memory
308, 101 Prediction image generation unit
309 Inter-prediction image generation unit
310 Intra-prediction image generation unit
311, 105 Inverse quantization and inverse transformation section
312, 106 Addition section
320 Prediction Parameter Derivation Unit
11 Image Encoding Device
102 Subtraction section
103 Transformation and Quantization Section
104 Entropy coding unit
110 Encoding parameter determination unit
111 Parameter Encoding Unit
112 Inter-prediction parameter coding unit
113 Intra prediction parameter coding unit
120 Prediction parameter derivation part

Claims (3)

A prediction image generating unit that scales a reference picture when the size of the coding picture and the size of the reference picture are different,
When the prediction image generation unit decodes encoded data by referring to motion vector information of a reference picture having a size different from a size of the encoded picture,
A video decoding device characterized by decoding the encoded data without using the motion vector information of the reference picture and generating a predicted image by setting information indicating whether the motion vector information of the reference picture is valid or not, which information is not included in the encoded data, to a predetermined value. A prediction image generating unit that scales a reference picture when the size of the coding picture and the size of the reference picture are different,
When the prediction image generating unit encodes data by referring to motion vector information of a reference picture having a size different from that of the encoding picture,
A moving image coding device characterized by encoding the data without using the motion vector information of the reference picture by setting information indicating whether the motion vector information of the reference picture is valid or not, which information is not included in the encoded data, to a predetermined value, thereby generating a predicted image. A prediction image generating unit that scales a reference picture when the size of the coding picture and the size of the reference picture are different,
When the prediction image generation unit generates data by referring to motion vector information of a reference picture having a size different from a size of the encoded picture,
A predictive image generating device characterized by generating a predictive image without using the motion vector information of the reference picture by setting information indicating whether the motion vector information of the reference picture, which is not included in the data , to a predetermined value.

Images