WO2014162916A1

WO2014162916A1 - Image encoding apparatus and method, and image decoding apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014162916A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/058160
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佐藤　数史
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社
Priority date: 2013-04-03
Filing date: 2014-03-25
Publication date: 2014-10-09

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an image encoding apparatus and method and an image decoding apparatus and method for allowing for suppressing the increase of load of encoding or decoding. Included are: a filter unit that performs, with a degree of precision that is in accordance with the layer of a reference image to be used for encoding image data consisting of a plurality of layers, a filter processing of the reference image; and an encoding unit that uses the reference image, which has been subjected to the filter processing performed by the filter unit, to encode a current layer of the image data. The present disclosure can be applied to an image processing apparatus, such as, for example, an image encoding apparatus for encoding image data such that the image data is scalable or an image decoding apparatus for decoding encoded data in which image data has been encoded such that the image data is scalable.

Description

Image encoding apparatus and method, and image decoding apparatus and method

The present disclosure relates to an image encoding apparatus and method, and an image decoding apparatus and method, and in particular, an image encoding apparatus and method capable of suppressing an increase in encoding or decoding load, and an image decoding apparatus. And the method.

In recent years, image information has been handled as digital data, and at that time, for the purpose of efficient transmission and storage of information, encoding is performed by orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform and motion compensation using redundancy unique to image information. An apparatus that employs a method to compress and code an image is becoming widespread. Examples of this encoding method include MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group).

In particular, MPEG2 (ISO / IEC 13818-2) is defined as a general-purpose image encoding system, and is a standard that covers both interlaced scanning images and progressive scanning images, as well as standard resolution images and high-definition images. For example, MPEG2 is currently widely used in a wide range of applications for professional and consumer applications. By using the MPEG2 compression method, for example, a code amount (bit rate) of 4 to 8 Mbps is assigned to an interlaced scanned image having a standard resolution of 720 × 480 pixels. Further, by using the MPEG2 compression method, for example, a high resolution interlaced scanned image having 1920 × 1088 pixels is assigned a code amount (bit rate) of 18 to 22 Mbps. As a result, a high compression rate and good image quality can be realized.

MPEG2 was mainly intended for high-quality encoding suitable for broadcasting, but did not support encoding methods with a lower code amount (bit rate) than MPEG1, that is, a higher compression rate. With the widespread use of mobile terminals, the need for such an encoding system is expected to increase in the future, and the MPEG4 encoding system has been standardized accordingly. Regarding the image coding system, the standard was approved as an international standard in December 1998 as ISO / IEC 14496-2.

Furthermore, in recent years, the standardization of H.26L (ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Q6 / 16 VCEG (Video Coding Expert Group)) has been promoted for the purpose of initial video coding for video conferences. It was. H.26L is known to achieve higher encoding efficiency than the conventional encoding schemes such as MPEG2 and MPEG4, although a large amount of calculation is required for encoding and decoding. In addition, as part of MPEG4 activities, Joint 取り入れ Model of Enhanced-Compression Video Coding has been implemented based on this H.26L and incorporating functions not supported by H.26L to achieve higher coding efficiency. It was broken.

The standardization schedule became an international standard in March 2003 under the names H.264 and MPEG-4 Part 10 (Advanced Video Coding, hereinafter referred to as AVC).

Furthermore, this H. As an extension of H.264 / AVC, FRExt including RGB, 4: 2: 2, 4: 4: 4 coding tools necessary for business use, 8x8DCT and quantization matrix defined by MPEG-2 (FidelityFiRange Extension) standardization was completed in February 2005. As a result, H.C. Using 264 / AVC, it has become an encoding method that can express film noise contained in movies well, and has been used in a wide range of applications such as Blu-Ray Disc (trademark).

However, these days, we want to compress images with a resolution of 4000 x 2000 pixels, which is four times higher than high-definition images, or deliver high-definition images in a limited transmission capacity environment such as the Internet. There is a growing need for encoding. For this reason, in the above-mentioned VCEG under the ITU-T, studies on improving the coding efficiency are being continued.

Therefore, HEVC (High Efficiency Video Video Coding) is now being developed by JCTVC (Joint Collaboration Collaboration Team Video Coding), a joint standardization organization of ITU-T and ISO / IEC, with the aim of further improving coding efficiency over AVC. The standardization of the encoding method called is being advanced. Regarding the HEVC standard, CommitteeCommitdraft, which is a draft version specification, was issued in January 2013 (see Non-Patent Document 1, for example).

In HEVC, an interpolation filter for motion compensation is defined. For example, the luminance signal is subjected to motion compensation with 1/4 pixel accuracy using an 8-tap filter. The color difference signal is subjected to motion compensation with 1/8 pixel accuracy using a 4-tap filter. In both cases, the processing is specified to be within 16-bit accuracy. These coefficients are designed by a technique called DCT-IF (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

It has also been proposed to use a 1/8 pixel precision filter as a motion compensation filter (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 3).

By the way, the conventional image encoding methods such as MPEG-2 and AVC have a scalability function for encoding an image by layering it into a plurality of layers. In the HEVC, the same hierarchical coding / hierarchical decoding (also referred to as scalable coding / scalable decoding) has been proposed.

In such scalable encoding / scalable decoding, image data to be processed is hierarchized, and a base layer (Base layer) that performs encoding / decoding without referring to other layers and other layers (base An enhancement layer (enhancement layer) that performs encoding / decoding with reference to a layer or another enhancement layer is included.

For example, in the case of spatial scalability (Spatial Scalability) where the spatial resolution is scalable (the spatial resolution differs between layers), in order to use the base layer image for processing the enhancement layer, the image of the base layer Need to upsample processing. In this upsampling process, it has been proposed to use a filter designed by DCT-IF, similar to the interpolation filter for motion compensation described above (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 4).

By the way, in Non-Patent Document 4, two methods, a method called Ref_idx and a method called TextureBL, are defined as a framework for scalability as described below.

That is, in the reference index framework (Ref_idx Framework), the decoded image in the base layer (Baselayer) is stored in the frame memory as a part of the reference frame, and the enhancement layer (Enhancementlayer) is encoded and decoded using this. Done.

In the texture base layer framework (TextureBL Framework), enhancement layer encoding / decoding is performed using a decoded image in the base layer as one of intra prediction modes.

However, in the reference index framework (Ref_idx Framework), after the up-sampling process of the decoded image in the base layer is performed, the interpolation process according to the motion vector accuracy is performed in the motion prediction / compensation process. Stages of redundant filtering were performed. In other words, such redundant filter processing may unnecessarily increase the encoding / decoding load.

This disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to suppress an increase in encoding or decoding load.

According to one aspect of the present technology, a reference image used for encoding image data including a plurality of layers is subjected to filtering processing with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, and the filtering processing is performed by the filtering unit. An image encoding apparatus comprising: an encoding unit that encodes a current layer of the image data using the reference image.

When the reference image is an image of another layer different from the current layer, the filter unit may perform an upsampling process and an interpolation process for motion compensation on the reference image by a single filter process. it can.

When the reference image is a current layer image, the filter unit performs the filtering process with 1/4 pixel accuracy, and the reference image is an image of another layer whose resolution is ½ of the current layer. In some cases, the filtering process can be performed with 1/8 pixel accuracy.

The image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores an image to be used as the reference image, the storage unit stores a plurality of reference frames, and the filter unit reads an image read out from the storage unit as the reference image. The filtering process can be performed with accuracy according to the type of reference frame from which the reference image is read.

伝送 A transmission unit that transmits information related to the filtering process on the image read from the reference frame of the storage unit as the reference image may be further provided.

The transmission unit can transmit control information for specifying a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame, which is one of the reference frames, in the storage unit as information relating to the filtering process.

The transmission unit transmits information indicating whether the image of the long term reference frame is used as a reference image as information regarding the filtering process, and the information uses the image of the long term reference frame as a reference image. Only when this is indicated, the control information can be further transmitted.

The storage unit further includes a setting unit that sets a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame that is one of the reference frames, and the filter unit reads the reference image from the long-term reference frame. In the case of an image, the filtering process can be performed with an accuracy according to the layer set by the setting unit.

In the case of the intra BL mode, the filter unit can omit the intra smoothing process for the reference image that is an image of another layer different from the current layer.

In one aspect of the present technology, a reference image used for encoding image data including a plurality of layers is subjected to filter processing with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, and the filtered reference image is And an image encoding method for encoding a current layer of the image data.

According to another aspect of the present technology, a filter unit that performs a filtering process with accuracy according to a layer of the reference image on a reference image used for decoding encoded data of image data including a plurality of layers, and the filter unit An image decoding apparatus comprising: a decoding unit that performs decoding of a current layer of the encoded data using the filtered reference image.

The image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the reference image, the storage unit stores a plurality of reference frames, and the filter unit performs the reference image on the image read out from the storage unit as the reference image. The filter processing can be performed with an accuracy according to the type of the reference frame from which is read.

受け取り A receiving unit that receives information related to the filtering process on the image read from the reference frame of the storage unit as the reference image can be further provided.

The receiving unit receives control information for specifying a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame that is one of the reference frames in the storage unit as information relating to the filtering process, and the filtering unit includes the reference When the image is an image read from the long term reference frame, the filtering process can be performed with an accuracy according to the layer specified by the control information received by the receiving unit.

The receiving unit receives information indicating whether the image of the long term reference frame is used as a reference image as information relating to the filtering process, and the information uses the image of the long term reference frame as a reference image. The control information can further be received only when

The filter unit further includes an accuracy control unit that determines the accuracy of the filtering process according to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image has been read out and the control information received by the receiving unit. The filtering process can be performed with the accuracy determined by the accuracy control unit.

According to another aspect of the present technology, a reference image used for decoding encoded data of image data including a plurality of layers is subjected to filter processing with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image. In the image decoding method, the current layer of the encoded data is decoded using the reference image.

In one aspect of the present technology, filter processing is performed on a reference image used for encoding image data including a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, and the filtered reference image is used. The current layer of image data is encoded.

In another aspect of the present technology, a reference image used for decoding encoded data of image data including a plurality of layers is subjected to filter processing with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, and the filtered reference Using the image, the current layer of the encoded data is decoded.

According to the present disclosure, an image can be encoded and decoded. In particular, an increase in encoding or decoding load can be suppressed.

It is a figure explaining the structural example of a coding unit. It is a figure which shows the example of a hierarchy image coding system. It is a figure explaining the example of spatial scalable encoding. It is a figure explaining the example of temporal scalable encoding. It is a figure explaining the example of the scalable encoding of a signal noise ratio. It is a figure which shows the example of the interpolation filter for motion compensation. It is a figure explaining the example of the syntax of a sequence parameter set. FIG. 8 is a diagram following FIG. 7 for explaining an example of syntax of a sequence parameter set. It is a figure explaining the example of the syntax of a slice header. FIG. 10 is a diagram subsequent to FIG. 9 for explaining an example of syntax of a slice header. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the syntax of a slice header, following FIG. 10. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of an image coding apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a base layer image coding part. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of an enhancement layer image coding part. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a filter control part and the inter estimation part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an image encoding process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a base layer encoding process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an enhancement layer encoding process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart following FIG. 18 for explaining an example of the flow of the enhancement layer encoding process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an inter prediction process. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of an image decoding apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a base layer image decoding part. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of an enhancement layer image decoding part. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of a filter control part and the inter estimation part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an image decoding process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a base layer decoding process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an enhancement layer decoding process. FIG. 28 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 27, illustrating an example of the flow of enhancement layer decoding processing. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a prediction image generation process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an inter prediction process. It is a figure explaining the example of MDIS (Mode | Dependent | Intra | Smoothing). It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of an enhancement layer image coding part. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a filter control part and an intra estimation part. It is a flowchart explaining the other example of the flow of an enhancement layer encoding process. FIG. 35 is a flowchart following FIG. 34 for explaining another example of the flow of the enhancement layer encoding process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an intra prediction process. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of an enhancement layer image decoding part. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of a filter control part and an intra estimation part. It is a flowchart explaining the other example of the flow of a prediction image generation process. It is a flowchart explaining the other example of the flow of an intra prediction process. It is a figure which shows the example of a multiview image encoding system. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the multiview image coding apparatus to which this technique is applied. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the multiview image decoding apparatus to which this technique is applied. And FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of a computer. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a television apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a mobile telephone. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a recording / reproducing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of an imaging device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of scalable encoding utilization. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of scalable encoding utilization. It is a block diagram which shows the further another example of scalable encoding utilization. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a video set. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a video processor. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of the schematic structure of a video processor.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be given in the following order.
1. Overview 2. First Embodiment (Image Encoding Device)
3. Second embodiment (image decoding apparatus)
4). Third Embodiment (Image Encoding Device)
5. Fourth embodiment (image decoding apparatus)
6). Fifth embodiment (multi-view image encoding / multi-view image decoding apparatus)
7). Sixth embodiment (computer)
8). Application example 9. 10. Application example of scalable coding Seventh embodiment (set unit module processor)

<1. Overview>
<Encoding method>
In the following, the present technology will be described by taking as an example the case of application to HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) image encoding / decoding.

<Coding unit>
In the AVC (Advanced Video Coding) method, a hierarchical structure is defined by macroblocks and sub-macroblocks. However, a macroblock of 16 pixels × 16 pixels is not optimal for a large image frame such as UHD (Ultra High Definition; 4000 pixels × 2000 pixels), which is a target of the next generation encoding method.

On the other hand, in the HEVC system, as shown in FIG. 1, a coding unit (CU (Coding Unit)) is defined.

CU, also called Coding Tree Block (CTB), is a partial area of a picture unit image that plays the same role as a macroblock in the AVC method. The latter is fixed to a size of 16 × 16 pixels, whereas the size of the former is not fixed, and is specified in the image compression information in each sequence.

For example, in the sequence parameter set (SPS (Sequence Parameter Co)) included in the output encoded data, the maximum size (LCU (Largest Coding Unit)) and the minimum size (SCU (Smallest Coding Unit)) are specified. The

Within each LCU, split-flag = 1 can be divided into smaller CUs within a range that does not fall below the SCU size. In the example of FIG. 1, the LCU size is 128 and the maximum hierarchical depth is 5. When the value of split_flag is “1”, the 2N × 2N size CU is divided into N × N size CUs that are one level below.

Further, the CU is divided into prediction units (Prediction Units (PU)) that are regions (partial regions of images in units of pictures) that are processing units of intra or inter prediction, and are regions that are processing units of orthogonal transformation It is divided into transform units (Transform Unit (TU)), which is (a partial area of an image in units of pictures). At present, in the HEVC system, it is possible to use 16 × 16 and 32 × 32 orthogonal transforms in addition to 4 × 4 and 8 × 8.

In the case of an encoding method in which a CU is defined and various processes are performed in units of the CU as in the above HEVC method, a macro block in the AVC method corresponds to an LCU, and a block (sub block) corresponds to a CU. Then you can think. A motion compensation block in the AVC method can be considered to correspond to a PU. However, since the CU has a hierarchical structure, the size of the LCU of the highest hierarchy is generally set larger than the macro block of the AVC method, for example, 128 × 128 pixels.

Therefore, hereinafter, it is assumed that the LCU also includes a macroblock in the AVC scheme, and the CU also includes a block (sub-block) in the AVC scheme. That is, “block” used in the following description indicates an arbitrary partial area in the picture, and its size, shape, characteristics, and the like are not limited. That is, the “block” includes an arbitrary area (processing unit) such as a TU, PU, SCU, CU, LCU, sub-block, macroblock, or slice. Of course, other partial areas (processing units) are also included. When it is necessary to limit the size, processing unit, etc., it will be described as appropriate.

Also, in this specification, CTU (Coding Tree Unit) is a unit that includes CTB (Coding Tree Block) of LCU (maximum number of CUs) and parameters when processing on the LCU base (level). . Further, it is assumed that CU (Coding 構成 Unit) constituting the CTU is a unit including CB (Coding パラメータ Block) and parameters for processing in the CU base (level).

<Mode selection>
By the way, in the AVC and HEVC encoding schemes, selection of an appropriate prediction mode is important to achieve higher encoding efficiency.

As an example of such a selection method, H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC reference software called JM (Joint Model) (published at http://iphome.hhi.de/suehring/tml/index.htm) The method implemented in can be mentioned.

In JM, it is possible to select the following two mode determination methods: High Complexity Mode and Low Complexity Mode. In both cases, a cost function value for each prediction mode Mode is calculated, and a prediction mode that minimizes the cost function value is selected as the optimum mode for the block or macroblock.

The cost function in High Complexity Mode is shown as the following equation (1).

Here, Ω is a whole set of candidate modes for encoding the block or macroblock, and D is a difference energy between the decoded image and the input image when encoded in the prediction mode. λ is a Lagrange undetermined multiplier given as a function of the quantization parameter. R is the total code amount when encoding is performed in this mode, including orthogonal transform coefficients.

That is, in order to perform encoding in High Complexity Mode, the above-described parameters D and R are calculated, so it is necessary to perform temporary encoding processing once in all candidate modes, which requires a higher calculation amount.

The cost function in Low Complexity Mode is expressed as the following equation (2).

D Here, D is the difference energy between the predicted image and the input image, unlike the case of High Complexity Mode. QP2Quant (QP) is given as a function of the quantization parameter QP, and HeaderBit is a code amount related to information belonging to Header, such as a motion vector and mode, which does not include an orthogonal transform coefficient.

In other words, in Low Complexity Mode, it is necessary to perform prediction processing for each candidate mode, but it is not necessary to perform decoding processing because there is no need for decoding images. For this reason, it is possible to realize with a calculation amount lower than that of High Complexity Mode.

<Hierarchical coding>
By the way, the conventional image coding methods such as MPEG2 and AVC have a scalability function. Scalable encoding (hierarchical encoding) is a scheme in which an image is divided into a plurality of layers (hierarchical) and encoded for each layer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical image encoding scheme.

As shown in FIG. 2, in image hierarchization, one image is divided into a plurality of hierarchies (layers) based on a predetermined parameter having a scalability function. That is, the hierarchized image (hierarchical image) includes images of a plurality of hierarchies (layers) having different predetermined parameter values. A plurality of layers of this hierarchical image are encoded / decoded using only the image of the own layer without using the image of the other layer, and encoded / decoded using the image of the other layer. It consists of a non-base layer (also called enhancement layer) that performs decoding. As the non-base layer, an image of the base layer may be used, or an image of another non-base layer may be used.

Generally, the non-base layer is composed of difference image data (difference data) between its own image and an image of another layer so that redundancy is reduced. For example, when one image is divided into two layers of a base layer and a non-base layer (also referred to as an enhancement layer), an image with lower quality than the original image can be obtained using only the base layer data. By synthesizing the base layer data, an original image (that is, a high-quality image) can be obtained.

By layering images in this way, images of various qualities can be easily obtained according to the situation. For example, to a terminal with low processing capability such as a mobile phone, image compression information of only the base layer (base layer) is transmitted, and a moving image with low spatiotemporal resolution or poor image quality is played For terminals with high processing power, such as televisions and personal computers, in addition to the base layer (base layer), image enhancement information of the enhancement layer (enhancement layer) is transmitted. Image compression information corresponding to the capabilities of the terminal and the network can be transmitted from the server without performing transcoding processing, such as playing a moving image with high image quality.

<Scalable parameters>
In such hierarchical image encoding / hierarchical image decoding (scalable encoding / scalable decoding), parameters having a scalability function are arbitrary. For example, the spatial resolution as shown in FIG. 3 may be used as the parameter (spatial scalability). In the case of this spatial scalability, the resolution of the image is different for each layer. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the enhancement is such that each picture is synthesized with the base layer having a spatially lower resolution than the original image and the base layer image to obtain the original image (original spatial resolution). Layered into two layers. Of course, this number of hierarchies is an example, and the number of hierarchies can be hierarchized.

In addition, as a parameter for providing such scalability, for example, temporal resolution as shown in FIG. 4 may be applied (temporal scalability). In the case of this temporal scalability (temporal scalability), the frame rate is different for each layer. That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 4, layers are layered at different frame rates, and by adding a high frame rate layer to a low frame rate layer, a higher frame rate moving image is obtained. By adding all the layers, the original moving image (original frame rate) can be obtained. This number of hierarchies is an example, and can be hierarchized to an arbitrary number of hierarchies.

Furthermore, for example, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR (Signal to Noise ratio)) may be applied (SNR せる scalability) as a parameter for providing such scalability. In the case of this SNR scalability (SNR scalability), the SN ratio is different for each layer. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, each picture has two layers of enhancement layers in which the original image (original SNR) is obtained by combining the base layer with a lower SNR than the original image and the base layer image. Is layered. In other words, in the base layer image compression information, information related to the low PSNR image is transmitted, and the enhancement layer (enhancement layer) image compression information is added to this to reconstruct a high PSNR image. It is possible. Of course, this number of hierarchies is an example, and the number of hierarchies can be hierarchized.

Of course, parameters other than the above-described example may be used for the scalability. For example, the base layer (base layer) consists of 8-bit (bit) images, and by adding an enhancement layer (enhancement layer) to this, the bit depth scalability (bit-depth られる scalability) from which a 10-bit (bit) image can be obtained is there.

In addition, the base layer (base より layer) consists of component images in 4: 2: 0 format, and by adding the enhancement layer (enhancement layer) to this, chroma scalability (chroma) scalability).

<Interpolation filter for motion compensation>
In HEVC, an interpolation filter for motion compensation as shown in FIG. 6 is defined. For example, the luminance signal is subjected to motion compensation with 1/4 pixel accuracy using an 8-tap filter. The color difference signal is subjected to motion compensation with 1/8 pixel accuracy using a 4-tap filter. In both cases, the processing is specified to be within 16-bit accuracy. These coefficients are designed by a technique called DCT-IF as described in Non-Patent Document 2.

Also, Non-Patent Document 3 proposes using a 1/8 pixel precision filter as a motion compensation filter.

By the way, in the case of spatial scalability (Spatial Scalability) where the spatial resolution is scalable (the spatial resolution differs between layers), in order to use the base layer image for the enhancement layer processing, the image of the base layer Need to upsample processing. In Non-Patent Document 4, it is proposed to use a filter designed by DCT-IF, similar to the interpolation filter for motion compensation described above, in this upsampling process.

In Non-Patent Document 4, two methods, a method called Ref_idx and a method called TextureBL, are defined as a framework for scalability as described below. That is, in the reference index framework (Ref_idx Framework), the decoded image in the base layer (Baselayer) is stored in the frame memory as a part of the reference frame, and the enhancement layer (Enhancementlayer) is encoded and decoded using this. Done. In the texture base layer framework (TextureBL Framework), enhancement layer encoding / decoding is performed using a decoded image in the base layer as one of intra prediction modes.

However, in the reference index framework (Ref_idx Framework), after the up-sampling process of the decoded image in the base layer is performed, the interpolation process according to the motion vector accuracy is performed in the motion prediction / compensation process. Stages of redundant filtering were performed. In other words, such redundant filter processing may unnecessarily increase the encoding / decoding load. In this case, the up-sampled base layer image is held in a buffer, and in order to store this image, a buffer equivalent to the enhancement layer (Enhancement layer) resolution is required. There was a risk of increasing power consumption.

<Filter processing>
Therefore, a reference image used for encoding image data composed of a plurality of layers is subjected to filter processing with an accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, and the current layer of the image data is used using the filtered reference image. Are encoded / decoded.

That is, the filtering process is performed with appropriate accuracy according to the layer of the reference image so that the redundant filtering process as described above is not performed. For example, when the reference image is an image of another layer different from the current layer, two filter processes of an up-sampling process for the reference image and an interpolation process for motion compensation are necessary. You may make it carry out by the filtering process.

にする In this way, an unnecessary increase in load due to the filter processing can be suppressed. That is, by doing so, an increase in encoding / decoding load can be suppressed.

For example, when the reference image is an image of the current layer (for example, enhancement layer) to be processed, the upsampling process is not necessary, and therefore the filter process may be performed with 1/4 pixel accuracy. In addition, for example, when the resolution of the base layer is 1/2 of the resolution of the enhancement layer and the reference image is an image of another layer (for example, the base layer), up-sampling processing is necessary. In consideration, the filter processing may be performed with 1/8 pixel accuracy.

In addition, when performing the intra prediction process, the pixel at the collocated position (position) in the base layer is referred to. At this time, the pixel at the ½ pixel accuracy position is simultaneously selected. Alternatively, it may be generated using a motion compensation filter.

As described above, the amount of calculation can be reduced by simultaneously performing the up-sampling process and the motion compensation with decimal pixel accuracy. In addition, when the filtering process is performed in two stages, the high-frequency component of the signal is lost, and there is a possibility that the scalable coding apparatus may lead to image quality deterioration. However, as described above, the filtering process is performed in one stage. Such loss of high-frequency components can be avoided, and the image quality of the output image in the enhancement layer (Enhancementlayer) can be improved (the reduction in image quality can be suppressed).

Note that the resolution ratio between layers is not limited to the above-described example (2 × Scalability). The present technology can be applied to scalability of any resolution conversion ratio. The filter coefficient in that case can be calculated | required by the method of a nonpatent literature 4, for example. However, the filter coefficient in the case of applying the present technology needs to be obtained as a filter processing coefficient including both up-sampling processing and interpolation processing for motion compensation.

In addition, for example, a storage unit that stores the reference image may be provided, and the filter processing may be performed on the image read out as the reference image from the storage unit as described above. That is, in this case, for example, the base layer image can be stored in the storage unit without being upsampled. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in storage capacity for storing the base layer image.

In addition, the storage unit may store a plurality of reference frames, and the filtering process may be performed with an accuracy according to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read. By doing in this way, the precision of a filter process can be determined easily.

In addition, a layer of an image stored as a long term reference frame (also referred to as a long-term reference picture) that is one of the reference frames may be set in the storage unit. When the reference image is an image read from the long term reference frame, the filtering process may be performed with an accuracy according to the set layer.

An image of a short-term reference frame (also referred to as a short-term reference picture), which is one of the reference frames, is updated every time the current picture to be processed is updated. It is not updated until a new picture is provided that specifies a long term reference frame. By setting the layer as described above, the image of the layer is stored in the long term reference frame. That is, the image read from the long term reference frame is the set layer. Therefore, when the reference image is an image read from the long term reference frame, the accuracy of the filtering process can be easily determined from the setting.

Note that the method of setting the image layer of this long term reference frame is arbitrary. For example, a layer may be set according to an instruction from the outside such as a user or another device, or a layer may be set based on an input image, information about the input image, or the like.

Further, an accuracy control unit that determines the accuracy of the filter processing may be provided. For example, the accuracy control unit can determine the accuracy of the filtering process according to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read and the layer setting of the long-term reference frame.

Furthermore, information regarding the filtering process on the reference image in the prediction process of the enhancement layer encoding may be supplied to the decoding side. For example, control information for specifying a layer of an image stored in the long term reference frame may be transmitted to the decoding side as information regarding the filtering process. In addition, for example, when information indicating whether to use a long-term reference frame image as a reference image is transmitted as information related to filtering, and the information indicates that a long-term reference frame image is used as a reference image Only the control information specifying the layer of the image stored in the long term reference frame may be transmitted.

情報 By transmitting information related to such filter processing to the decoding side, it is possible to perform filter processing in decoding as well as in encoding. That is, an increase in encoding / decoding load can be suppressed.

<Syntax>
Examples of syntax of a sequence parameter set (SPS (Sequence Parameter Set)) in the case of transmitting information related to filter processing in this way are shown in FIGS. In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 8, long_term_ref_pics_present_flag is transmitted as information indicating whether to use a long-term reference frame image as a reference image, and when the value is “1 (true)”, long Ref_layer_id [i] is transmitted by the sequence parameter set as control information for designating the layer of the image stored in the term reference frame.

In this way, when an image of a long term reference frame is not used as a reference image, transmission of control information for specifying a layer of an image stored in the long term reference frame can be omitted, and the encoding efficiency can be omitted. Can be suppressed.

It should be noted that transmission of information relating to such filter processing may be performed outside of the sequence parameter set. For example, it may be transmitted in a slice header. 9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of syntax of a slice header (slice_segment_header).

示 As shown in FIG. 9, in this case, as in the case of the sequence parameter set, long_term_ref_pics_present_flag and ref_layer_id [i] are transmitted. The transmission of the information may be a picture parameter set (PPS (Picrture Parameter Set)), a video parameter set (VPS (Video Parameter Set)), or other than these. There may be.

Note that the encoding method of the referenced layer (base layer) is not limited to HEVC and is arbitrary. For example, a method other than HEVC, such as AVC, may be used.

<2. First Embodiment>
<Image encoding device>
Next, an apparatus and method for realizing the present technology as described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an image encoding device that is an aspect of an image processing device to which the present technology is applied. An image encoding device 100 illustrated in FIG. 12 is a device that performs hierarchical image encoding. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the image encoding device 100 includes a base layer image encoding unit 101, an enhancement layer image encoding unit 102, and a multiplexing unit 103.

The base layer image encoding unit 101 encodes the base layer image and generates a base layer image encoded stream. The enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 encodes the enhancement layer image, and generates an enhancement layer image encoded stream. The multiplexing unit 103 multiplexes the base layer image encoded stream generated by the base layer image encoding unit 101 and the enhancement layer image encoded stream generated by the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 to generate a hierarchical image code Generate a stream. The multiplexing unit 103 transmits the generated hierarchical image encoded stream to the decoding side.

Base layer image encoding unit 101 supplies a decoded image (also referred to as a base layer decoded image) obtained in base layer encoding to enhancement layer image encoding unit 102.

The enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 acquires and stores the base layer decoded image supplied from the base layer image encoding unit 101. The enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 uses the stored base layer decoded image as a reference image for prediction processing in the enhancement layer encoding.

In addition, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 transmits information on the filter processing for the reference image to the decoding side via the multiplexing unit 103 (as a hierarchical image encoded stream).

<Base layer image encoding unit>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the base layer image encoding unit 101 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the base layer image encoding unit 101 includes an A / D conversion unit 111, a screen rearrangement buffer 112, a calculation unit 113, an orthogonal transformation unit 114, a quantization unit 115, a lossless encoding unit 116, The storage buffer 117, the inverse quantization unit 118, and the inverse orthogonal transform unit 119 are included. The base layer image encoding unit 101 includes a calculation unit 120, a loop filter 121, a frame memory 122, a selection unit 123, an intra prediction unit 124, an inter prediction unit 125, a predicted image selection unit 126, and a rate control unit 127. .

The A / D conversion unit 111 performs A / D conversion on the input image data (base layer image information), and supplies the converted image data (digital data) to the screen rearrangement buffer 112 for storage. The screen rearrangement buffer 112 rearranges the images of the frames in the stored display order in the order of frames for encoding according to the GOP (Group Of Picture), and rearranges the images in the order of the frames. It supplies to the calculating part 113. Further, the screen rearrangement buffer 112 also supplies the image in which the frame order is rearranged to the intra prediction unit 124 and the inter prediction unit 125.

The calculation unit 113 subtracts the prediction image supplied from the intra prediction unit 124 or the inter prediction unit 125 via the prediction image selection unit 126 from the image read from the screen rearrangement buffer 112, and orthogonalizes the difference information. The data is output to the conversion unit 114. For example, in the case of an image on which intra coding is performed, the calculation unit 113 subtracts the prediction image supplied from the intra prediction unit 124 from the image read from the screen rearrangement buffer 112. For example, in the case of an image on which inter coding is performed, the calculation unit 113 subtracts the prediction image supplied from the inter prediction unit 125 from the image read from the screen rearrangement buffer 112.

The orthogonal transform unit 114 performs orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform and Karhunen-Loeve transform on the difference information supplied from the computation unit 113. The orthogonal transform unit 114 supplies the transform coefficient to the quantization unit 115.

The quantization unit 115 quantizes the transform coefficient supplied from the orthogonal transform unit 114. The quantization unit 115 sets a quantization parameter based on the information regarding the target value of the code amount supplied from the rate control unit 127, and performs the quantization. The quantization unit 115 supplies the quantized transform coefficient to the lossless encoding unit 116.

The lossless encoding unit 116 encodes the transform coefficient quantized by the quantization unit 115 using an arbitrary encoding method. Since the coefficient data is quantized under the control of the rate control unit 127, the code amount becomes the target value set by the rate control unit 127 (or approximates the target value).

Furthermore, the lossless encoding unit 116 acquires information indicating the mode of intra prediction from the intra prediction unit 124, and acquires information indicating the mode of inter prediction, difference motion vector information, and the like from the inter prediction unit 125. Further, the lossless encoding unit 116 appropriately generates a base layer NAL (Network Abstraction Layer) unit including a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and the like.

The lossless encoding unit 116 encodes these various types of information by an arbitrary encoding method, and uses (multiplexes) a part of the encoded data (also referred to as an encoded stream). The lossless encoding unit 116 supplies the encoded data obtained by encoding to the accumulation buffer 117 for accumulation.

Examples of the encoding method of the lossless encoding unit 116 include variable length encoding or arithmetic encoding. Examples of variable length coding include H.264. CAVLC (Context-Adaptive Variable Length Coding) defined in the H.264 / AVC format. Examples of arithmetic coding include CABAC (Context-Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding).

The cocoon accumulation buffer 117 temporarily holds the encoded data (base layer encoded data) supplied from the lossless encoding unit 116. The accumulation buffer 117 outputs the stored base layer encoded data to, for example, a recording device (recording medium) (not shown) or a transmission path at a later stage at a predetermined timing. That is, the accumulation buffer 117 is also a transmission unit that transmits encoded data.

The transform coefficient quantized by the quantization unit 115 is also supplied to the inverse quantization unit 118. The inverse quantization unit 118 inversely quantizes the quantized transform coefficient by a method corresponding to the quantization by the quantization unit 115. The inverse quantization unit 118 supplies the obtained transform coefficient to the inverse orthogonal transform unit 119.

The inverse orthogonal transform unit 119 performs inverse orthogonal transform on the transform coefficient supplied from the inverse quantization unit 118 by a method corresponding to the orthogonal transform processing by the orthogonal transform unit 114. The inversely orthogonal transformed output (restored difference information) is supplied to the calculation unit 120.

The calculation unit 120 adds the prediction image from the intra prediction unit 124 or the inter prediction unit 125 to the restored difference information, which is the inverse orthogonal transformation result supplied from the inverse orthogonal transformation unit 119, via the prediction image selection unit 126. Addition is performed to obtain a locally decoded image (decoded image). The decoded image is supplied to the loop filter 121 or the frame memory 122.

The loop filter 121 includes a deblocking filter, an adaptive loop filter, and the like, and appropriately performs a filtering process on the reconstructed image supplied from the calculation unit 120. For example, the loop filter 121 removes block distortion of the reconstructed image by performing deblocking filter processing on the reconstructed image. In addition, for example, the loop filter 121 improves the image quality by performing loop filter processing using a Wiener filter on the deblock filter processing result (reconstructed image from which block distortion has been removed). I do. The loop filter 121 supplies a filter processing result (hereinafter referred to as a decoded image) to the frame memory 122.

Note that the loop filter 121 may further perform other arbitrary filter processing on the reconstructed image. Further, the loop filter 121 can supply information such as filter coefficients used for the filter processing to the lossless encoding unit 116 and encode the information as necessary.

The kite frame memory 122 stores the supplied decoded image, and supplies the stored decoded image as a reference image to the selection unit 123 at a predetermined timing.

More specifically, the frame memory 122 stores the reconstructed image supplied from the calculation unit 120 and the decoded image supplied from the loop filter 121, respectively. The frame memory 122 supplies the stored reconstructed image to the intra prediction unit 124 via the selection unit 123 at a predetermined timing or based on a request from the outside such as the intra prediction unit 124. In addition, the frame memory 122 supplies the stored decoded image to the inter prediction unit 125 via the selection unit 123 at a predetermined timing or based on a request from the outside such as the inter prediction unit 125. .

The eyelid selection unit 123 selects a supply destination of the reference image supplied from the frame memory 122. For example, in the case of intra prediction, the selection unit 123 supplies the reference image (pixel value in the current picture) supplied from the frame memory 122 to the intra prediction unit 124. For example, in the case of inter prediction, the selection unit 123 supplies the reference image (pixel value outside the current picture) supplied from the frame memory 122 to the inter prediction unit 125.

The intra prediction unit 124 performs a prediction process on the current picture that is the image of the processing target frame, and generates a predicted image. The intra prediction unit 124 performs this prediction processing for each predetermined block (using blocks as processing units). That is, the intra prediction unit 124 generates a predicted image of the current block that is the processing target of the current picture. At that time, the intra prediction unit 124 performs a prediction process (intra-screen prediction (also referred to as intra prediction)) using a reconstructed image supplied as a reference image from the frame memory 122 via the selection unit 123. That is, the intra prediction unit 124 generates a predicted image using pixel values around the current block included in the reconstructed image. The peripheral pixel value used for this intra prediction is the pixel value of the pixel processed in the past of the current picture. For this intra prediction (that is, how to generate a predicted image), a plurality of methods (also referred to as intra prediction modes) are prepared in advance as candidates. The intra prediction unit 124 performs the intra prediction in the plurality of intra prediction modes prepared in advance.

The intra prediction unit 124 generates prediction images in all candidate intra prediction modes, evaluates the cost function value of each prediction image using the input image supplied from the screen rearrangement buffer 112, and selects the optimum mode. select. When the optimal intra prediction mode is selected, the intra prediction unit 124 supplies the predicted image generated in the optimal mode to the predicted image selection unit 126.

Also, as described above, the intra prediction unit 124 appropriately supplies the intra prediction mode information indicating the adopted intra prediction mode to the lossless encoding unit 116 for encoding.

The inter prediction unit 125 performs a prediction process on the current picture to generate a predicted image. The inter prediction unit 125 performs this prediction processing for each predetermined block (using blocks as processing units). That is, the inter prediction unit 125 generates a predicted image of the current block that is the processing target of the current picture. At this time, the inter prediction unit 125 performs prediction processing using the image data of the input image supplied from the screen rearrangement buffer 112 and the image data of the decoded image supplied as a reference image from the frame memory 122. This decoded image is an image of a frame processed before the current picture (another picture that is not the current picture). That is, the inter prediction unit 125 performs a prediction process (inter-screen prediction (also referred to as inter prediction)) that generates a prediction image using an image of another picture.

This inter prediction consists of motion prediction and motion compensation. More specifically, the inter prediction unit 125 performs motion prediction on the current block using the input image and the reference image, and detects a motion vector. Then, the inter prediction unit 125 performs motion compensation processing according to the detected motion vector using the reference image, and generates a prediction image (inter prediction image information) of the current block. A plurality of methods (also referred to as inter prediction modes) are prepared in advance as candidates for the inter prediction (that is, how to generate a predicted image). The inter prediction unit 125 performs such inter prediction in the plurality of inter prediction modes prepared in advance.

Inter prediction unit 125 generates a prediction image in all candidate inter prediction modes. The inter prediction unit 125 evaluates the cost function value of each predicted image using the input image supplied from the screen rearrangement buffer 112, information on the generated difference motion vector, and the like, and selects an optimal mode. When the optimal inter prediction mode is selected, the inter prediction unit 125 supplies the predicted image generated in the optimal mode to the predicted image selection unit 126.

The inter prediction unit 125 supplies information indicating the adopted inter prediction mode, information necessary for performing processing in the inter prediction mode, and the like to the lossless encoding unit 116 when decoding the encoded data, Encode. The necessary information includes, for example, information on the generated differential motion vector, a flag indicating an index of the motion vector predictor as motion vector predictor information, and the like.

The predicted image selection unit 126 selects a supply source of the predicted image to be supplied to the calculation unit 113 or the calculation unit 120. For example, in the case of intra coding, the prediction image selection unit 126 selects the intra prediction unit 124 as a supply source of the prediction image, and supplies the prediction image supplied from the intra prediction unit 124 to the calculation unit 113 and the calculation unit 120. To do. For example, in the case of inter coding, the prediction image selection unit 126 selects the inter prediction unit 125 as a supply source of the prediction image, and calculates the prediction image supplied from the inter prediction unit 125 as the calculation unit 113 or the calculation unit 120. To supply.

The rate control unit 127 controls the rate of the quantization operation of the quantization unit 115 based on the code amount of the encoded data stored in the storage buffer 117 so that no overflow or underflow occurs.

Note that the base layer image encoding unit 101 performs encoding without referring to other layers. That is, the intra prediction unit 124 and the inter prediction unit 125 do not use decoded images of other layers as reference images.

The frame memory 122 also supplies the stored base layer decoded image to the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102.

<Enhancement layer image encoding unit>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 has basically the same configuration as the base layer image encoding unit 101 of FIG.

That is, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 includes an A / D conversion unit 131, a screen rearrangement buffer 132, a calculation unit 133, an orthogonal transformation unit 134, a quantization unit 135, and a lossless encoding unit as illustrated in FIG. 136, an accumulation buffer 137, an inverse quantization unit 138, and an inverse orthogonal transform unit 139. Also, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 includes a calculation unit 140, a loop filter 141, a frame memory 142, a selection unit 143, an intra prediction unit 144, an inter prediction unit 145, a predicted image selection unit 146, and a rate control unit 147. .

These A / D conversion units 131 to rate control unit 147 correspond to the A / D conversion unit 111 to rate control unit 127 of FIG. 13 and perform the same processing as the corresponding processing units, respectively. However, each part of the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 performs processing for encoding enhancement layer image information, not the base layer. Therefore, as the description of the processing of the A / D conversion unit 131 to the rate control unit 147, the above description of the A / D conversion unit 111 to the rate control unit 127 of FIG. 13 can be applied. The data to be processed is not the base layer data but the enhancement layer data. In addition, the data input source and output destination processing units need to be replaced with the corresponding processing units in the A / D conversion unit 131 through the rate control unit 147 as appropriate.

Note that the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 performs encoding with reference to information of another layer (for example, a base layer). Then, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 performs <1. The above-described processing is performed in the overview>.

For example, the frame memory 142 is <1. The processing is performed as a storage unit for storing the reference image described above in the overview>. In other words, the frame memory 142 can store a plurality of reference frames, and not only stores the enhancement layer decoded image (also referred to as enhancement layer decoded image) but also the base layer decoded image from the base layer image encoding unit 101. Get and memorize. At that time, the frame memory 142 stores the base layer decoded image as, for example, a long term reference frame. At this time, the upsampling process of the base layer decoded image is not performed. Therefore, the storage capacity of the frame memory 142 can be reduced.

Images stored in the frame memory 142, that is, enhancement layer decoded images and base layer decoded images are used as reference images in the prediction processing by the inter prediction unit 145. That is, the enhancement layer decoded image and the base layer decoded image stored in the frame memory 142 are read as a reference image and supplied to the inter prediction unit 145 via the selection unit 143.

The enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 includes a filter control unit 148. <1. As described above in Overview>, the filter control unit 148 controls the filtering process on the reference image executed in the inter prediction unit 145. Further, the filter control unit 148 generates information regarding the filter processing, supplies the information to the lossless encoding unit 136, encodes the information, and transmits the encoded information to the decoding side via the accumulation buffer 137.

<Filter control unit and inter prediction unit>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the inter prediction unit 145 and the filter control unit 148 in FIG.

有する As shown in FIG. 15, it has a filter processing unit 171, a motion search unit 172, an inter-cost numerical value calculation unit 173 and a mode determination unit 174.

The soot filter processing unit 171 performs <1. As described above in Overview>, a reference image is read from one of a plurality of reference frames in the frame memory 142, and the reference image is subjected to filter processing. The motion search unit 172 specifies which reference frame image is to be read. The filter processing unit 171 can obtain an image of a desired layer by selecting a reference frame from which an image is read. For example, the filter processing unit 171 acquires an enhancement layer decoded image as a reference image from the short term reference frame in the frame memory 142. Also, for example, the filter processing unit 171 acquires a base layer decoded image from the long term reference frame in the frame memory 142 as a reference image.

<1. As described above in Overview>, the filter processing unit 171 performs filter processing on the acquired reference image with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image. For example, when the reference image is an enhancement layer decoded image (also referred to as an enhancement layer decoded image), the filter processing unit 171 performs interpolation processing for motion compensation on the reference image. In the case of a layer decoded image, upsampling processing and interpolation processing for motion compensation are performed on the reference image. The filter processing unit 171 changes the accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, thereby realizing the filter process for the reference image by a single filter process regardless of the layer of the reference image. Therefore, the filter processing unit 171 can suppress an unnecessary increase in load due to the filter processing, and can suppress an increase in encoding load.

Note that the filter processing unit 171 has <1. As described above in Overview>, such filter processing is performed according to the control of the filter control unit 148. That is, for example, the filter processing unit 171 acquires the control information supplied from the filter accuracy control unit 183, and performs the filter processing with the accuracy indicated by the control information. The filter processing unit 171 supplies the filtered reference image to the motion search unit 172.

The motion search unit 172 performs motion search in all candidate inter prediction modes (also referred to as candidate modes) using the filtered reference image supplied from the filter processing unit 171, and predicts each candidate mode. Generate an image. Note that which layer of the decoded image is used as the reference image depends on the candidate mode. That is, the motion search unit 172 designates a layer of a decoded image to be read as a reference image according to the candidate mode to be processed, to the filter processing unit 171. That is, for example, the motion search unit 172 performs <1. As described above in Overview>, the reference frame from which the decoded image is read is designated. The motion search unit 172 supplies information indicating the type of the designated reference frame to the filter control unit 148 (layer determination unit 182). The motion search unit 172 supplies the predicted image of each candidate mode generated as described above to the cost function value calculation unit 173.

The cost function value calculation unit 173 calculates the cost function value for each candidate mode predicted image supplied from the motion search unit 172. The cost function value calculation unit 173 supplies the predicted image and its cost function value to the mode determination unit 174 for each candidate mode.

The heel mode determination unit 174 determines an optimal inter prediction mode based on the cost function value and the like of each candidate mode supplied from the cost function value calculation unit 173. The mode determination unit 174 determines the candidate mode having the smallest cost function value as the optimal inter prediction mode, supplies the prediction image of that mode to the prediction image selection unit 146, and uses it for encoding of the enhancement layer image. . When the predicted image of the inter prediction is selected by the predicted image selection unit 146, the mode determination unit 174 supplies information related to the optimal inter prediction mode (also referred to as optimal prediction mode information) to the lossless encoding unit 136. Then, the data is encoded and transmitted to the decoding side via the accumulation buffer 137.

As shown in FIG. 15, the filter control unit 148 includes a setting unit 181, a layer determination unit 182, and a filter accuracy control unit 183.

The heel setting unit 181 has <1. As described above, the setting relating to the filter processing is performed. For example, the setting unit 181 sets a layer of an image stored in the long term reference frame. The setting unit 181 supplies control information indicating this setting to the layer determination unit 182 and the filter accuracy control unit 183. Note that the setting unit 181 may set the filter accuracy according to the layer of the reference image. For example, the setting unit 181 may set the filter accuracy when the reference image is a base layer and / or the filter accuracy when the reference image is an enhancement layer (current layer). Good. In that case, the setting unit 181 supplies control information indicating such setting of the filter accuracy to the filter accuracy control unit 183.

In addition, for example, the setting unit 181 supplies the control information to the lossless encoding unit 136 as information regarding the filter processing, encodes the information, and transmits the encoded information to the decoding side via the accumulation buffer 137. Further, for example, the setting unit 181 sets whether or not to use an image of a long term reference frame as a reference image, and uses information indicating the setting (for example, long_term_ref_pics_present_flag) as information related to filter processing. The data is supplied to 136, encoded, and transmitted to the decoding side via the accumulation buffer 137. In this case, the setting unit 181 transmits control information (for example, ref_layer_id [i]) only when the value of the long_term_ref_pics_present_flag is “1 (true)”.

The heel layer determination unit 182 performs <1. The layer of the reference image is determined as described above in the overview>. For example, based on the setting of the layer of the image of the long term reference frame indicated in the control information acquired from the setting unit 181 and the information related to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read supplied from the motion search unit 172, The layer of the reference image is determined. For example, when the type of the reference frame is a short term reference frame, the layer determination unit 182 determines that the reference image layer is an enhancement layer (current layer). For example, when the type of the reference frame is a long-term reference frame, the layer determination unit 182 determines that the reference image layer is a layer set by the setting unit 181. The layer determination unit 182 supplies such a determination result (information indicating the layer of the reference image) to the filter accuracy control unit 183.

The filter accuracy control unit 183 is <1. As described above in Overview>, the accuracy of the filtering process for the reference image by the filter processing unit 171 is set. For example, the filter accuracy control unit 183 sets the accuracy of this filter processing based on the determination result supplied from the layer determination unit 182 and the control information supplied from the setting unit 181. The filter accuracy control unit 183 supplies control information indicating the set filter accuracy to the filter processing unit 171. As described above, the filter processing unit 171 performs filter processing on the reference image with accuracy according to the control information.

As described above, by controlling the filter accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, the filter processing unit 171 can realize the filter process for the reference image as a single filter process regardless of the layer of the reference image. . Therefore, the image encoding device 100 (enhancement layer image encoding unit 102) can suppress an increase in encoding load. In addition, it is possible to suppress a reduction in image quality of the enhancement layer. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the frame memory 142 can be reduced. Further, by transmitting information related to the filter processing to the decoding side, the image encoding device 100 (enhancement layer image encoding unit 102) can suppress an increase in decoding load.

<Flow of image encoding process>
Next, the flow of each process executed by the image encoding device 100 as described above will be described. First, an example of the flow of image encoding processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the heel image encoding process is started, in step S101, the base layer image encoding unit 101 of the image encoding device 100 encodes the base layer image data.

In step S102, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 encodes enhancement layer image data.

In step S103, the multiplexing unit 103 uses the base layer image encoded stream generated by the process of step S101 and the enhancement layer image encoded stream generated by the process of step S102 (that is, the bit stream of each layer). Are multiplexed to generate a single hierarchical image encoded stream.

終了 When the process of step S103 ends, the image encoding device 100 ends the image encoding process. One picture is processed by such an image encoding process. Therefore, the image encoding device 100 repeatedly executes such image encoding processing for each picture of the moving image data that is hierarchized.

<Flow of base layer encoding process>
Next, an example of the flow of the base layer encoding process executed by the base layer image encoding unit 101 in step S101 of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the base layer encoding process is started, the A / D conversion unit 111 of the base layer image encoding unit 101 A / D converts the image of each frame (picture) of the input moving image in step S121. .

In step S122, the screen rearrangement buffer 112 stores the image that has been A / D converted in step S121, and performs rearrangement from the display order of each picture to the encoding order.

In step S123, the intra prediction unit 124 performs an intra prediction process in the intra prediction mode.

In step S124, the inter prediction unit 125 performs inter prediction processing for performing motion prediction, motion compensation, and the like in the inter prediction mode.

In step S125, the predicted image selection unit 126 selects a predicted image based on the cost function value or the like. That is, the predicted image selection unit 126 selects either the predicted image generated by the intra prediction in step S123 or the predicted image generated by the inter prediction in step S124.

In step S126, the calculation unit 113 calculates the difference between the input image whose frame order is rearranged by the process of step S122 and the predicted image selected by the process of step S125. That is, the calculation unit 113 generates image data of a difference image between the input image and the predicted image. The image data of the difference image obtained in this way is reduced in data amount compared to the original image data. Therefore, the data amount can be compressed as compared with the case where the image is encoded as it is.

In step S127, the orthogonal transform unit 114 performs orthogonal transform on the image data of the difference image generated by the process in step S126.

In step S128, the quantization unit 115 quantizes the orthogonal transform coefficient obtained by the process in step S127, using the quantization parameter calculated by the rate control unit 127.

In step S129, the inverse quantization unit 118 inversely quantizes the quantized coefficient (also referred to as a quantization coefficient) generated by the process in step S128 with characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of the quantization unit 115.

In step S130, the inverse orthogonal transform unit 119 performs inverse orthogonal transform on the orthogonal transform coefficient obtained by the process in step S129.

In step S131, the calculation unit 120 generates the image data of the reconstructed image by adding the predicted image selected by the process of step S125 to the difference image restored by the process of step S130.

In step S132, the loop filter 121 performs a loop filter process on the image data of the reconstructed image generated by the process in step S131. Thereby, block distortion and the like of the reconstructed image are removed.

In step S133, the frame memory 122 stores data such as a decoded image obtained by the process of step S132 and a reconstructed image obtained by the process of step S131.

In step S134, the lossless encoding unit 116 encodes the quantized coefficient obtained by the process of step S128. That is, lossless encoding such as variable length encoding or arithmetic encoding is performed on the data corresponding to the difference image.

At this time, the lossless encoding unit 116 encodes information on the prediction mode of the prediction image selected by the process of step S125, and adds the encoded information to the encoded data obtained by encoding the difference image. In other words, the lossless encoding unit 116 also encodes the optimal intra prediction mode information supplied from the intra prediction unit 124 or the information corresponding to the optimal inter prediction mode supplied from the inter prediction unit 125, and the like, into encoded data. Append.

Further, the lossless encoding unit 116 sets syntax elements such as various null units, encodes them, and adds them to the encoded data.

In step S135, the accumulation buffer 117 accumulates the encoded data obtained by the process in step S134. The encoded data stored in the storage buffer 117 is appropriately read and transmitted to the decoding side via a transmission path or a recording medium.

In step S136, the rate control unit 127 causes the quantization unit 115 to prevent overflow or underflow from occurring based on the code amount (generated code amount) of the encoded data accumulated in the accumulation buffer 117 by the process of step S135. Controls the rate of quantization operation. Further, the rate control unit 127 supplies information regarding the quantization parameter to the quantization unit 115.

In step S137, the inter prediction unit 125 supplies the base layer decoded image obtained in the base layer encoding process as described above to the enhancement layer encoding process.

処理 When the process of step S137 ends, the base layer encoding process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

<Enhancement layer coding process flow>
Next, an example of the flow of the enhancement layer encoding process executed by the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 in step S102 of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the enhancement layer encoding process is started, the setting unit 181 of the filter control unit 148 of the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 stores the image layer stored in the long term reference picture of the frame memory 142 in step S151 of FIG. Set.

In step S152, the setting unit 181 supplies control information indicating the content of the setting performed in step S151, that is, control information indicating the layer of the image stored in the long-term reference picture, to the lossless encoding unit 136. And transmitted to the decoding side via the storage buffer 137.

In step S153, the frame memory 142 acquires the base layer decoded image from the base layer image encoding unit 101.

In step S154, the frame memory 142 stores the base layer decoded image acquired in step S153. At this time, the frame memory 142 stores the acquired base layer decoded image without up-sampling. Therefore, an increase in the storage capacity of the frame memory 142 can be suppressed.

When the process of step S154 is completed, the process proceeds to step S161 of FIG.

In step S161 of FIG. 19, the A / D conversion unit 111 performs A / D conversion on the image of each frame (picture) of the input moving image of the enhancement layer.

In step S162, the screen rearrangement buffer 112 stores the image that has been A / D converted in step S161, and performs rearrangement from the display order of each picture to the encoding order.

In step S163, the intra prediction unit 144 performs an intra prediction process.

In step S164, the inter prediction unit 145 performs inter prediction processing.

The processes in steps S165 to S176 correspond to the processes in steps S125 to S136 in FIG. 17 and are executed basically in the same manner as those processes. However, each process of step S125 to step S136 in FIG. 17 is performed on the base layer, whereas each process of step S165 to step S176 is performed on the enhancement layer.

When the process of step S176 ends, the enhancement layer encoding process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

<Flow of inter prediction processing>
Next, an example of the flow of the inter prediction process executed in step S164 of FIG. 19 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the inter prediction process is started, the motion search unit 172 of the inter prediction unit 145 selects an unprocessed candidate mode in step S191.

In step S192, the motion search unit 172 determines the type of the reference frame of the image to be read as the reference image in the candidate mode selected in step S191.

In step S193, the layer determination unit 182 of the filter control unit 148 is selected in step S191 based on the type of the reference frame determined in step S192 and the layer setting performed in step S151 of FIG. The reference image layer in the candidate mode is determined.

In step S194, the filter accuracy control unit 183 selects the filter accuracy according to the layer of the reference image determined in step S193.

In step S195, the filter processing unit 171 reads the reference frame image determined in step S192 of the frame memory 142 as a reference image, and the filter accuracy selected in step S194, that is, the accuracy according to the layer of the reference image. Then, filter processing is performed on the reference image.

In step S196, the motion search unit 172 performs a motion search using the reference image filtered in step S195, and generates a predicted image.

In step S197, the cost function value calculation unit 173 calculates the cost function value of this candidate mode using the predicted image obtained by the motion search in step S196.

In step S198, the motion search unit 172 determines whether all candidate modes have been processed. If it is determined that there is an unprocessed candidate mode, the process returns to step S191 and the subsequent processes are repeated. Each process of step S191 to step S198 is executed for each candidate mode, and if it is determined in step S198 that all candidate modes have been processed, the process proceeds to step S199.

In step S199, the mode determination unit 174 selects, from among the candidate modes, the mode with the smallest cost function value obtained as described above as the optimal inter prediction mode.

処理 When the process of step S199 ends, the inter prediction process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

By performing each process as described above, the image encoding device 100 (enhancement layer image encoding unit 102) can suppress an increase in encoding / decoding load. In addition, it is possible to suppress a reduction in image quality of the enhancement layer. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the frame memory 142 can be reduced.

<3. Second Embodiment>
<Image decoding device>
Next, decoding of the encoded data encoded as described above will be described. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of an image decoding apparatus corresponding to the image encoding apparatus 100 in FIG. 12, which is an aspect of an image processing apparatus to which the present technology is applied. The image decoding apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 21 decodes the encoded data generated by the image encoding apparatus 100 by a decoding method corresponding to the encoding method (that is, hierarchically encoded encoded data is hierarchically decoded). To do). As illustrated in FIG. 21, the image decoding device 200 includes a demultiplexing unit 201, a base layer image decoding unit 202, and an enhancement layer image decoding unit 203.

The demultiplexing unit 201 receives a layered image encoded stream in which a base layer image encoded stream and an enhancement layer image encoded stream are multiplexed transmitted from the encoding side, demultiplexes them, An image encoded stream and an enhancement layer image encoded stream are extracted. The base layer image decoding unit 202 decodes the base layer image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexing unit 201 to obtain a base layer image. The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 decodes the enhancement layer image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexing unit 201 to obtain an enhancement layer image.

The base layer image decoding unit 202 supplies the base layer decoded image obtained in the base layer decoding to the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203.

The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 acquires the base layer decoded image supplied from the base layer image decoding unit 202 and stores it. The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 uses the stored base layer decoded image as a reference image for prediction processing in enhancement layer decoding. During the prediction process, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 obtains information related to the filter processing on the reference image transmitted from the encoding side via the demultiplexing unit 201, and based on the information, the reference image Perform the filtering process.

<Base layer image decoding unit>
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the base layer image decoding unit 202 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, the base layer image decoding unit 202 includes a storage buffer 211, a lossless decoding unit 212, an inverse quantization unit 213, an inverse orthogonal transform unit 214, a calculation unit 215, a loop filter 216, a screen rearrangement buffer 217, And a D / A converter 218. The base layer image decoding unit 202 includes a frame memory 219, a selection unit 220, an intra prediction unit 221, an inter prediction unit 222, and a predicted image selection unit 223.

The soot storage buffer 211 is also a receiving unit that receives the transmitted encoded data. The accumulation buffer 211 receives and accumulates the transmitted encoded data, and supplies the encoded data to the lossless decoding unit 212 at a predetermined timing. Information necessary for decoding such as prediction mode information is added to the encoded data.

The lossless decoding unit 212 decodes the information supplied from the accumulation buffer 211 and encoded by the lossless encoding unit 116 using a decoding method corresponding to the encoding method. The lossless decoding unit 212 supplies the quantized coefficient data of the difference image obtained by decoding to the inverse quantization unit 213.

Further, the lossless decoding unit 212 determines whether the intra prediction mode is selected as the optimal prediction mode or the inter prediction mode is selected, and information on the optimal prediction mode is stored in the intra prediction unit 221 and the inter prediction unit 222. It is supplied to the mode determined to be selected. That is, for example, when the intra prediction mode is selected as the optimal prediction mode on the encoding side, information regarding the optimal prediction mode is supplied to the intra prediction unit 221. For example, when the inter prediction mode is selected as the optimal prediction mode on the encoding side, information regarding the optimal prediction mode is supplied to the inter prediction unit 222.

Furthermore, the lossless decoding unit 212 supplies information necessary for inverse quantization, such as a quantization matrix and a quantization parameter, to the inverse quantization unit 213, for example.

The inverse quantization unit 213 inversely quantizes the quantized coefficient data obtained by decoding by the lossless decoding unit 212 using a method corresponding to the quantization method of the quantization unit 115. The inverse quantization unit 213 is a processing unit similar to the inverse quantization unit 118.

The inverse quantization unit 213 supplies the obtained coefficient data to the inverse orthogonal transform unit 214.

The inverse orthogonal transform unit 214 performs inverse orthogonal transform on the orthogonal transform coefficient supplied from the inverse quantization unit 213 by a method corresponding to the orthogonal transform method of the orthogonal transform unit 114 as necessary. The inverse orthogonal transform unit 214 is a processing unit similar to the inverse orthogonal transform unit 119.

差分 The image data of the difference image is restored by this inverse orthogonal transform process. The restored image data of the difference image corresponds to the image data of the difference image before being orthogonally transformed in the image encoding device. Hereinafter, the restored image data of the difference image obtained by the inverse orthogonal transform process of the inverse orthogonal transform unit 214 is also referred to as decoded residual data. The inverse orthogonal transform unit 214 supplies the decoded residual data to the calculation unit 215. Further, the image data of the predicted image is supplied to the calculation unit 215 from the intra prediction unit 221 or the inter prediction unit 222 via the predicted image selection unit 223.

The calculating unit 215 uses the decoded residual data and the image data of the predicted image to obtain image data of a reconstructed image obtained by adding the difference image and the predicted image. This reconstructed image corresponds to the input image before the predicted image is subtracted by the calculation unit 113. The calculation unit 215 supplies the reconstructed image to the loop filter 216.

The loop filter 216 appropriately performs loop filter processing including deblock filter processing and adaptive loop filter processing on the supplied reconstructed image to generate a decoded image. For example, the loop filter 216 removes block distortion by performing deblocking filter processing on the reconstructed image. In addition, for example, the loop filter 216 performs image quality improvement by performing loop filter processing using a Wiener filter on the deblock filter processing result (reconstructed image from which block distortion has been removed). I do.

Note that the type of filter processing performed by the loop filter 216 is arbitrary, and filter processing other than that described above may be performed. Further, the loop filter 216 may perform filter processing using the filter coefficient supplied from the image encoding device. Furthermore, the loop filter 216 can omit such filter processing and output the input data without performing the filter processing.

The loop filter 216 supplies the decoded image (or reconstructed image) as the filter processing result to the screen rearrangement buffer 217 and the frame memory 219.

The screen rearrangement buffer 217 rearranges the frame order of the decoded image. That is, the screen rearrangement buffer 217 rearranges the images of the frames rearranged in the encoding order by the screen rearrangement buffer 112 in the original display order. That is, the screen rearrangement buffer 217 stores the image data of the decoded images of the frames supplied in the encoding order in that order, and reads the image data of the decoded images of the frames stored in the encoding order in the display order. / A converter 218. The D / A conversion unit 218 performs D / A conversion on the decoded image (digital data) of each frame supplied from the screen rearrangement buffer 217, and outputs it as analog data to a display (not shown) for display.

The frame memory 219 stores the supplied decoded image, and uses the stored decoded image as a reference image at a predetermined timing or based on an external request such as the intra prediction unit 221 or the inter prediction unit 222. The data is supplied to the intra prediction unit 221 and the inter prediction unit 222 via the selection unit 220.

The intra prediction mode information and the like are appropriately supplied from the lossless decoding unit 212 to the intra prediction unit 221. The intra prediction unit 221 performs intra prediction in the intra prediction mode (optimum intra prediction mode) used in the intra prediction unit 124, and generates a predicted image. At that time, the intra prediction unit 221 performs intra prediction using the image data of the reconstructed image supplied from the frame memory 219 via the selection unit 220. That is, the intra prediction unit 221 uses this reconstructed image as a reference image (neighboring pixels). The intra prediction unit 221 supplies the generated predicted image to the predicted image selection unit 223.

The optimal prediction mode information, motion information, and the like are appropriately supplied from the lossless decoding unit 212 to the inter prediction unit 222. The inter prediction unit 222 performs inter prediction using the decoded image (reference image) acquired from the frame memory 219 in the inter prediction mode (optimum inter prediction mode) indicated by the optimal prediction mode information acquired from the lossless decoding unit 212. Generate a predicted image.

The predicted image selection unit 223 supplies the prediction image supplied from the intra prediction unit 221 or the prediction image supplied from the inter prediction unit 222 to the calculation unit 215. Then, the calculation unit 215 adds the predicted image and the decoded residual data (difference image information) from the inverse orthogonal transform unit 214 to obtain a reconstructed image.

Note that the base layer image decoding unit 202 performs decoding without referring to other layers. That is, the intra prediction unit 221 and the inter prediction unit 222 do not use decoded images of other layers as reference images.

The frame memory 219 supplies the stored base layer decoded image to the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203.

<Enhancement layer image decoding unit>
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 has basically the same configuration as the base layer image decoding unit 202 of FIG.

That is, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 includes a storage buffer 231, a lossless decoding unit 232, an inverse quantization unit 233, an inverse orthogonal transform unit 234, a calculation unit 235, a loop filter 236, and a screen rearrangement, as shown in FIG. A buffer 237 and a D / A converter 238 are included. The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 includes a frame memory 239, a selection unit 240, an intra prediction unit 241, an inter prediction unit 242, and a predicted image selection unit 243.

These storage buffers 231 to predicted image selection unit 243 correspond to the storage buffer 211 to predicted image selection unit 223 of FIG. 22 and perform the same processes as the corresponding processing units, respectively. However, each unit of the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 performs processing for encoding enhancement layer image information, not the base layer. Therefore, as the description of the processing of the storage buffer 231 to the predicted image selection unit 243, the description of the storage buffer 211 to the predicted image selection unit 223 of FIG. 22 described above can be applied. In this case, the data to be processed is It should be enhancement layer data, not base layer data. In addition, it is necessary to replace the data input source and output destination processing units with the corresponding processing units of the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 as appropriate.

Note that the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 performs decoding with reference to a decoded image of another layer (for example, a base layer). Then, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 performs <1. The above-described processing is performed in the overview>.

For example, the frame memory 239 is <1. The processing is performed as a storage unit for storing the reference image described above in the overview>. That is, the frame memory 239 can store a plurality of reference frames, and not only stores the enhancement layer decoded image (also referred to as enhancement layer decoded image) but also stores the base layer decoded image from the base layer image decoding unit 202. Get and remember. At that time, the frame memory 239 stores the base layer decoded image as, for example, a long term reference frame. At this time, the upsampling process of the base layer decoded image is not performed. Therefore, the storage capacity of the frame memory 239 can be reduced.

The image stored in the frame memory 239, that is, the enhancement layer decoded image or the base layer decoded image is used as a reference image in the prediction process by the inter prediction unit 242. That is, the enhancement layer decoded image and the base layer decoded image stored in the frame memory 239 are read as a reference image and supplied to the inter prediction unit 242 via the selection unit 240.

The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 has a filter control unit 244. <1. As described above in Overview>, the filter control unit 244 controls the filtering process on the reference image executed in the inter prediction unit 242. Further, the filter control unit 244 acquires information related to the filter processing transmitted from the encoding side and extracted by the lossless decoding unit 232. The filter control unit 244 controls the filtering process of the inter prediction unit 242 based on the information related to the filtering process.

<Filter control unit and inter prediction unit>
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the inter prediction unit 242 and the filter control unit 244 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 24, the inter prediction unit 242 includes a difference motion information buffer 271, a motion vector reconstruction unit 272, a filter processing unit 273, and a motion compensation unit 274.

The heel difference motion information buffer 271 acquires difference motion information that is supplied from the lossless decoding unit 232 and is encoded information of motion information supplied from the encoding side. The difference motion information buffer 271 holds the acquired difference motion information, and supplies the difference motion information held at a predetermined timing or based on a request to the motion vector reconstruction unit 272.

The heel motion vector reconstruction unit 272 obtains a predicted value of the motion information of the current block, adds the predicted value to the differential motion information acquired from the differential motion information buffer 271, and reconstructs the motion information of the current block. The motion vector reconstruction unit 272 supplies the reconstructed motion information to the motion compensation unit 274.

The soot filter processing unit 273 is <1. As described above in Overview>, a reference image is read from any of a plurality of reference frames in the frame memory 239, and the reference image is subjected to filter processing. The motion compensation unit 274 specifies which reference frame image is to be read. The filter processing unit 273 can obtain an image of a desired layer by selecting a reference frame from which an image is read. For example, the filter processing unit 273 acquires an enhancement layer decoded image from the short term reference frame in the frame memory 239 as the reference image. For example, the filter processing unit 273 acquires a base layer decoded image from the long term reference frame in the frame memory 239 as a reference image.

<1. As described above in Overview>, the filter processing unit 273 performs filter processing on the acquired reference image with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image. For example, when the reference image is an enhancement layer decoded image (also referred to as an enhancement layer decoded image), the filter processing unit 273 performs interpolation processing for motion compensation on the reference image. In the case of a layer decoded image, upsampling processing and interpolation processing for motion compensation are performed on the reference image. The filter processing unit 273 realizes the filter process for the reference image by a single filter process, regardless of the layer of the reference image, by changing the accuracy according to the layer of the reference image. Therefore, the filter processing unit 273 can suppress an unnecessary increase in load due to the filter processing, and can suppress an increase in encoding load.

Note that the filter processing unit 273 is <1. As described above in Overview>, such filter processing is performed according to the control of the filter control unit 244. That is, for example, the filter processing unit 273 acquires the control information supplied from the filter accuracy control unit 283, and performs the filter processing with the accuracy indicated by the control information. The filter processing unit 273 supplies the filtered reference image to the motion compensation unit 274.

The motion compensation unit 274 uses the filtered reference image supplied from the filter processing unit 273 to perform motion compensation in an optimal inter prediction mode (inter prediction mode adopted at the time of encoding) and perform prediction. Generate an image. That is, the motion compensation unit 274 acquires information indicating the optimal inter prediction mode transmitted from the encoding side from the lossless decoding unit 232, controls the filter processing unit 273, and controls the optimal inter prediction mode. A reference image is acquired and filtered. At that time, <1. As described above in Overview>, the motion compensation unit 274 designates a layer (reference frame) of a decoded image to be read as a reference image to the filter processing unit 273. The motion compensation unit 274 acquires the filtered reference image from the filter processing unit 273, acquires motion information from the motion vector reconstruction unit 272, and uses them to perform motion compensation for the optimal inter prediction mode. To generate a predicted image.

Note that the motion compensation unit 274 supplies information indicating the type of the designated reference frame to the filter control unit 244 (layer determination unit 282). The motion compensation unit 274 supplies the predicted image in the optimal inter prediction mode generated as described above to the predicted image selection unit 243.

The cost function value calculation unit 173 calculates the cost function value for each candidate mode predicted image supplied from the motion search unit 172. The cost function value calculation unit 173 supplies the prediction image and its cost function value for each candidate mode to the mode determination unit 174, and uses them for decoding the enhancement layer encoded data.

As shown in FIG. 24, the filter control unit 244 includes a control information acquisition unit 281, a layer determination unit 282, and a filter accuracy control unit 283.

The heel control information acquisition unit 281 has <1. As described above in Overview>, information on the filter processing supplied from the encoding side is acquired from the lossless decoding unit 232. For example, the control information acquisition unit 281 includes information indicating whether or not to use an image of a long term reference frame as a reference image (for example, long_term_ref_pics_present_flag), and control information indicating the setting of filter accuracy as information regarding the filter processing (for example, long_term_ref_pics_present_flag). For example, ref_layer_id [i]) is acquired. The control information acquisition unit 281 supplies information regarding the acquired filter processing to the layer determination unit 282 and the filter accuracy control unit 283.

The heel layer determination unit 282 performs <1. The layer of the reference image is determined as described above in the overview>. For example, based on the setting of the layer of the image of the long term reference frame indicated in the control information acquired from the control information acquisition unit 281 and the information related to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read supplied from the motion compensation unit 274 Thus, the layer of the reference image is determined. For example, when the type of the reference frame is a short term reference frame, the layer determination unit 282 determines that the layer of the reference image is an enhancement layer (current layer). For example, when the type of the reference frame is a long term reference frame, the layer determination unit 282 determines that the layer of the reference image is a layer indicated by the control information supplied from the control information acquisition unit 281. The layer determination unit 282 supplies such a determination result (information indicating the layer of the reference image) to the filter accuracy control unit 283.

The filter accuracy control unit 283 is <1. As described above in Overview>, the accuracy of the filtering process for the reference image by the filter processing unit 273 is set. For example, the filter accuracy control unit 283 sets the accuracy of this filter processing based on the determination result supplied from the layer determination unit 282 and the control information supplied from the control information acquisition unit 281. The filter accuracy control unit 283 supplies control information indicating the set filter accuracy to the filter processing unit 273. As described above, the filter processing unit 273 performs filter processing on the reference image with accuracy according to the control information.

As described above, by controlling the filter accuracy according to the layer of the reference image, the filter processing unit 273 can realize the filter process for the reference image as a single filter process regardless of the layer of the reference image. . Therefore, the image decoding apparatus 200 (enhancement layer image decoding unit 203) can suppress an increase in decoding load. In addition, it is possible to suppress a reduction in image quality of the enhancement layer. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the frame memory 239 can be reduced.

<Flow of image decoding process>
Next, the flow of each process executed by the image decoding apparatus 200 as described above will be described. First, an example of the flow of image decoding processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the image decoding process is started, in step S201, the demultiplexing unit 201 of the image decoding device 200 demultiplexes the layered image encoded stream transmitted from the encoding side for each layer.

In step S202, the base layer image decoding unit 202 decodes the base layer image encoded stream extracted by the process in step S201. The base layer image decoding unit 202 outputs base layer image data generated by this decoding.

In step S203, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 decodes the enhancement layer image encoded stream extracted by the process in step S201. The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 outputs enhancement layer image data generated by the decoding.

終了 When the process of step S203 ends, the image decoding device 200 ends the image decoding process. One picture is processed by such an image decoding process. Therefore, the image decoding apparatus 200 repeatedly executes such an image decoding process for each picture of hierarchized moving image data.

<Flow of base layer decoding process>
Next, an example of the flow of the base layer decoding process executed by the base layer image decoding unit 202 in step S202 of FIG. 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the base layer decoding process is started, in step S221, the accumulation buffer 211 accumulates the transmitted bit stream (encoded data). In step S222, the lossless decoding unit 212 decodes the bit stream (encoded data) supplied from the accumulation buffer 211. That is, image data such as an I picture, a P picture, and a B picture encoded by the lossless encoding unit 116 is decoded. At this time, various information other than the image data included in the bit stream such as header information is also decoded.

In step S223, the inverse quantization unit 213 inversely quantizes the quantized coefficient obtained by the process in step S222.

In step S224, the inverse orthogonal transform unit 214 performs inverse orthogonal transform on the coefficient inversely quantized in step S223.

In step S225, the intra prediction unit 221 or the inter prediction unit 222 performs a prediction process to generate a predicted image. That is, the prediction process is performed in the prediction mode that is determined in the lossless decoding unit 212 and applied at the time of encoding. More specifically, for example, when intra prediction is applied at the time of encoding, the intra prediction unit 221 generates a prediction image in the intra prediction mode that is optimized at the time of encoding. Further, for example, when inter prediction is applied at the time of encoding, the inter prediction unit 222 generates a prediction image in the inter prediction mode that is optimized at the time of encoding.

In step S226, the calculation unit 215 adds the predicted image generated in step S226 to the difference image obtained by the inverse orthogonal transform in step S225. Thereby, image data of the reconstructed image is obtained.

In step S227, the loop filter 216 appropriately performs a loop filter process including a deblock filter process and an adaptive loop filter process on the image data of the reconstructed image obtained by the process in step S227.

In step S228, the screen rearrangement buffer 217 rearranges each frame of the reconstructed image filtered in step S227. That is, the order of frames rearranged at the time of encoding is rearranged in the original display order.

In step S229, the D / A conversion unit 218 performs D / A conversion on the image in which the frame order is rearranged in step S228. This image is output to a display (not shown), and the image is displayed.

In step S230, the frame memory 219 stores data such as a decoded image obtained by the process of step S227 and a reconstructed image obtained by the process of step S226.

In step S231, the frame memory 219 supplies the base layer decoded image obtained in the base layer decoding process as described above to the enhancement layer decoding process.

処理 When the process of step S231 ends, the base layer decoding process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

<Flow of enhancement layer decoding processing>
Next, an example of the flow of the enhancement layer decoding process executed by the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 in step S203 of FIG. 25 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the enhancement layer decoding process is started, the control information acquisition unit 281 of the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 controls control information related to prediction using the base layer residual signal transmitted from the encoding side in step S251 of FIG. To get.

In step S252, the control information acquisition unit 281 sets an image layer to be stored in the long term reference frame based on the control information acquired in step S251.

In step S253, the frame memory 239 acquires a base layer decoded image.

In step S254, the frame memory 239 stores the base layer decoded image acquired in step S253.

Each process of step S261 thru | or step S270 of FIG. 28 respond | corresponds to each process of step S221 thru | or step S230 of FIG. 26, and is performed basically similarly to those processes. However, the generation of the predicted image in step S265 is performed only for the optimal prediction mode employed on the encoding side.

<Flow of predicted image generation processing>
Next, an example of the flow of predicted image generation processing executed in step S265 of FIG. 28 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the predictive image generation process is started, the lossless decoding unit 232 determines whether or not the optimal prediction mode is the inter prediction mode in step S281. If it is determined that the mode is the inter prediction mode, the process proceeds to step S282.

In step S282, the inter prediction unit 242 generates a prediction image by inter prediction. When the process of step S282 ends, the predicted image generation process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

If it is determined in step S281 in FIG. 29 that the optimal prediction mode is not the inter prediction mode, that is, the intra prediction mode, the process proceeds to step S283.

In step S283, the intra prediction unit 241 generates a predicted image by intra prediction. When the process of step S283 ends, the predicted image generation process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

<Flow of inter prediction processing>
Next, an example of the flow of the inter prediction process executed in step S282 in FIG. 29 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the inter prediction process is started, the motion vector reconstruction unit 272 of the inter prediction unit 242 acquires the difference motion information of the current block from the difference motion information buffer 271 in step S291, and uses the difference motion information to obtain the current motion information. Reconstruct block motion information.

In step S292, the motion compensation unit 274 determines the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read in the optimal inter prediction mode.

In step S293, the layer determination unit 282 of the filter control unit 244 determines the layer of the reference image according to the reference frame determined in step S292.

In step S294, the filter accuracy control unit 283 selects the filter accuracy according to the layer of the reference image determined in step S293.

In step S295, the filter processing unit 273 acquires an image from the reference frame determined in step S292 as a reference image, and with respect to the reference image, the accuracy according to the layer of the reference image selected in step S294. And filter processing.

In step S296, the motion compensation unit 274 performs motion compensation using the reference image filtered in step S295 and the motion information reconstructed in step S291, and generates a predicted image of the current block.

処理 When the process of step S296 ends, the process returns to FIG.

By performing each process as described above, the image decoding apparatus 200 (enhancement layer image decoding unit 203) can suppress an increase in decoding load. In addition, it is possible to suppress a reduction in image quality of the enhancement layer. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the frame memory 239 can be reduced.

In the above description, it has been described that image data is hierarchized into a plurality of layers by scalable coding, but the number of layers is arbitrary. In the above description, the enhancement layer is described as being processed using the base layer decoded image in the encoding / decoding. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the enhancement layer is decoded by other enhancement layers that have been processed. You may make it process using an image.

For example, in the case of the image encoding device 100 in FIG. 12, the frame memory 142 (FIG. 14) of the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102, as with the frame memory 122 (FIG. 13), What is necessary is just to make it supply to the enhancement layer image coding part 102 of this enhancement layer.

Further, for example, in the case of the image decoding device 200 of FIG. 21, the frame memory 239 (FIG. 23) of the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 converts the decoded image of the enhancement layer to the other like the frame memory 219 (FIG. 22). What is necessary is just to make it supply to the enhancement layer image decoding part 203 of this enhancement layer.

<4. Third Embodiment>
<Filter processing in intra prediction>
By the way, FIG. 31 is a figure explaining MDIS (Mode Dependent Intra Smoothing) prescribed | regulated in HEVC.

In the case of AVC, in the intra 8 × 8 prediction mode, [1 行わ 2 1] / 4 filter processing is performed on the peripheral pixels of the current block as shown in FIG. 31 (also referred to as intra-smoothing processing). On the other hand, in HEVC, on / off of this filtering process (that is, whether to apply this filtering process) is determined according to the block size (PU size) and the prediction mode. The

More specifically, this filter processing is not applied when the block size of the current block is 4 × 4. When the block size of the current block is 8 × 8, this filtering process is applied to the prediction mode in the 45 degree direction. When the block size of the current block is 16 × 16, this filtering process is applied to prediction modes in directions other than three directions close to horizontal and three directions close to vertical. When the block size of the current block is 32 × 32, this filter processing is applied to a prediction mode in a direction other than horizontal and vertical.

By the way, in SHVC Test Model 1 (SHM), there are two frameworks (texture BL) and reference index (Ref_index), but in texture BL, one of intra prediction modes (Intra Prediction Mode). As an example, there is an “IntraBL mode” in which an image obtained by upsampling a decoded image of a base layer (Baselayer) is used as a predicted image.

In intra prediction, a predicted image of the current block is generated using pixels (adjacent pixels) around the current block. In this intra BL mode, decoding of the base layer is performed as an image (reference image) of the adjacent pixels. An up-sampled image is used. Therefore, performing [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing on the adjacent pixels (performing the intra-smoothing processing) is a redundant processing, which may unnecessarily increase the processing load.

Therefore, when the current block (current PU) is in the intra BL mode, the intra smoothing process ([1 2 1] / 4 filter processing for adjacent pixels) may be omitted.

にする By doing in this way, unnecessary intra smoothing processing can be omitted, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in unnecessary load of the encoding processing accompanying the above-described intra smoothing processing.

<Image encoding device>
Such a present technology can be realized by an image processing apparatus having basically the same configuration as the image processing apparatus described in the first embodiment. That is, for example, the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) can implement the present technology described above in the present embodiment.

However, in the case of the present embodiment, the base layer image coding unit 101 of the image coding device 100 has the same configuration (FIG. 13) as in the first embodiment, but the enhancement layer image coding unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, 102 has a configuration different from that of the first embodiment.

The enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 in the case of FIG. 32 has basically the same configuration as the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 in the case of FIG. However, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 in the case of FIG. 32 has a filter control unit 348 instead of the filter control unit 148 in the case of FIG. The filter control unit 348 controls the execution of the intra smoothing process in the intra prediction unit 144.

<Filter control unit and intra prediction unit>
33 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the intra prediction unit 144 and the filter control unit 348 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 33, the intra prediction unit 144 includes a filter processing unit 371, a predicted image generation unit 372, a cost function calculation unit 373, a prediction mode determination unit 374, and a prediction mode encoding unit 375.

The haze filter processing unit 371 reads a reference image (pixels around the current block) from any of the plurality of reference frames in the frame memory 142. For example, in the case of the intra BL mode, the filter processing unit 371 reads an image obtained by up-sampling the base layer decoded image as a reference image. In a mode other than the intra-BL mode, the filter processing unit 371 reads out the enhancement layer decoded image as a reference image.

The filter processing unit 371 performs [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing as shown in FIG. 31 on the reference image (peripheral pixels) read in this way (that is, performs intra-smoothing processing).

Note that the filter processing unit 371 performs such intra smoothing processing according to the control of the filter control unit 348. That is, for example, when the filter processing unit 371 acquires control information supplied from the filter control unit 348 (a control unit 382 described later) and the execution of the intra smoothing process is instructed by the control information, the reference image (peripheral) [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing is performed on (pixel). Conversely, when the control information acquired from the filter control unit 348 does not instruct execution of the intra smoothing process, the filter processing unit 371 omits [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing for the reference image (neighboring pixels). To do.

For example, in the case of the intra BL mode, the filter processing unit 371 omits [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing for an image obtained by up-sampling the decoded image of the base layer read as the reference image.

The wrinkle filter processing unit 171 supplies the reference image (peripheral pixels) subjected to the intra-smoothing process or the reference image (peripheral pixels) not subjected to the intra-smoothing process to the predicted image generation unit 372.

The predicted image generation unit 372 performs intra prediction using the reference image (the surrounding pixels of the current block) supplied from the filter processing unit 371, and generates a predicted image. The predicted image generation unit 372 sets all modes of intra prediction as candidate modes, performs intra prediction in each candidate mode, and generates predicted images respectively.

In generating a predicted image of each candidate mode, the predicted image generation unit 372 determines a candidate mode (a candidate mode to be processed) for generating a predicted image and its block size (PU size) as a filter control unit 348 (described later). It supplies to the determination part 381). The filter control unit 348 determines whether or not to perform the intra smoothing process based on the candidate mode and the PU size. In accordance with the determination (control information), the filter processing unit 371 appropriately performs the intra smoothing process as described above. The predicted image generation unit 372 generates a predicted image using the reference image on which the intra smoothing process has been performed (or omitted).

The predicted image generation unit 372 supplies information indicating the mode (candidate mode information) and the predicted image (candidate predicted image) of each candidate mode to the cost function calculating unit 373.

The cost function calculation unit 373 acquires an input image from the screen rearrangement buffer 132, acquires candidate mode information and a candidate predicted image from the predicted image generation unit 372, and uses them to calculate a cost function value for each candidate mode. To do. The cost function calculation unit 373 supplies information indicating the mode (candidate mode information), a prediction image (candidate prediction image), and a cost function value of each candidate mode to the prediction mode determination unit 374.

Based on the candidate mode information and the cost function value supplied from the cost function calculation unit 373, the prediction mode determination unit 374 selects an optimum mode (optimum intra prediction) from among all candidate modes. Mode). The prediction mode determination unit 374 supplies information indicating the optimal intra prediction mode (intra prediction mode) to the prediction mode encoding unit 375. Also, the prediction mode determination unit 374 selects a candidate prediction image supplied from the cost function calculation unit 373, which corresponds to the optimal intra prediction mode, and selects the prediction image (intra prediction image) as a prediction image. To the unit 146.

The prediction mode encoding unit 375 encodes the intra prediction mode supplied from the prediction mode determination unit 374 by a predetermined method, for example, using a most probable mode (MostProbableMode). The prediction mode encoding unit 375 supplies the encoded intra prediction mode to the lossless encoding unit 136. The encoded intra prediction mode is transmitted to the decoding side directly or indirectly, for example, by being included in a bit stream of encoded image data.

In addition, the filter control unit 348 includes a determination unit 381 and a control unit 382.

The eyelid determination unit 381 determines whether or not the candidate mode to be processed notified from the predicted image generation unit 372 is an intra BL (intra BL) mode. When the determination unit 381 determines that the candidate mode to be processed is not the intra BL mode, the determination unit 381 further determines the candidate mode based on the candidate mode to be processed and the PU size notified from the predicted image generation unit 372. It is determined whether or not it is a mode for performing an intra smoothing process. The determination unit 381 supplies these determination results to the control unit 382.

Based on the determination result, when the candidate mode to be processed is not the intra BL mode and is a mode for performing the intra smoothing process, the control unit 382 generates control information that instructs execution of the intra smoothing process, It is supplied to the filter processing unit 371. In this case, the filter processing unit 371 performs an intra smoothing process on the reference image (pixels around the current block) acquired from the frame memory 142.

In addition, based on the determination result of the determination unit 381, when the candidate mode to be processed is the intra BL mode or the mode that is not the intra BL mode but does not perform the intra smoothing process, the control unit 382 Control information for instructing omission (non-execution) of the smoothing process is generated and supplied to the filter processing unit 371. In this case, the filter processing unit 371 omits the intra smoothing process on the reference image (the peripheral pixels of the current block) acquired from the frame memory 142.

As described above, also in intra prediction, by controlling the execution of filter processing according to the layer of the reference image, for example, the intra BL mode in which an image obtained by up-sampling the decoded image of the base layer is used as the reference image. By omitting the smoothing process, the filter processing unit 371 can omit an unnecessary intra smoothing process. Therefore, the image encoding device 100 (enhancement layer image encoding unit 102) can suppress an increase in encoding load.

<Flow of image encoding process>
Next, the flow of each process executed by the image encoding device 100 in this case will be described. Also in this case, the image encoding process is executed in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the description of this image encoding process is omitted.

<Flow of base layer encoding process>
Also, the base layer encoding process executed in step S101 in FIG. 16 is executed in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Therefore, the description of this base layer encoding process is omitted.

<Enhancement layer coding process flow>
However, the enhancement layer encoding process in this case, which is executed in step S102 of FIG. 16, is executed as in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, for example, unlike the case of the first embodiment. . An example of the flow of enhancement layer encoding processing will be described with reference to these flowcharts.

When the enhancement layer encoding process is started, the processes in steps S351 to S354 in FIG. 34 are executed in the same manner as the processes in steps S151 to S154 in FIG. When the process of step S354 ends, the process proceeds to step S361 of FIG.

The processes in steps S361 through S376 in FIG. 35 are also executed basically in the same manner as the processes in steps S161 through S176 in FIG. However, the intra prediction process executed in step S363 is executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Further, the details of the inter prediction process in step S364 are arbitrary, and may be executed according to the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, or may be other than that.

処理 When the process of step S376 ends, the enhancement layer encoding process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

<Flow of intra prediction processing>
Next, an example of the flow of the intra prediction process executed in step S363 in FIG. 35 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the intra prediction process is started, in step S391, the filter control unit 348 turns on / off the intra smoothing process for candidate modes other than the intra BL mode based on the candidate mode and the block size (PU size). Control. That is, the determination unit 381 determines whether or not each candidate mode other than the intra BL mode is a mode for performing the intra smoothing process, and the control unit 382 performs the intra smoothing process for each candidate mode based on the determination result. Control whether to execute.

In step S392, the predicted image generation unit 372 generates a predicted image of a candidate mode other than the intra BL mode. At that time, the filter processing unit 371 performs the intra smoothing process according to the control in step S391. For example, for the candidate mode controlled to execute the intra-smoothing process in step S391, the filter processing unit 371 performs [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing on the reference image (peripheral pixels of the current block) to obtain the predicted image The generation unit 372 performs intra prediction using the filtered reference image, and generates a predicted image. For example, for the candidate mode controlled to omit the intra smoothing process in step S391, the filter processing unit 371 omits the [1 2 1] / 4 filter process for the reference image (the peripheral pixels of the current block). The predicted image generation unit 372 performs intra prediction using the reference image from which the filtering process is omitted, and generates a predicted image.

In this way, when the prediction images of the candidate modes other than the intra BL mode are generated, the filter control unit 348 turns off the intra smoothing process in step S393. That is, when the determination unit 381 determines that the candidate mode to be processed is the intra BL mode, the control unit 382 controls to omit the intra smoothing process.

In step S394, the predicted image generation unit 372 generates a predicted image in the intra BL mode. At this time, the filter processing unit 371 omits the intra smoothing process according to the control in step S393. The predicted image generation unit 372 performs intra prediction using a reference image from which [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing is omitted, and generates a predicted image.

In step S395, the cost function calculation unit 373 calculates a cost function value for the predicted image of each candidate mode generated in step S392 and step S394.

In step S396, the prediction mode determination unit 374 determines an optimal prediction mode based on the cost function value of each candidate mode calculated in step S395. For example, the prediction mode determination unit 374 determines the candidate mode having the minimum cost function value as the optimal prediction mode.

In step S397, the prediction mode encoding unit 375 encodes an intra prediction mode that is information indicating the mode determined as the optimal prediction mode in step S396.

When the process of step S397 ends, the intra prediction process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

By performing each process as described above, the filter processing unit 371 can omit the intra smoothing process in the intra BL mode in which an image obtained by up-sampling the decoded image of the base layer is used as a reference image. That is, the filter processing unit 371 can omit unnecessary intra smoothing processing. Therefore, the image encoding device 100 (enhancement layer image encoding unit 102) can suppress an increase in encoding load.

<5. Fourth Embodiment>
<Filter processing in intra prediction>
In the third embodiment, a case has been described in which the present technology is applied to intra prediction in encoding. However, the present technology is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to intra prediction in decoding.

When decoding the encoded data generated by the heel image encoding device 100, a prediction image is generated by the same method as that for encoding. That is, for a block in which intra prediction is adopted at the time of encoding, a prediction image is generated by intra prediction in the same mode. For example, a block in which a predicted image is generated in the intra BL mode at the time of encoding is generated in the intra BL mode also in the decoding.

Also in the case of intra prediction at the time of such decoding, in the intra BL mode, as in the case of intra prediction at the time of encoding, an image obtained by up-sampling a base layer decoded image as an image of a neighboring pixel (reference image) Is used. In other words, even in intra prediction at the time of decoding, applying [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing to neighboring pixels (intra smoothing processing) in the intra BL mode is a redundant process and unnecessarily increases the processing load. There was a fear.

Therefore, in the case of intra prediction at the time of decoding, as in the case of intra prediction at the time of encoding, if the current block (current PU) is in the intra BL mode, the intra smoothing process ([1 2 1 ] / 4 filter processing) may be omitted.

にする By doing in this way, unnecessary intra smoothing processing can be omitted, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in unnecessary load of the decoding processing accompanying the above-described intra smoothing processing.

<Image decoding device>
Such a present technology can be realized by an image processing apparatus having basically the same configuration as the image processing apparatus described in the second embodiment. That is, for example, the decoding can be performed by the image decoding apparatus 200 including the demultiplexing unit 201, the base layer image decoding unit 202, and the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 as described with reference to FIG.

However, in this case, the base layer image decoding unit 202 of the image decoding device 200 has the same configuration (FIG. 22) as that of the second embodiment, but the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 is shown in FIG. As shown, the configuration is different from that of the second embodiment.

The enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 in the case of FIG. 37 basically has the same configuration as the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 in the case of FIG. However, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 in the case of FIG. 37 has a filter control unit 444 instead of the filter control unit 244 in the case of FIG. The filter control unit 444 controls the execution of the intra smoothing process in the intra prediction unit 241.

<Filter control unit and intra prediction unit>
38 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the intra prediction unit 241 and the filter control unit 444 in FIG.

38, the intra prediction unit 241 includes a prediction mode decoding unit 471, a prediction mode information buffer 472, a filter processing unit 473, and a prediction image generation unit 474.

The prediction mode decoding unit 471 acquires an encoded intra prediction mode that is information indicating the intra prediction mode supplied from the lossless decoding unit 232. The encoded data (for example, the bit stream) decoded by the image decoding apparatus 200 includes information indicating the employed prediction method (optimum prediction mode). For example, information indicating the adopted intra prediction mode (“encoded intra prediction mode” described in the third embodiment) is included for a block on which intra prediction has been performed. When the lossless decoding unit 232 acquires information indicating the optimal prediction mode from the encoded data of the enhancement layer, the lossless decoding unit 232 supplies the information to the intra prediction unit 241 or the inter prediction unit 242. That is, the lossless decoding unit 232 supplies the “encoded intra prediction mode” transmitted from the encoding side to the intra prediction unit 241.

The prediction mode decoding unit 471 acquires this “encoded intra prediction mode” and decodes it with a decoding method corresponding to the encoding method. For example, it is assumed that the intra prediction mode is encoded using the most probable mode (MostProbableMode) and the index number is transmitted as “encoded intra prediction mode” at the time of encoding. In this case, the intra prediction mode of the block indicated by the index number is a decoding result of “encoded intra prediction mode”. That is, in this case, the prediction mode decoding unit 471 acquires the intra prediction mode of the block indicated by the index number around the current block from the prediction mode information buffer 472.

The prediction mode decoding unit 471 supplies the decoding result of the “encoded intra prediction mode”, that is, the intra prediction mode of the current block to the prediction image generation unit 474. For example, as described above, when the intra prediction mode corresponding to the transmitted index number is acquired, the prediction mode decoding unit 471 supplies the intra prediction mode to the predicted image generation unit 474 as a decoding result.

Also, the prediction mode decoding unit 471 supplies the obtained decoding result, that is, the intra prediction mode of the current block, to the prediction mode information buffer 472 for storage. This intra prediction mode can be referred to as the intra prediction mode of the neighboring blocks in the decoding of the prediction mode of other blocks performed by the prediction mode decoding unit 471 thereafter.

The prediction mode information buffer 472 stores the intra prediction mode supplied from the prediction mode decoding unit 471. Also, the prediction mode information buffer 472 supplies a request requested by the prediction mode decoding unit 471 to the prediction mode decoding unit 471 from the stored intra prediction modes.

The haze filter processing unit 473 reads the reference image (the peripheral pixels of the current block) from any of the plurality of reference frames in the frame memory 239. For example, in the intra BL mode, the filter processing unit 473 reads an image obtained by up-sampling the base layer decoded image as a reference image. In a mode other than the intra BL mode, the filter processing unit 473 reads out the enhancement layer decoded image as a reference image.

The filter processing unit 473 performs [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing as shown in FIG. 31 on the reference image (peripheral pixels) read in this way (that is, performs intra-smoothing processing). Note that the filter processing unit 473 performs such intra smoothing processing according to the control of the filter control unit 444.

That is, for example, when the filter processing unit 473 acquires control information supplied from the filter control unit 444 (a control unit 482 described later) and the execution of the intra smoothing process is instructed by the control information, the reference image (peripheral) [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing is performed on (pixel). On the other hand, for example, when the control information acquired from the filter control unit 444 does not instruct execution of the intra smoothing process, the filter processing unit 473 performs [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing on the reference image (neighboring pixels). Is omitted. For example, in the intra BL mode, the filter processing unit 473 omits [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing on an image obtained by up-sampling the decoded image of the base layer read as the reference image.

The wrinkle filter processing unit 473 supplies the reference image (peripheral pixels) subjected to the intra smoothing process or the reference image (peripheral pixels) not subjected to the intra smoothing process to the predicted image generation unit 474.

The predicted image generation unit 474 performs intra prediction on the intra prediction mode supplied from the prediction mode decoding unit 471 using the reference image (the peripheral pixels of the current block) supplied from the filter processing unit 473, and generates a predicted image. To do. The predicted image generation unit 474 performs intra prediction only in the same mode as in the encoding. That is, since the intra prediction mode (that is, the optimal prediction mode) performed at the time of encoding is known at the time of decoding, the prediction image generation unit 474 performs intra prediction for all candidate modes as in the case of encoding. Intra prediction is performed only for the optimal prediction mode without performing prediction.

Note that the predicted image generation unit 474 filters the intra prediction mode of the current block supplied from the prediction mode decoding unit 471 and its block size (PU size) for the execution control of the intra smoothing process of the filter processing unit 473. It supplies to the control part 444 (determination part 481 mentioned later). The predicted image generation unit 474 generates a predicted image using a reference image that has been subjected to intra-smoothing processing by the filter processing unit 473 or omitted in accordance with the control of the filter control unit 444 based on the information.

The predicted image generation unit 474 supplies the generated predicted image (intra predicted image) to the predicted image selection unit 243.

Moreover, the filter control unit 444 includes a determination unit 481 and a control unit 482.

Based on the intra prediction mode notified from the predicted image generation unit 474, the determination unit 481 determines that the intra prediction mode (that is, the optimal prediction mode) performed at the time of encoding the current block is the intra BL (intra BL) mode. It is determined whether or not there is. When the determination unit 481 determines that the mode is not the intra BL mode, the optimal prediction mode is a mode in which the intra prediction process is performed based on the intra prediction mode and the PU size notified from the prediction image generation unit 474. It is determined whether or not. The determination unit 481 supplies these determination results to the control unit 482.

Based on the determination result, when the optimal prediction mode is not the intra BL mode and is a mode in which the intra smoothing process is performed, the control unit 482 generates control information instructing the execution of the intra smoothing process. This is supplied to the filter processing unit 473. In this case, the filter processing unit 473 performs intra smoothing processing on the reference image (pixels around the current block) acquired from the frame memory 239.

Further, based on the determination result of the determination unit 481, when the optimal prediction mode is the intra BL mode or the mode that is not the intra BL mode but does not perform the intra smoothing process, the control unit 482 performs the intra smoothing process. Is generated and supplied to the filter processing unit 473. In this case, the filter processing unit 473 omits the intra smoothing process for the reference image (the peripheral pixels of the current block) acquired from the frame memory 239.

As described above, even in intra prediction, by controlling the execution of filter processing according to the layer of the reference image, for example, an intra BL mode in which an image obtained by up-sampling the decoded image of the base layer is used as a reference image. By omitting the smoothing process, the filter processing unit 473 can omit an unnecessary intra smoothing process. Therefore, the image decoding apparatus 200 (enhancement layer image decoding unit 203) can suppress an increase in decoding load.

<Flow of image decoding process>
Next, the flow of each process executed by the image decoding apparatus 200 in this case will be described. Also in this case, the image decoding process is executed in the same manner as in the case of the second embodiment described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the description of this image decoding process is omitted.

<Flow of base layer decoding process>
Also, the base layer decoding process executed in step S202 of FIG. 25 is executed in the same manner as in the second embodiment described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the description of this base layer decoding process is omitted.

<Flow of enhancement layer decoding processing>
Furthermore, the enhancement layer decoding process executed in step S203 of FIG. 25 is also executed in the same manner as in the case of the second embodiment described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Therefore, the description of this enhancement layer decoding process is omitted.

<Flow of predicted image generation processing>
However, the predicted image generation process in this case, which is executed in step S265 of FIG. 28, is executed as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 39, for example, unlike the case of the second embodiment. An example of the flow of predicted image generation processing will be described with reference to this flowchart.

When the predicted image generation process is started, the processes in steps S481 to S483 in FIG. 39 are executed in the same manner as the processes in steps S281 to S283 in FIG. However, the intra prediction process executed in step S483 is executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Further, the details of the inter prediction process in step S482 are arbitrary, and may be executed according to the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, or may be other than that. When the process of step S482 or step S483 ends, the predicted image generation process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

<Flow of intra prediction processing>
Next, an example of the flow of intra prediction processing executed in step S483 in FIG. 39 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the intra prediction process is started, the prediction mode decoding unit 471 decodes the encoded intra prediction mode in step S491 using the intra prediction modes of the neighboring blocks as necessary.

In step S492, the determination unit 481 of the filter control unit 444 determines whether or not the optimal prediction mode of the current block is the intra BL mode based on the intra prediction mode decoded in step S491. If it is determined that the mode is the intra BL mode, the process proceeds to step S493.

In step S493, the control unit 482 turns off the intra smoothing process. By this control, the filter processing unit 473 omits [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing for the reference image (neighboring pixels). That is, the filter processing unit 473 omits the [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing for an image obtained by up-sampling the decoded image of the base layer read as the reference image. When the process of step S493 ends, the process proceeds to step S495.

If it is determined in step S492 that the current mode is not the intra BL mode, the process proceeds to step S494.

In step S494, the filter control unit 444 controls on / off of the intra smoothing process based on the prediction mode and the PU size. That is, the determination unit 481 determines whether or not it is a mode in which the intra smoothing process is performed for the optimal prediction mode that is not the intra BL mode, and whether or not the control unit 482 executes the intra smoothing process based on the determination result. To control. The filter processing unit 473 appropriately performs the intra smoothing process according to this control. When the process of step S494 ends, the process proceeds to step S495.

In step S495, the predicted image generation unit 474 generates a predicted image using a reference image on which [1 2 1] / 4 filter processing has been performed or omitted by the processing in step S493 or step S494. . When the process of step S495 ends, the intra prediction process ends, and the process returns to FIG.

By performing each process as described above, the filter processing unit 473 can omit the intra smoothing process in the intra BL mode in which an image obtained by up-sampling the base layer decoded image is used as a reference image. That is, the filter processing unit 473 can omit unnecessary intra smoothing processing. Therefore, the image decoding apparatus 200 (enhancement layer image decoding unit 203) can suppress an increase in decoding load.

The application range of the present technology can be applied to any image encoding device and image decoding device based on a scalable encoding / decoding method.

本 Moreover, the present technology is disclosed in, for example, MPEG, H.264, and the like. When receiving image information (bitstream) compressed by orthogonal transformation such as discrete cosine transformation and motion compensation, such as 26x, via network media such as satellite broadcasting, cable television, the Internet, or mobile phones. The present invention can be applied to an image encoding device and an image decoding device used in the above. In addition, the present technology can be applied to an image encoding device and an image decoding device that are used when processing on a storage medium such as an optical, magnetic disk, and flash memory.

<6. Fifth embodiment>
<Application to multi-view image coding and multi-view image decoding>
The series of processes described above can be applied to multi-view image encoding / multi-view image decoding. FIG. 41 shows an example of a multi-view image encoding method.

As shown in FIG. 41, the multi-viewpoint image includes images of a plurality of viewpoints (views). The multiple views of this multi-viewpoint image are encoded using the base view that encodes and decodes using only the image of its own view without using the information of other views, and the information of other views. -It consists of a non-base view that performs decoding. Non-base view encoding / decoding may use base view information or other non-base view information.

That is, the reference relationship between views in multi-view image encoding / decoding is the same as the reference relationship between layers in hierarchical image encoding / decoding. Therefore, the above-described method may be applied to the encoding / decoding of a multi-view image as shown in FIG. In other words, the reference image used for encoding / decoding of image data composed of a plurality of layers is subjected to filter processing with an accuracy corresponding to the layer of the reference image, and the filtered reference image is used for the current layer. Encoding / decoding may be performed. By doing in this way, similarly in the case of a multi-viewpoint image, it is possible to suppress an increase in encoding and decoding loads.

<Multi-view image encoding device>
FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a multi-view image encoding apparatus that performs the multi-view image encoding described above. As illustrated in FIG. 42, the multi-view image encoding apparatus 600 includes an encoding unit 601, an encoding unit 602, and a multiplexing unit 603.

The cocoon encoding unit 601 encodes the base view image and generates a base view image encoded stream. The encoding unit 602 encodes the non-base view image and generates a non-base view image encoded stream. The multiplexing unit 603 multiplexes the base view image encoded stream generated by the encoding unit 601 and the non-base view image encoded stream generated by the encoding unit 602 to generate a multi-view image encoded stream. To do.

Even if the base layer image encoding unit 101 (FIG. 13) is applied as the encoding unit 601 of the multi-view image encoding apparatus 600, and the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 (FIG. 14) is applied as the encoding unit 602. Good. In other words, the filtering process may be performed with accuracy according to the view of the reference image, and the current view may be encoded using the filtered reference image. For example, the base view (or other non-base view) image used as the reference image is subjected to filter processing with accuracy according to the base view (or other non-base view), and the filtered reference image May be used to encode the enhancement view.

In addition, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 102 (FIG. 32) may be applied as the encoding unit 602 of the multi-view image encoding apparatus 600. That is, in the intra BL mode, a predicted image is generated by omitting the intra smoothing process for the base view (or other non-base view) image used as the reference image, and the enhancement view is encoded using the predicted image. May be performed.

In this way, an increase in encoding load can be suppressed. Also in the case of this multi-view image encoding, an increase in decoding load can be suppressed similarly to the encoding by transmitting information on the view of the reference image to the decoding side.

<Multi-viewpoint image decoding device>
FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a multi-view image decoding apparatus that performs the above-described multi-view image decoding. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the multi-view image decoding device 610 includes a demultiplexing unit 611, a decoding unit 612, and a decoding unit 613.

The demultiplexing unit 611 demultiplexes the multi-view image encoded stream in which the base view image encoded stream and the non-base view image encoded stream are multiplexed, and the base view image encoded stream and the non-base view image The encoded stream is extracted. The decoding unit 612 decodes the base view image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexing unit 611 to obtain a base view image. The decoding unit 613 decodes the non-base view image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexing unit 611 to obtain a non-base view image.

The base layer image decoding unit 202 (FIG. 22) may be applied as the decoding unit 612 of the multi-view image decoding device 610, and the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 (FIG. 23) may be applied as the decoding unit 613. In other words, the filtering process may be performed with accuracy according to the view of the reference image, and the current view may be decoded using the filtered reference image. For example, the base view (or other non-base view) image used as the reference image is subjected to filter processing with accuracy according to the base view (or other non-base view), and the filtered reference image The enhancement view may be decoded by using.

In addition, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 203 (FIG. 37) may be applied as the decoding unit 613 of the multi-view image decoding device 610. That is, in the case of the intra BL mode, a predicted image is generated by omitting the intra smoothing process for the base view (or other non-base view) image used as the reference image, and the enhancement view is decoded using the predicted image. You may make it perform.

にする In this way, an increase in decoding load can be suppressed.

<7. Sixth Embodiment>
<Computer>
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in the computer. Here, the computer includes, for example, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and various programs.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program.

44. In a computer 800 shown in FIG. 44, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803 are connected to each other via a bus 804.

An input / output interface 810 is also connected to the bus 804. An input unit 811, an output unit 812, a storage unit 813, a communication unit 814, and a drive 815 are connected to the input / output interface 810.

The bag input unit 811 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch panel, an input terminal, and the like. The output unit 812 includes, for example, a display, a speaker, an output terminal, and the like. The storage unit 813 includes, for example, a hard disk, a RAM disk, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The communication unit 814 includes a network interface, for example. The drive 815 drives a removable medium 821 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

In the computer configured as described above, the CPU 801 loads the program stored in the storage unit 813 into the RAM 803 via the input / output interface 810 and the bus 804 and executes the program, for example. Is performed. The RAM 803 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 801 to execute various processes.

The program executed by the computer (CPU 801) can be recorded and applied to, for example, a removable medium 821 as a package medium or the like. In that case, the program can be installed in the storage unit 813 via the input / output interface 810 by attaching the removable medium 821 to the drive 815.

This program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting. In that case, the program can be received by the communication unit 814 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 813.

In addition, this program can be installed in the ROM 802 or the storage unit 813 in advance.

The program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in time series in the order described in this specification, or in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. It may be a program for processing.

Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

In addition, in this specification, the system means a set of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Accordingly, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing are all systems. .

In the above description, the configuration described as one device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (or processing units). Conversely, the configurations described above as a plurality of devices (or processing units) may be combined into a single device (or processing unit). Of course, a configuration other than that described above may be added to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit). Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the entire system are substantially the same, a part of the configuration of a certain device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit). .

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the present technology can take a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and is jointly processed.

In addition, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one apparatus or can be shared by a plurality of apparatuses.

Furthermore, when a plurality of processes are included in one step, the plurality of processes included in the one step can be executed by being shared by a plurality of apparatuses in addition to being executed by one apparatus.

The image encoding device and the image decoding device according to the above-described embodiments include, for example, a transmitter or a receiver in cable broadcasting such as satellite broadcasting and cable TV, distribution on the Internet, and distribution to terminals by cellular communication, The present invention can be applied to various electronic devices such as a recording device that records an image on a medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, and a flash memory, or a playback device that reproduces an image from these storage media. Hereinafter, four application examples will be described.

<8. Application example>
<First Application Example: Television Receiver>
FIG. 45 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a television device to which the above-described embodiment is applied. The television apparatus 900 includes an antenna 901, a tuner 902, a demultiplexer 903, a decoder 904, a video signal processing unit 905, a display unit 906, an audio signal processing unit 907, a speaker 908, an external interface (I / F) unit 909, and a control unit. 910, a user interface (I / F) unit 911, and a bus 912.

The tuner 902 extracts a signal of a desired channel from a broadcast signal received via the antenna 901, and demodulates the extracted signal. Then, the tuner 902 outputs the encoded bit stream obtained by the demodulation to the demultiplexer 903. That is, the tuner 902 has a role as a transmission unit in the television device 900 that receives an encoded stream in which an image is encoded.

The demultiplexer 903 separates the video stream and audio stream of the viewing target program from the encoded bit stream, and outputs each separated stream to the decoder 904. Further, the demultiplexer 903 extracts auxiliary data such as EPG (Electronic Program Guide) from the encoded bit stream, and supplies the extracted data to the control unit 910. Note that the demultiplexer 903 may perform descrambling when the encoded bit stream is scrambled.

The decoder 904 decodes the video stream and audio stream input from the demultiplexer 903. Then, the decoder 904 outputs the video data generated by the decoding process to the video signal processing unit 905. In addition, the decoder 904 outputs audio data generated by the decoding process to the audio signal processing unit 907.

The video signal processing unit 905 reproduces the video data input from the decoder 904 and causes the display unit 906 to display the video. In addition, the video signal processing unit 905 may cause the display unit 906 to display an application screen supplied via a network. Further, the video signal processing unit 905 may perform additional processing such as noise removal on the video data according to the setting. Furthermore, the video signal processing unit 905 may generate a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image such as a menu, a button, or a cursor, and superimpose the generated image on the output image.

The display unit 906 is driven by a drive signal supplied from the video signal processing unit 905, and displays an image on a video screen of a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an OELD (Organic ElectroLuminescence Display) (organic EL display)). Or an image is displayed.

The audio signal processing unit 907 performs reproduction processing such as D / A conversion and amplification on the audio data input from the decoder 904, and outputs audio from the speaker 908. The audio signal processing unit 907 may perform additional processing such as noise removal on the audio data.

The external interface unit 909 is an interface for connecting the television device 900 to an external device or a network. For example, a video stream or an audio stream received via the external interface unit 909 may be decoded by the decoder 904. That is, the external interface unit 909 also has a role as a transmission unit in the television apparatus 900 that receives an encoded stream in which an image is encoded.

The bag control unit 910 includes a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program executed by the CPU, program data, EPG data, data acquired via a network, and the like. For example, the program stored in the memory is read and executed by the CPU when the television apparatus 900 is activated. For example, the CPU controls the operation of the television device 900 according to an operation signal input from the user interface unit 911 by executing the program.

The user interface unit 911 is connected to the control unit 910. The user interface unit 911 includes, for example, buttons and switches for the user to operate the television device 900, a remote control signal receiving unit, and the like. The user interface unit 911 detects an operation by the user via these components, generates an operation signal, and outputs the generated operation signal to the control unit 910.

The bus 912 connects the tuner 902, the demultiplexer 903, the decoder 904, the video signal processing unit 905, the audio signal processing unit 907, the external interface unit 909, and the control unit 910 to each other.

において In the television apparatus 900 configured as described above, the decoder 904 has the function of the image decoding apparatus 200 (FIG. 21) according to the above-described embodiment. Thereby, an increase in the image decoding load in the television apparatus 900 can be suppressed.

<Second application example: mobile phone>
FIG. 46 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile phone to which the above-described embodiment is applied. A cellular phone 920 includes an antenna 921, a communication unit 922, an audio codec 923, a speaker 924, a microphone 925, a camera unit 926, an image processing unit 927, a demultiplexing unit 928, a recording / reproducing unit 929, a display unit 930, a control unit 931, an operation A portion 932 and a bus 933.

The cage antenna 921 is connected to the communication unit 922. The speaker 924 and the microphone 925 are connected to the audio codec 923. The operation unit 932 is connected to the control unit 931. The bus 933 connects the communication unit 922, the audio codec 923, the camera unit 926, the image processing unit 927, the demultiplexing unit 928, the recording / reproducing unit 929, the display unit 930, and the control unit 931 to each other.

The mobile phone 920 has various operation modes including a voice call mode, a data communication mode, a shooting mode, and a videophone mode, and is used for sending and receiving voice signals, sending and receiving e-mail or image data, taking images, and recording data. Perform the action.

In the voice call mode, the analog voice signal generated by the microphone 925 is supplied to the voice codec 923. The audio codec 923 converts an analog audio signal into audio data, A / D converts the compressed audio data, and compresses it. Then, the audio codec 923 outputs the compressed audio data to the communication unit 922. The communication unit 922 encodes and modulates the audio data and generates a transmission signal. Then, the communication unit 922 transmits the generated transmission signal to a base station (not shown) via the antenna 921. In addition, the communication unit 922 amplifies a radio signal received via the antenna 921 and performs frequency conversion to acquire a received signal. Then, the communication unit 922 demodulates and decodes the received signal to generate audio data, and outputs the generated audio data to the audio codec 923. The audio codec 923 decompresses the audio data and performs D / A conversion to generate an analog audio signal. Then, the audio codec 923 supplies the generated audio signal to the speaker 924 to output audio.

In addition, in the data communication mode, for example, the control unit 931 generates character data constituting an e-mail in response to an operation by the user via the operation unit 932. In addition, the control unit 931 causes the display unit 930 to display characters. In addition, the control unit 931 generates e-mail data in response to a transmission instruction from the user via the operation unit 932, and outputs the generated e-mail data to the communication unit 922. The communication unit 922 encodes and modulates email data and generates a transmission signal. Then, the communication unit 922 transmits the generated transmission signal to a base station (not shown) via the antenna 921. In addition, the communication unit 922 amplifies a radio signal received via the antenna 921 and performs frequency conversion to acquire a received signal. Then, the communication unit 922 demodulates and decodes the received signal to restore the email data, and outputs the restored email data to the control unit 931. The control unit 931 displays the content of the electronic mail on the display unit 930 and stores the electronic mail data in the storage medium of the recording / reproducing unit 929.

The recording / reproducing unit 929 has a readable / writable arbitrary storage medium. For example, the storage medium may be a built-in storage medium such as a RAM or a flash memory, or an externally mounted type such as a hard disk, magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or memory card. It may be a storage medium.

In the shooting mode, for example, the camera unit 926 images a subject to generate image data, and outputs the generated image data to the image processing unit 927. The image processing unit 927 encodes the image data input from the camera unit 926 and stores the encoded stream in the storage medium of the recording / playback unit 929.

Further, in the videophone mode, for example, the demultiplexing unit 928 multiplexes the video stream encoded by the image processing unit 927 and the audio stream input from the audio codec 923, and the multiplexed stream is the communication unit 922. Output to. The communication unit 922 encodes and modulates the stream and generates a transmission signal. Then, the communication unit 922 transmits the generated transmission signal to a base station (not shown) via the antenna 921. In addition, the communication unit 922 amplifies a radio signal received via the antenna 921 and performs frequency conversion to acquire a received signal. These transmission signal and reception signal may include an encoded bit stream. Then, the communication unit 922 demodulates and decodes the received signal to restore the stream, and outputs the restored stream to the demultiplexing unit 928. The demultiplexing unit 928 separates the video stream and the audio stream from the input stream, and outputs the video stream to the image processing unit 927 and the audio stream to the audio codec 923. The image processing unit 927 decodes the video stream and generates video data. The video data is supplied to the display unit 930, and a series of images is displayed on the display unit 930. The audio codec 923 decompresses the audio stream and performs D / A conversion to generate an analog audio signal. Then, the audio codec 923 supplies the generated audio signal to the speaker 924 to output audio.

In the cellular phone 920 configured as described above, the image processing unit 927 has the functions of the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) and the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the above-described embodiment. Accordingly, an increase in storage capacity necessary for image encoding and decoding in the mobile phone 920 can be suppressed.

<Third application example: recording / reproducing apparatus>
FIG. 47 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus to which the above-described embodiment is applied. For example, the recording / reproducing device 940 encodes audio data and video data of a received broadcast program and records the encoded data on a recording medium. In addition, the recording / reproducing device 940 may encode audio data and video data acquired from another device and record them on a recording medium, for example. In addition, the recording / reproducing device 940 reproduces data recorded on the recording medium on a monitor and a speaker, for example, in accordance with a user instruction. At this time, the recording / reproducing device 940 decodes the audio data and the video data.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 940 includes a tuner 941, an external interface (I / F) unit 942, an encoder 943, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 944, a disk drive 945, a selector 946, a decoder 947, an OSD (On-Screen Display) 948, and a control. Part 949 and a user interface (I / F) part 950.

Tuner 941 extracts a signal of a desired channel from a broadcast signal received via an antenna (not shown), and demodulates the extracted signal. Then, the tuner 941 outputs the encoded bit stream obtained by the demodulation to the selector 946. That is, the tuner 941 serves as a transmission unit in the recording / reproducing apparatus 940.

The external interface unit 942 is an interface for connecting the recording / reproducing device 940 to an external device or a network. The external interface unit 942 may be, for example, an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 interface, a network interface, a USB interface, or a flash memory interface. For example, video data and audio data received via the external interface unit 942 are input to the encoder 943. That is, the external interface unit 942 has a role as a transmission unit in the recording / reproducing apparatus 940.

Encoder 943 encodes video data and audio data when video data and audio data input from external interface unit 942 are not encoded. Then, the encoder 943 outputs the encoded bit stream to the selector 946.

HDD 944 records an encoded bit stream in which content data such as video and audio is compressed, various programs, and other data on an internal hard disk. Further, the HDD 944 reads out these data from the hard disk when reproducing video and audio.

The disk drive 945 records and reads data on a recording medium loaded. Recording media mounted on the disk drive 945 are, for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) discs (DVD-Video, DVD-RAM (DVD-Random Access Memory), DVD-R (DVD-Recordable), DVD-RW (DVD-). Rewritable), DVD + R (DVD + Recordable), DVD + RW (DVD + Rewritable), etc.) or Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc.

The selector 946 selects an encoded bit stream input from the tuner 941 or the encoder 943 when recording video and audio, and outputs the selected encoded bit stream to the HDD 944 or the disk drive 945. In addition, the selector 946 outputs the encoded bit stream input from the HDD 944 or the disk drive 945 to the decoder 947 during video and audio reproduction.

The decoder 947 decodes the encoded bit stream and generates video data and audio data. Then, the decoder 947 outputs the generated video data to the OSD 948. The decoder 947 outputs the generated audio data to an external speaker.

The OSD 948 reproduces the video data input from the decoder 947 and displays the video. Further, the OSD 948 may superimpose a GUI image such as a menu, a button, or a cursor on the video to be displayed.

The bag control unit 949 includes a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program executed by the CPU, program data, and the like. The program stored in the memory is read and executed by the CPU when the recording / reproducing apparatus 940 is activated, for example. The CPU executes the program to control the operation of the recording / reproducing device 940 in accordance with, for example, an operation signal input from the user interface unit 950.

The user interface unit 950 is connected to the control unit 949. The user interface unit 950 includes, for example, buttons and switches for the user to operate the recording / reproducing device 940, a remote control signal receiving unit, and the like. The user interface unit 950 detects an operation by the user via these components, generates an operation signal, and outputs the generated operation signal to the control unit 949.

In the thus configured recording / reproducing apparatus 940, the encoder 943 has the function of the image encoding apparatus 100 (FIG. 12) according to the above-described embodiment. The decoder 947 has the function of the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the above-described embodiment. As a result, an increase in image encoding / decoding load in the recording / reproducing apparatus 940 can be suppressed.

<Fourth Application Example: Imaging Device>
FIG. 48 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus to which the above-described embodiment is applied. The imaging device 960 images a subject to generate an image, encodes the image data, and records it on a recording medium.

The imaging device 960 includes an optical block 961, an imaging unit 962, a signal processing unit 963, an image processing unit 964, a display unit 965, an external interface (I / F) unit 966, a memory unit 967, a media drive 968, an OSD 969, and a control unit 970. A user interface (I / F) unit 971 and a bus 972.

The optical block 961 is connected to the imaging unit 962. The imaging unit 962 is connected to the signal processing unit 963. The display unit 965 is connected to the image processing unit 964. The user interface unit 971 is connected to the control unit 970. The bus 972 connects the image processing unit 964, the external interface unit 966, the memory unit 967, the media drive 968, the OSD 969, and the control unit 970 to each other.

The optical block 961 includes a focus lens and a diaphragm mechanism. The optical block 961 forms an optical image of the subject on the imaging surface of the imaging unit 962. The imaging unit 962 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and converts an optical image formed on the imaging surface into an image signal as an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion. Then, the imaging unit 962 outputs the image signal to the signal processing unit 963.

The eyelid signal processing unit 963 performs various camera signal processing such as knee correction, gamma correction, and color correction on the image signal input from the imaging unit 962. The signal processing unit 963 outputs the image data after the camera signal processing to the image processing unit 964.

The haze image processing unit 964 encodes the image data input from the signal processing unit 963 to generate encoded data. Then, the image processing unit 964 outputs the generated encoded data to the external interface unit 966 or the media drive 968. In addition, the image processing unit 964 decodes encoded data input from the external interface unit 966 or the media drive 968 to generate image data. Then, the image processing unit 964 outputs the generated image data to the display unit 965. In addition, the image processing unit 964 may display the image by outputting the image data input from the signal processing unit 963 to the display unit 965. Further, the image processing unit 964 may superimpose display data acquired from the OSD 969 on an image output to the display unit 965.

The OSD 969 generates a GUI image such as a menu, a button, or a cursor, for example, and outputs the generated image to the image processing unit 964.

The external interface unit 966 is configured as a USB input / output terminal, for example. The external interface unit 966 connects the imaging device 960 and a printer, for example, when printing an image. Further, a drive is connected to the external interface unit 966 as necessary. For example, a removable medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk is attached to the drive, and a program read from the removable medium can be installed in the imaging device 960. Furthermore, the external interface unit 966 may be configured as a network interface connected to a network such as a LAN or the Internet. That is, the external interface unit 966 has a role as a transmission unit in the imaging device 960.

The recording medium loaded in the media drive 968 may be any readable / writable removable medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. In addition, a recording medium may be fixedly mounted on the media drive 968, and a non-portable storage unit such as an internal hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be configured.

The bag control unit 970 includes a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program executed by the CPU, program data, and the like. The program stored in the memory is read and executed by the CPU when the imaging device 960 is activated, for example. For example, the CPU controls the operation of the imaging device 960 according to an operation signal input from the user interface unit 971 by executing the program.

The user interface unit 971 is connected to the control unit 970. The user interface unit 971 includes, for example, buttons and switches for the user to operate the imaging device 960. The user interface unit 971 detects an operation by the user via these components, generates an operation signal, and outputs the generated operation signal to the control unit 970.

In the imaging device 960 configured as described above, the image processing unit 964 has the functions of the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) and the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the above-described embodiment. Thereby, an increase in image encoding / decoding load in the imaging device 960 can be suppressed.

<9. Application example of scalable coding>
<First system>
Next, a specific usage example of scalable encoded data that has been subjected to scalable encoding (hierarchical (image) encoding) will be described. The scalable coding is used for selection of data to be transmitted as in the example shown in FIG. 49, for example.

In the data transmission system 1000 shown in FIG. 49, the distribution server 1002 reads the scalable encoded data stored in the scalable encoded data storage unit 1001, and via the network 1003, the personal computer 1004, the AV device 1005, the tablet This is distributed to the terminal device such as the device 1006 and the mobile phone 1007.

At that time, the distribution server 1002 selects and transmits encoded data of appropriate quality according to the capability of the terminal device, the communication environment, and the like. Even if the distribution server 1002 transmits high-quality data unnecessarily, a high-quality image is not always obtained in the terminal device, which may cause a delay or an overflow. Moreover, there is a possibility that the communication band is unnecessarily occupied or the load on the terminal device is unnecessarily increased. On the other hand, even if the distribution server 1002 transmits unnecessarily low quality data, there is a possibility that an image with sufficient image quality cannot be obtained in the terminal device. Therefore, the distribution server 1002 appropriately reads and transmits the scalable encoded data stored in the scalable encoded data storage unit 1001 as encoded data having an appropriate quality with respect to the capability and communication environment of the terminal device. .

For example, it is assumed that the scalable encoded data storage unit 1001 stores scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 encoded in a scalable manner. The scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 is encoded data including both a base layer and an enhancement layer, and is a data that can be decoded to obtain both a base layer image and an enhancement layer image. It is.

Distribution server 1002 selects an appropriate layer according to the capability of the terminal device that transmits data, the communication environment, and the like, and reads the data of that layer. For example, the distribution server 1002 reads high-quality scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 from the scalable encoded data storage unit 1001 and transmits it to the personal computer 1004 and the tablet device 1006 with high processing capability as they are. . On the other hand, for example, the distribution server 1002 extracts base layer data from the scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 for the AV device 1005 and the cellular phone 1007 having a low processing capability, and performs scalable encoding. Although it is data of the same content as the data (BL + EL) 1011, it is transmitted as scalable encoded data (BL) 1012 having a lower quality than the scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011.

By using scalable encoded data in this way, the amount of data can be easily adjusted, so that the occurrence of delays and overflows can be suppressed, and unnecessary increases in the load on terminal devices and communication media can be suppressed. be able to. In addition, since scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 has reduced redundancy between layers, the amount of data can be reduced as compared with the case where encoded data of each layer is used as individual data. . Therefore, the storage area of the scalable encoded data storage unit 1001 can be used more efficiently.

Note that since various devices can be applied to the terminal device, such as the personal computer 1004 to the mobile phone 1007, the hardware performance of the terminal device varies depending on the device. Moreover, since the application which a terminal device performs is also various, the capability of the software is also various. Furthermore, the network 1003 serving as a communication medium can be applied to any communication network including wired, wireless, or both, such as the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network), and has various data transmission capabilities. Furthermore, there is a risk of change due to other communications.

Therefore, the distribution server 1002 communicates with the terminal device that is the data transmission destination before starting data transmission, and the hardware performance of the terminal device, the performance of the application (software) executed by the terminal device, etc. Information regarding the capability of the terminal device and information regarding the communication environment such as the available bandwidth of the network 1003 may be obtained. The distribution server 1002 may select an appropriate layer based on the information obtained here.

Note that the layer extraction may be performed by the terminal device. For example, the personal computer 1004 may decode the transmitted scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 and display a base layer image or an enhancement layer image. Further, for example, the personal computer 1004 extracts the base layer scalable encoded data (BL) 1012 from the transmitted scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1011 and stores it or transfers it to another device. The base layer image may be displayed after decoding.

Of course, the number of the scalable encoded data storage unit 1001, the distribution server 1002, the network 1003, and the terminal devices are arbitrary. In the above, the example in which the distribution server 1002 transmits data to the terminal device has been described, but the usage example is not limited to this. The data transmission system 1000 may be any system as long as it transmits a scalable encoded data to a terminal device by selecting an appropriate layer according to the capability of the terminal device or a communication environment. Can be applied to the system.

In the data transmission system 1000 as shown in FIG. 49, the present technology is applied in the same manner as the application to the hierarchical encoding / decoding described above with reference to FIGS. The effect similar to the effect mentioned above with reference to can be acquired.

<Second system>
Further, scalable coding is used for transmission via a plurality of communication media, for example, as in the example shown in FIG.

In the data transmission system 1100 shown in FIG. 50, a broadcasting station 1101 transmits base layer scalable encoded data (BL) 1121 by terrestrial broadcasting 1111. Also, the broadcast station 1101 transmits enhancement layer scalable encoded data (EL) 1122 via an arbitrary network 1112 including a wired or wireless communication network or both (for example, packetized transmission).

Terminal device 1102 has a reception function of terrestrial broadcast 1111 broadcasted by broadcast station 1101 and receives base layer scalable encoded data (BL) 1121 transmitted via terrestrial broadcast 1111. The terminal apparatus 1102 further has a communication function for performing communication via the network 1112, and receives enhancement layer scalable encoded data (EL) 1122 transmitted via the network 1112.

The terminal device 1102 decodes the base layer scalable encoded data (BL) 1121 acquired via the terrestrial broadcast 1111 according to, for example, a user instruction, and obtains or stores a base layer image. Or transmit to other devices.

Also, the terminal device 1102, for example, in response to a user instruction, the base layer scalable encoded data (BL) 1121 acquired via the terrestrial broadcast 1111 and the enhancement layer scalable encoded acquired via the network 1112 Data (EL) 1122 is combined to obtain scalable encoded data (BL + EL), or decoded to obtain an enhancement layer image, stored, or transmitted to another device.

As described above, the scalable encoded data can be transmitted via, for example, different communication media for each layer. Therefore, the load can be distributed, and the occurrence of delay and overflow can be suppressed.

In addition, depending on the situation, a communication medium used for transmission may be selected for each layer. For example, scalable encoded data (BL) 1121 of a base layer having a relatively large amount of data is transmitted via a communication medium having a wide bandwidth, and scalable encoded data (EL) 1122 having a relatively small amount of data is transmitted. You may make it transmit via a communication medium with a narrow bandwidth. Further, for example, the communication medium for transmitting the enhancement layer scalable encoded data (EL) 1122 is switched between the network 1112 and the terrestrial broadcast 1111 according to the available bandwidth of the network 1112. May be. Of course, the same applies to data of an arbitrary layer.

制御 By controlling in this way, an increase in load in data transmission can be further suppressed.

Of course, the number of layers is arbitrary, and the number of communication media used for transmission is also arbitrary. In addition, the number of terminal devices 1102 serving as data distribution destinations is also arbitrary. Furthermore, in the above description, broadcasting from the broadcasting station 1101 has been described as an example, but the usage example is not limited to this. The data transmission system 1100 can be applied to any system as long as it is a system that divides scalable encoded data into a plurality of layers and transmits them through a plurality of lines.

In the data transmission system 1100 as shown in FIG. 50 as described above, the present technology is applied in the same manner as the application to the hierarchical encoding / decoding described above with reference to FIGS. Effects similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 40 can be obtained.

<Third system>
Further, scalable encoding is used for storing encoded data as in the example shown in FIG. 51, for example.

In the imaging system 1200 illustrated in FIG. 51, the imaging device 1201 performs scalable coding on image data obtained by imaging the subject 1211, and as scalable coded data (BL + EL) 1221, a scalable coded data storage device 1202. To supply.

The scalable encoded data storage device 1202 stores the scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1221 supplied from the imaging device 1201 with quality according to the situation. For example, in the normal case, the scalable encoded data storage device 1202 extracts base layer data from the scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1221, and the base layer scalable encoded data ( BL) 1222. On the other hand, for example, in the case of attention, the scalable encoded data storage device 1202 stores scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1221 with high quality and a large amount of data.

By doing so, the scalable encoded data storage device 1202 can store an image with high image quality only when necessary, so that an increase in the amount of data can be achieved while suppressing a reduction in the value of the image due to image quality degradation. And the use efficiency of the storage area can be improved.

For example, it is assumed that the imaging device 1201 is a surveillance camera. When the monitoring target (for example, an intruder) is not shown in the captured image (in the normal case), the content of the captured image is likely to be unimportant, so reduction of the data amount is given priority, and the image data (scalable coding) Data) is stored in low quality. On the other hand, when the monitoring target appears in the captured image as the subject 1211 (at the time of attention), since the content of the captured image is likely to be important, the image quality is given priority and the image data (scalable) (Encoded data) is stored with high quality.

It should be noted that whether it is the normal time or the attention time may be determined by the scalable encoded data storage device 1202 analyzing the image, for example. Alternatively, the imaging apparatus 1201 may make a determination, and the determination result may be transmitted to the scalable encoded data storage device 1202.

It should be noted that the criterion for determining whether the time is normal or noting is arbitrary, and the content of the image as the criterion is arbitrary. Of course, conditions other than the contents of the image can also be used as the criterion. For example, it may be switched according to the volume or waveform of the recorded sound, may be switched at every predetermined time, or may be switched by an external instruction such as a user instruction.

In the above, an example of switching between the normal state and the attention state has been described. However, the number of states is arbitrary, for example, normal, slightly attention, attention, very attention, etc. Alternatively, three or more states may be switched. However, the upper limit number of states to be switched depends on the number of layers of scalable encoded data.

In addition, the imaging apparatus 1201 may determine the number of layers for scalable coding according to the state. For example, in a normal case, the imaging apparatus 1201 may generate base layer scalable encoded data (BL) 1222 with low quality and a small amount of data, and supply the scalable encoded data storage apparatus 1202 to the scalable encoded data storage apparatus 1202. For example, when attention is paid, the imaging device 1201 generates scalable encoded data (BL + EL) 1221 having a high quality and a large amount of data, and supplies the scalable encoded data storage device 1202 to the scalable encoded data storage device 1202. May be.

In the above description, the surveillance camera has been described as an example. However, the use of the imaging system 1200 is arbitrary and is not limited to the surveillance camera.

In the imaging system 1200 as shown in FIG. 51, the present technology is applied in the same manner as the application to the hierarchical encoding / decoding described above with reference to FIGS. The effect similar to the effect mentioned above with reference can be acquired.

Note that the present technology can also be applied to HTTP streaming such as MPEGASHDASH, for example, by selecting an appropriate piece of data from a plurality of encoded data with different resolutions prepared in advance. Can do. That is, information regarding encoding and decoding can be shared among a plurality of such encoded data.

<10. Seventh Embodiment>
<Other examples of implementation>
In the above, examples of devices and systems to which the present technology is applied have been described. However, the present technology is not limited thereto, and any configuration mounted on such devices or devices constituting the system, for example, a system LSI (Large Scale) Integration) etc., a module using a plurality of processors, etc., a unit using a plurality of modules, etc., a set in which other functions are added to the unit, etc. (that is, a partial configuration of the apparatus) .

<Video set>
An example of implementing the present technology as a set will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 52 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a video set to which the present technology is applied.

In recent years, multi-functionalization of electronic devices has progressed, and in the development and manufacture, when implementing a part of the configuration as sales or provision, etc., not only when implementing as a configuration having one function, but also related In many cases, a plurality of configurations having functions are combined and implemented as a set having a plurality of functions.

The video set 1300 shown in FIG. 52 has such a multi-functional configuration, and a device having a function related to image encoding and decoding (either or both of them) can be used for the function. It is a combination of devices having other related functions.

As shown in FIG. 52, the video set 1300 includes a module group such as a video module 1311, an external memory 1312, a power management module 1313, and a front-end module 1314, and an associated module 1321, a camera 1322, a sensor 1323, and the like. And a device having a function.

A cocoon module is a component that has several functions that are related to each other and that have a coherent function. The specific physical configuration is arbitrary. For example, a plurality of processors each having a function, electronic circuit elements such as resistors and capacitors, and other devices arranged on a wiring board or the like can be considered. . It is also possible to combine the module with another module, a processor, or the like to form a new module.

In the example of FIG. 52, the video module 1311 is a combination of configurations having functions related to image processing, and includes an application processor, a video processor, a broadband modem 1333, and an RF module 1334.

The processor is a configuration in which a configuration having a predetermined function is integrated on a semiconductor chip by an SoC (System On Chip), and for example, there is also a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or the like. The configuration having the predetermined function may be a logic circuit (hardware configuration), a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and a program (software configuration) executed using them. , Or a combination of both. For example, a processor has a logic circuit and a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., a part of the function is realized by a logic circuit (hardware configuration), and other functions are executed by the CPU (software configuration) It may be realized by.

The application processor 1331 in FIG. 52 is a processor that executes an application related to image processing. The application executed in the application processor 1331 not only performs arithmetic processing to realize a predetermined function, but also can control the internal and external configurations of the video module 1311 such as the video processor 1332 as necessary. .

The video processor 1332 is a processor having a function related to image encoding / decoding (one or both of them).

The broadband modem 1333 is a processor (or module) that performs processing related to wired or wireless (or both) broadband communication performed via a broadband line such as the Internet or a public telephone line network. For example, the broadband modem 1333 digitally modulates data to be transmitted (digital signal) to convert it into an analog signal, or demodulates the received analog signal to convert it into data (digital signal). For example, the broadband modem 1333 can digitally modulate and demodulate arbitrary information such as image data processed by the video processor 1332, a stream obtained by encoding the image data, an application program, setting data, and the like.

The RF module 1334 is a module that performs frequency conversion, modulation / demodulation, amplification, filter processing, and the like on an RF (Radio RF Frequency) signal transmitted and received via an antenna. For example, the RF module 1334 generates an RF signal by performing frequency conversion or the like on the baseband signal generated by the broadband modem 1333. Further, for example, the RF module 1334 generates a baseband signal by performing frequency conversion or the like on the RF signal received via the front end module 1314.

Note that, as indicated by a dotted line 1341 in FIG. 52, the application processor 1331 and the video processor 1332 may be integrated into a single processor.

The external memory 1312 is a module having a storage device that is provided outside the video module 1311 and is used by the video module 1311. The storage device of the external memory 1312 may be realized by any physical configuration, but is generally used for storing a large amount of data such as image data in units of frames. For example, it is desirable to realize it with a relatively inexpensive and large-capacity semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The power management module 1313 manages and controls power supply to the video module 1311 (each component in the video module 1311).

The front end module 1314 is a module that provides the RF module 1334 with a front end function (a circuit on a transmitting / receiving end on the antenna side). As illustrated in FIG. 52, the front end module 1314 includes, for example, an antenna unit 1351, a filter 1352, and an amplification unit 1353.

Antenna unit 1351 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving a radio signal and its peripheral configuration. The antenna unit 1351 transmits the signal supplied from the amplification unit 1353 as a radio signal, and supplies the received radio signal to the filter 1352 as an electric signal (RF signal). The filter 1352 performs a filtering process on the RF signal received via the antenna unit 1351 and supplies the processed RF signal to the RF module 1334. The amplifying unit 1353 amplifies the RF signal supplied from the RF module 1334 and supplies the amplified RF signal to the antenna unit 1351.

Connectivity 1321 is a module having a function related to connection with the outside. The physical configuration of the connectivity 1321 is arbitrary. For example, the connectivity 1321 has a configuration having a communication function other than the communication standard supported by the broadband modem 1333, an external input / output terminal, and the like.

For example, the communication 1321 is compliant with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), IEEE 802.11 (for example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), IrDA (InfraRed Data Association), etc. You may make it have a module which has a function, an antenna etc. which transmit / receive the signal based on the standard. Further, for example, the connectivity 1321 has a module having a communication function compliant with a wired communication standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or a terminal compliant with the standard. You may do it. Further, for example, the connectivity 1321 may have other data (signal) transmission functions such as analog input / output terminals.

It should be noted that the connectivity 1321 may include a data (signal) transmission destination device. For example, the drive 1321 reads and writes data to and from a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory (not only a removable medium drive, but also a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive) NAS (including Network Attached Storage) and the like. In addition, the connectivity 1321 may include an image or audio output device (a monitor, a speaker, or the like).

The eyelid camera 1322 is a module having a function of capturing an image of a subject and obtaining image data of the subject. Image data obtained by imaging by the camera 1322 is supplied to, for example, a video processor 1332 and encoded.

The sensor 1323 includes, for example, a voice sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, an illuminance sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, a rotation sensor, an angle sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, a magnetic identification sensor, an impact sensor, It is a module having an arbitrary sensor function such as a temperature sensor. For example, the data detected by the sensor 1323 is supplied to the application processor 1331 and used by an application or the like.

The configuration described above as a module may be realized as a processor, or conversely, the configuration described as a processor may be realized as a module.

In the video set 1300 configured as described above, the present technology can be applied to the video processor 1332 as described later. Therefore, the video set 1300 can be implemented as a set to which the present technology is applied.

<Example of video processor configuration>
FIG. 53 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a video processor 1332 (FIG. 52) to which the present technology is applied.

In the case of the example of FIG. 53, the video processor 1332 receives the video signal and the audio signal, encodes them in a predetermined method, decodes the encoded video data and audio data, A function of reproducing and outputting an audio signal.

As shown in FIG. 53, the video processor 1332 includes a video input processing unit 1401, a first image enlargement / reduction unit 1402, a second image enlargement / reduction unit 1403, a video output processing unit 1404, a frame memory 1405, and a memory control unit 1406. Have The video processor 1332 includes an encoding / decoding engine 1407, video ES (ElementaryElementStream) buffers 1408A and 1408B, and audio ES buffers 1409A and 1409B. Further, the video processor 1332 includes an audio encoder 1410, an audio decoder 1411, a multiplexing unit (MUX (Multiplexer)) 1412, a demultiplexing unit (DMUX (Demultiplexer)) 1413, and a stream buffer 1414.

The video input processing unit 1401 acquires a video signal input from, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) and converts it into digital image data. The first image enlargement / reduction unit 1402 performs format conversion, image enlargement / reduction processing, and the like on the image data. The second image enlargement / reduction unit 1403 performs image enlargement / reduction processing on the image data in accordance with the format of the output destination via the video output processing unit 1404, or is the same as the first image enlargement / reduction unit 1402. Format conversion and image enlargement / reduction processing. The video output processing unit 1404 performs format conversion, conversion to an analog signal, and the like on the image data, and outputs the reproduced video signal to, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52).

The frame memory 1405 is a memory for image data shared by the video input processing unit 1401, the first image scaling unit 1402, the second image scaling unit 1403, the video output processing unit 1404, and the encoding / decoding engine 1407. . The frame memory 1405 is realized as a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM, for example.

The memory control unit 1406 receives the synchronization signal from the encoding / decoding engine 1407, and controls the writing / reading access to the frame memory 1405 according to the access schedule to the frame memory 1405 written in the access management table 1406A. The access management table 1406A is updated by the memory control unit 1406 in accordance with processing executed by the encoding / decoding engine 1407, the first image enlargement / reduction unit 1402, the second image enlargement / reduction unit 1403, and the like.

The encoding / decoding engine 1407 performs encoding processing of image data and decoding processing of a video stream that is data obtained by encoding the image data. For example, the encoding / decoding engine 1407 encodes the image data read from the frame memory 1405 and sequentially writes the data as a video stream in the video ES buffer 1408A. Further, for example, the video stream is sequentially read from the video ES buffer 1408B, decoded, and sequentially written in the frame memory 1405 as image data. The encoding / decoding engine 1407 uses the frame memory 1405 as a work area in the encoding and decoding. Also, the encoding / decoding engine 1407 outputs a synchronization signal to the memory control unit 1406, for example, at a timing at which processing for each macroblock is started.

The video ES buffer 1408A buffers the video stream generated by the encoding / decoding engine 1407 and supplies the buffered video stream to the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412. The video ES buffer 1408B buffers the video stream supplied from the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 and supplies the buffered video stream to the encoding / decoding engine 1407.

The audio ES buffer 1409A buffers the audio stream generated by the audio encoder 1410 and supplies the buffered audio stream to the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412. The audio ES buffer 1409B buffers the audio stream supplied from the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 and supplies the buffered audio stream to the audio decoder 1411.

The audio encoder 1410 converts, for example, an audio signal input from the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52), for example, into a digital format, and encodes the audio signal according to a predetermined method such as an MPEG audio method or an AC3 (Audio Code number 3) method. The audio encoder 1410 sequentially writes an audio stream, which is data obtained by encoding an audio signal, in the audio ES buffer 1409A. The audio decoder 1411 decodes the audio stream supplied from the audio ES buffer 1409B, performs conversion to an analog signal, for example, and supplies the reproduced audio signal to, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52).

Multiplexer (MUX) 1412 multiplexes the video stream and the audio stream. The multiplexing method (that is, the format of the bit stream generated by multiplexing) is arbitrary. At the time of this multiplexing, the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 can also add predetermined header information or the like to the bit stream. That is, the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 can convert the stream format by multiplexing. For example, the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 multiplexes the video stream and the audio stream to convert it into a transport stream that is a bit stream in a transfer format. Further, for example, the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 multiplexes the video stream and the audio stream, thereby converting the data into file format data (file data) for recording.

The demultiplexing unit (DMUX) 1413 demultiplexes the bit stream in which the video stream and the audio stream are multiplexed by a method corresponding to the multiplexing by the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412. That is, the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 extracts the video stream and the audio stream from the bit stream read from the stream buffer 1414 (separates the video stream and the audio stream). That is, the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 can convert the stream format by demultiplexing (inverse conversion of the conversion by the multiplexer (MUX) 1412). For example, the demultiplexing unit (DMUX) 1413 obtains the transport stream supplied from, for example, the connectivity 1321 and the broadband modem 1333 (both in FIG. 52) via the stream buffer 1414 and demultiplexes the transport stream. Can be converted into a video stream and an audio stream. Further, for example, the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 obtains the file data read from various recording media by the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) via the stream buffer 1414 and demultiplexes the file data, for example, It can be converted into a video stream and an audio stream.

The stream buffer 1414 buffers the bit stream. For example, the stream buffer 1414 buffers the transport stream supplied from the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 and, for example, at the predetermined timing or based on a request from the outside, for example, the connectivity 1321 or the broadband modem 1333 (whichever Are also supplied to FIG.

Further, for example, the stream buffer 1414 buffers the file data supplied from the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 and, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) or the like at a predetermined timing or based on an external request or the like. To be recorded on various recording media.

Further, the stream buffer 1414 buffers the transport stream acquired through, for example, the connectivity 1321 and the broadband modem 1333 (both of which are shown in FIG. 52), and performs reverse processing at a predetermined timing or based on an external request or the like. The data is supplied to a multiplexing unit (DMUX) 1413.

In addition, the stream buffer 1414 buffers file data read from various recording media in, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52), and performs a demultiplexing unit at a predetermined timing or based on a request from the outside. (DMUX) 1413.

Next, an example of the operation of the video processor 1332 having such a configuration will be described. For example, a video signal input from the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) or the like to the video processor 1332 is converted into digital image data of a predetermined format such as 4: 2: 2Y / Cb / Cr format by the video input processing unit 1401. The data is sequentially written in the frame memory 1405. This digital image data is read by the first image enlargement / reduction unit 1402 or the second image enlargement / reduction unit 1403, and format conversion to a predetermined method such as 4: 2: 0Y / Cb / Cr method and enlargement / reduction processing are performed. Is written again in the frame memory 1405. This image data is encoded by the encoding / decoding engine 1407 and written as a video stream in the video ES buffer 1408A.

In addition, an audio signal input to the video processor 1332 from the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) or the like is encoded by the audio encoder 1410 and written as an audio stream in the audio ES buffer 1409A.

The video stream of the video ES buffer 1408A and the audio stream of the audio ES buffer 1409A are read and multiplexed by the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 and converted into a transport stream or file data. The transport stream generated by the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 is buffered in the stream buffer 1414 and then output to the external network via, for example, the connectivity 1321 or the broadband modem 1333 (both of which are shown in FIG. 52). Also, the file data generated by the multiplexing unit (MUX) 1412 is buffered in the stream buffer 1414, and then output to, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) and recorded on various recording media.

Further, for example, a transport stream input from an external network to the video processor 1332 via the connectivity 1321 or the broadband modem 1333 (both in FIG. 52) is buffered in the stream buffer 1414 and then demultiplexed (DMUX) 1413 is demultiplexed. For example, file data read from various recording media in the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) and input to the video processor 1332 is buffered in the stream buffer 1414 and then demultiplexed by the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413. It becomes. That is, the transport stream or file data input to the video processor 1332 is separated into a video stream and an audio stream by the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413.

The audio stream is supplied to the audio decoder 1411 via the audio ES buffer 1409B and decoded to reproduce the audio signal. The video stream is written to the video ES buffer 1408B, and then sequentially read and decoded by the encoding / decoding engine 1407, and written to the frame memory 1405. The decoded image data is enlarged / reduced by the second image enlargement / reduction unit 1403 and written to the frame memory 1405. The decoded image data is read out to the video output processing unit 1404, format-converted to a predetermined system such as 4: 2: 2Y / Cb / Cr system, and further converted into an analog signal to be converted into a video signal. Is played out.

場合 When the present technology is applied to the video processor 1332 configured as described above, the present technology according to each embodiment described above may be applied to the encoding / decoding engine 1407. That is, for example, the encoding / decoding engine 1407 has the functions of the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) according to the first embodiment and the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the second embodiment. You can do it. For example, the encoding / decoding engine 1407 has the functions of the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) according to the third embodiment and the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the fourth embodiment. It may be. Further, for example, the encoding / decoding engine 1407 may have the functions of the multi-view image encoding device 600 (FIG. 42) and the multi-view image decoding device 610 (FIG. 43) according to the fifth embodiment. . In this way, the video processor 1332 can obtain the same effects as those described above with reference to FIGS.

In the encoding / decoding engine 1407, the present technology (that is, the functions of the image encoding device and the image decoding device according to each embodiment described above) may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. It may be realized by software such as an embedded program, or may be realized by both of them.

<Other configuration examples of video processor>
FIG. 54 illustrates another example of a schematic configuration of the video processor 1332 (FIG. 52) to which the present technology is applied. In the case of the example in FIG. 54, the video processor 1332 has a function of encoding and decoding video data by a predetermined method.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 54, the video processor 1332 includes a control unit 1511, a display interface 1512, a display engine 1513, an image processing engine 1514, and an internal memory 1515. The video processor 1332 includes a codec engine 1516, a memory interface 1517, a multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518, a network interface 1519, and a video interface 1520.

The eyelid control unit 1511 controls the operation of each processing unit in the video processor 1332 such as the display interface 1512, the display engine 1513, the image processing engine 1514, and the codec engine 1516.

As shown in FIG. 54, the control unit 1511 includes, for example, a main CPU 1531, a sub CPU 1532, and a system controller 1533. The main CPU 1531 executes a program and the like for controlling the operation of each processing unit in the video processor 1332. The main CPU 1531 generates a control signal according to the program and supplies it to each processing unit (that is, controls the operation of each processing unit). The sub CPU 1532 plays an auxiliary role of the main CPU 1531. For example, the sub CPU 1532 executes a child process such as a program executed by the main CPU 1531, a subroutine, or the like. The system controller 1533 controls operations of the main CPU 1531 and the sub CPU 1532 such as designating a program to be executed by the main CPU 1531 and the sub CPU 1532.

The display interface 1512 outputs image data to, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) or the like under the control of the control unit 1511. For example, the display interface 1512 converts image data of digital data into an analog signal, and outputs it to a monitor device or the like of the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) as a reproduced video signal or as image data of the digital data.

Under the control of the control unit 1511, the display engine 1513 performs various conversion processes such as format conversion, size conversion, color gamut conversion, and the like so as to match the image data with hardware specifications such as a monitor device that displays the image. I do.

The eyelid image processing engine 1514 performs predetermined image processing such as filter processing for improving image quality on the image data under the control of the control unit 1511.

The internal memory 1515 is a memory provided inside the video processor 1332 that is shared by the display engine 1513, the image processing engine 1514, and the codec engine 1516. The internal memory 1515 is used, for example, for data exchange performed between the display engine 1513, the image processing engine 1514, and the codec engine 1516. For example, the internal memory 1515 stores data supplied from the display engine 1513, the image processing engine 1514, or the codec engine 1516, and stores the data as needed (eg, upon request). This is supplied to the image processing engine 1514 or the codec engine 1516. The internal memory 1515 may be realized by any storage device, but is generally used for storing a small amount of data such as image data or parameters in units of blocks. It is desirable to realize a semiconductor memory having a relatively small capacity but a high response speed (for example, as compared with the external memory 1312) such as “Static Random Access Memory”.

The codec engine 1516 performs processing related to encoding and decoding of image data. The encoding / decoding scheme supported by the codec engine 1516 is arbitrary, and the number thereof may be one or plural. For example, the codec engine 1516 may be provided with codec functions of a plurality of encoding / decoding schemes, and may be configured to perform encoding of image data or decoding of encoded data using one selected from them.

In the example shown in FIG. 54, the codec engine 1516 includes, for example, MPEG-2 video 1541, AVC / H.2641542, HEVC / H.2651543, HEVC / H.265 (Scalable) 1544, as function blocks for processing related to the codec. HEVC / H.265 (Multi-view) 1545 and MPEG-DASH 1551 are included.

“MPEG-2” Video 1541 is a functional block that encodes and decodes image data in the MPEG-2 format. AVC / H.2641542 is a functional block that encodes and decodes image data using the AVC method. HEVC / H.2651543 is a functional block that encodes and decodes image data using the HEVC method. HEVC / H.265 (Scalable) 1544 is a functional block that performs scalable encoding and scalable decoding of image data using the HEVC method. HEVC / H.265 (Multi-view) 1545 is a functional block that multi-view encodes or multi-view decodes image data using the HEVC method.

“MPEG-DASH 1551” is a functional block that transmits and receives image data in the MPEG-DASH (MPEG-Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) method. MPEG-DASH is a technology for streaming video using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), and selects and transmits appropriate data from multiple encoded data with different resolutions prepared in advance in segments. This is one of the features. MPEG-DASH 1551 generates a stream compliant with the standard, controls transmission of the stream, and the like. For encoding / decoding of image data, MPEG-2 Video 1541 to HEVC / H.265 (Multi-view) 1545 described above are used. Is used.

The memory interface 1517 is an interface for the external memory 1312. Data supplied from the image processing engine 1514 or the codec engine 1516 is supplied to the external memory 1312 via the memory interface 1517. The data read from the external memory 1312 is supplied to the video processor 1332 (the image processing engine 1514 or the codec engine 1516) via the memory interface 1517.

A multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518 multiplexes and demultiplexes various data related to images such as a bit stream of encoded data, image data, and a video signal. This multiplexing / demultiplexing method is arbitrary. For example, at the time of multiplexing, the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518 can not only combine a plurality of data into one but also add predetermined header information or the like to the data. Further, in the demultiplexing, the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518 not only divides one data into a plurality of data but also adds predetermined header information or the like to each divided data. it can. That is, the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518 can convert the data format by multiplexing / demultiplexing. For example, the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518 multiplexes the bitstream, thereby transporting the transport stream, which is a bit stream in a transfer format, or data in a file format for recording (file data). Can be converted to Of course, the inverse transformation is also possible by demultiplexing.

The network interface 1519 is an interface for a broadband modem 1333, connectivity 1321 (both of which are shown in FIG. 52), and the like. The video interface 1520 is an interface for, for example, the connectivity 1321 and the camera 1322 (both are FIG. 52).

Next, an example of the operation of the video processor 1332 will be described. For example, when a transport stream is received from an external network via the connectivity 1321 or the broadband modem 1333 (both of which are shown in FIG. 52), the transport stream is transmitted to the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) via the network interface 1519. ) 1518 to be demultiplexed and decoded by the codec engine 1516. For example, the image data obtained by decoding by the codec engine 1516 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing engine 1514, subjected to predetermined conversion by the display engine 1513, and connected to, for example, the connectivity 1321 (see FIG. 52) etc., and the image is displayed on the monitor. Also, for example, image data obtained by decoding by the codec engine 1516 is re-encoded by the codec engine 1516, multiplexed by a multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518, converted into file data, and video The data is output to, for example, the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) via the interface 1520 and recorded on various recording media.

Further, for example, encoded data file data obtained by encoding image data read from a recording medium (not shown) by the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 52) is multiplexed / demultiplexed via the video interface 1520. Is supplied to a unit (MUX DMUX) 1518, demultiplexed, and decoded by the codec engine 1516. Image data obtained by decoding by the codec engine 1516 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing engine 1514, subjected to predetermined conversion by the display engine 1513, and, for example, connectivity 1321 via the display interface 1512 (FIG. 52). And the image is displayed on the monitor. Also, for example, image data obtained by decoding by the codec engine 1516 is re-encoded by the codec engine 1516, multiplexed by the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit (MUX DMUX) 1518, and converted into a transport stream, For example, the connectivity 1321 and the broadband modem 1333 (both in FIG. 52) are supplied via the network interface 1519 and transmitted to other devices (not shown).

Note that image data and other data are exchanged between the processing units in the video processor 1332 using, for example, the internal memory 1515 and the external memory 1312. The power management module 1313 controls power supply to the control unit 1511, for example.

場合 When the present technology is applied to the video processor 1332 configured as described above, the present technology according to each of the above-described embodiments may be applied to the codec engine 1516. That is, for example, the codec engine 1516 includes functional blocks that implement the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) according to the first embodiment and the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the second embodiment. What should I do? Further, for example, the codec engine 1516 includes functional blocks for realizing the image encoding device 100 (FIG. 12) according to the third embodiment and the image decoding device 200 (FIG. 21) according to the fourth embodiment. You may do it. Further, for example, the codec engine 1516 may include a functional block for realizing the multi-view image encoding device 600 (FIG. 42) and the multi-view image decoding device 610 (FIG. 43) according to the fifth embodiment. Good. In this way, the video processor 1332 can obtain the same effects as those described above with reference to FIGS.

Note that in the codec engine 1516, the present technology (that is, the functions of the image encoding device and the image decoding device according to each of the above-described embodiments) may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit or an embedded program. It may be realized by software such as the above, or may be realized by both of them.

Although two examples of the configuration of the video processor 1332 have been described above, the configuration of the video processor 1332 is arbitrary and may be other than the two examples described above. The video processor 1332 may be configured as one semiconductor chip, but may be configured as a plurality of semiconductor chips. For example, a three-dimensional stacked LSI in which a plurality of semiconductors are stacked may be used. Further, it may be realized by a plurality of LSIs.

The video set 1300 can be incorporated into various devices that process image data. For example, the video set 1300 can be incorporated in the television device 900 (FIG. 45), the mobile phone 920 (FIG. 46), the recording / reproducing device 940 (FIG. 47), the imaging device 960 (FIG. 48), or the like. By incorporating the video set 1300, the apparatus can obtain the same effects as those described above with reference to FIGS.

In addition, the video set 1300 includes, for example, terminal devices such as the personal computer 1004, the AV device 1005, the tablet device 1006, and the mobile phone 1007 in the data transmission system 1000 in FIG. 49, the broadcasting station 1101 in the data transmission system 1100 in FIG. It can also be incorporated into the terminal device 1102, the imaging device 1201 in the imaging system 1200 of FIG. 51, the scalable encoded data storage device 1202, and the like. By incorporating the video set 1300, the apparatus can obtain the same effects as those described above with reference to FIGS.

Note that even a part of each configuration of the video set 1300 described above can be implemented as a configuration to which the present technology is applied as long as it includes the video processor 1332. For example, only the video processor 1332 can be implemented as a video processor to which the present technology is applied. Further, for example, as described above, the processor, the video module 1311 and the like indicated by the dotted line 1341 can be implemented as a processor or a module to which the present technology is applied. Furthermore, for example, the video module 1311, the external memory 1312, the power management module 1313, and the front end module 1314 can be combined and implemented as a video unit 1361 to which the present technology is applied. In any case, the same effects as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 44 can be obtained.

That is, any configuration including the video processor 1332 can be incorporated into various devices that process image data, as in the case of the video set 1300. For example, a video processor 1332, a processor indicated by a dotted line 1341, a video module 1311, or a video unit 1361, a television device 900 (FIG. 45), a mobile phone 920 (FIG. 46), a recording / playback device 940 (FIG. 47), Imaging device 960 (FIG. 48), terminal devices such as personal computer 1004, AV device 1005, tablet device 1006, and mobile phone 1007 in data transmission system 1000 in FIG. 49, broadcast station 1101 and terminal in data transmission system 1100 in FIG. It can be incorporated into the apparatus 1102, the imaging apparatus 1201 in the imaging system 1200 of FIG. 51, the scalable encoded data storage apparatus 1202, and the like. Then, by incorporating any configuration to which the present technology is applied, the apparatus can obtain the same effects as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 44 as in the case of the video set 1300. .

In addition, in the present specification, an example in which various types of information are multiplexed into an encoded stream and transmitted from the encoding side to the decoding side has been described. However, the method for transmitting such information is not limited to such an example. For example, these pieces of information may be transmitted or recorded as separate data associated with the encoded bitstream without being multiplexed into the encoded bitstream. Here, the term “associate” means that an image (which may be a part of an image such as a slice or a block) included in the bitstream and information corresponding to the image can be linked at the time of decoding. Means. That is, information may be transmitted on a transmission path different from that of the image (or bit stream). Information may be recorded on a recording medium (or another recording area of the same recording medium) different from the image (or bit stream). Furthermore, the information and the image (or bit stream) may be associated with each other in an arbitrary unit such as a plurality of frames, one frame, or a part of the frame.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) A filter unit that performs a filtering process on a reference image used for encoding image data including a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image;
An image encoding device comprising: an encoding unit that encodes a current layer of the image data using the reference image filtered by the filter unit.
(2) When the reference image is an image of another layer different from the current layer, the filter unit performs an upsampling process and an interpolation process for motion compensation on the reference image by a single filter process. (1) The image encoding device according to any one of (3) to (9).
(3) The filter unit includes:
If the reference image is an image of the current layer, perform the filtering process with 1/4 pixel accuracy,
When the reference image is an image of another layer whose resolution is 1/2 of the current layer, the filter processing is performed with 1/8 pixel accuracy. (1), (2), (4) to (9) The image encoding device according to any one of the above.
(4) A storage unit for storing an image as the reference image is further provided,
The storage unit stores a plurality of reference frames,
The filter unit performs the filtering process on the image read as the reference image from the storage unit with accuracy according to the type of reference frame from which the reference image is read (1) to (3), (5) The image encoding device according to any one of (9).
(5) The image processing apparatus further includes a transmission unit that transmits information related to the filtering process on the image read from the reference frame of the storage unit as the reference image. (1) to (4) An image encoding apparatus according to claim 1.
(6) The transmission unit transmits control information for designating a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame that is one of the reference frames in the storage unit as information relating to the filtering process. (5) The image encoding device according to any one of (7) to (9).
(7) The transmission unit transmits information indicating whether the image of the long term reference frame is used as a reference image as information regarding the filtering process, and the information refers to an image of the long term reference frame. The image encoding device according to any one of (1) to (6), (8), and (9), wherein the control information is further transmitted only when it is indicated that it is used as (1) to (6).
(8) The image processing apparatus further includes a setting unit that sets a layer of an image stored as a long term reference frame that is one of the reference frames in the storage unit,
When the reference image is an image read from the long-term reference frame, the filter unit performs the filtering process with accuracy according to the layer set by the setting unit. (1) to (7), ( 9) The image encoding device according to any one of the above.
(9) The image code according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein in the intra BL mode, the filter unit omits an intra smoothing process for the reference image that is an image of another layer different from the current layer. Device.
(10) Filtering the reference image used for encoding the image data composed of a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image,
An image encoding method for encoding a current layer of the image data using the filtered reference image.
(11) A filter unit that performs a filtering process on a reference image used for decoding encoded data of image data including a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image;
An image decoding apparatus comprising: a decoding unit that performs decoding of a current layer of the encoded data using the reference image filtered by the filter unit.
(12) When the reference image is an image of another layer different from the current layer, the filter unit performs an upsampling process and an interpolation process for motion compensation on the reference image by a single filter process. (11) The image decoding device according to any one of (13) to (19).
(13) The filter unit includes:
If the reference image is an image of the current layer, perform the filtering process with 1/4 pixel accuracy,
When the reference image is an image of another layer whose resolution is ½ of the current layer, the filter processing is performed with 1/8 pixel accuracy. (11), (12), (14) to (19) The image decoding device according to any one of the above.
(14) A storage unit for storing the reference image is further provided,
The storage unit stores a plurality of reference frames,
The filter unit performs the filtering process on the image read out as the reference image from the storage unit with an accuracy according to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read out (11) to (13), (15) The image decoding device according to any one of (19).
(15) The image processing apparatus may further include a receiving unit that receives information regarding the filtering process for the image read from the reference frame of the storage unit as the reference image. The image decoding apparatus described in 1.
(16) The receiving unit receives control information for designating a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame, which is one of the reference frames, in the storage unit as information relating to the filtering process.
When the reference image is an image read from the long-term reference frame, the filter unit performs the filtering process with accuracy according to a layer specified by the control information received by the receiving unit. The image decoding device according to any one of 11) to (15) and (17) to (19).
(17) The reception unit receives information indicating whether the image of the long term reference frame is used as a reference image as information regarding the filtering process, and the information uses the image of the long term reference frame as a reference image. The image decoding device according to any one of (11) to (16), (18), and (19), which further receives the control information only when it indicates use.
(18) It further includes an accuracy control unit that determines the accuracy of the filtering process according to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read out and the control information received by the receiving unit,
The image decoding device according to any one of (11) to (17) and (19), wherein the filter unit performs the filtering process with the accuracy determined by the accuracy control unit.
(19) The image decoding unit according to any one of (11) to (18), wherein in the intra BL mode, the filter unit omits an intra smoothing process for the reference image that is an image of another layer different from the current layer. apparatus.
(20) Filtering the reference image used for decoding the encoded data of the image data composed of a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image,
An image decoding method for decoding a current layer of the encoded data using the filtered reference image.

100 image encoding device, 101 base layer image coder, 102 enhancement layer image coder, 103 multiplexing unit, 142 frame memory, filter control unit, filter processing unit, setting unit, layer determination unit, 183 filter accuracy control unit, 200 image decoding device, 201 demultiplexing unit, 202 base layer image decoding unit, 203 enhancement layer image decoding unit, メモリ frame memory, 244 filter control unit, 273 filter processing unit, 281 control information acquisition unit , 282 layer determination unit 282, 283 filter accuracy control unit

Claims

A filter unit that performs a filtering process with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image with respect to a reference image used for encoding image data including a plurality of layers;
An image encoding device comprising: an encoding unit that encodes a current layer of the image data using the reference image filtered by the filter unit.
The filter unit performs an upsampling process and an interpolation process for motion compensation on the reference image by a single filter process when the reference image is an image of another layer different from the current layer. 2. The image encoding device according to 1.
The filter unit is
If the reference image is an image of the current layer, perform the filtering process with 1/4 pixel accuracy,
The image encoding device according to claim 2, wherein when the reference image is an image of another layer whose resolution is 1/2 of the current layer, the filter processing is performed with 1/8 pixel accuracy.
A storage unit for storing an image as the reference image;
The storage unit stores a plurality of reference frames,
The image code according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit performs the filtering process on the image read out as the reference image from the storage unit with accuracy according to a type of a reference frame from which the reference image is read out. Device.
The image coding apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit information related to the filtering process on an image read from a reference frame of the storage unit as the reference image.
The image according to claim 5, wherein the transmission unit transmits control information that designates a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame that is one of the reference frames in the storage unit, as information relating to the filtering process. Encoding device.
The transmission unit transmits information indicating whether the image of the long term reference frame is used as a reference image as information regarding the filtering process, and the information uses the image of the long term reference frame as a reference image. The image encoding device according to claim 6, wherein the control information is further transmitted only when indicating the above.
A setting unit configured to set a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame that is one of the reference frames in the storage unit;
5. The image encoding according to claim 4, wherein, when the reference image is an image read from the long-term reference frame, the filter unit performs the filtering process with accuracy according to a layer set by the setting unit. apparatus.
The image encoding device according to claim 1, wherein in the intra BL mode, the filter unit omits an intra smoothing process for the reference image that is an image of another layer different from the current layer.
For a reference image used for encoding image data composed of a plurality of layers, filter processing is performed with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image,
An image encoding method for encoding a current layer of the image data using the filtered reference image.
A filter unit that performs filtering on the reference image used for decoding the encoded data of the image data composed of a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image;
An image decoding apparatus comprising: a decoding unit that performs decoding of a current layer of the encoded data using the reference image filtered by the filter unit.
The filter unit performs an upsampling process and an interpolation process for motion compensation on the reference image by a single filter process when the reference image is an image of another layer different from the current layer. 11. The image decoding device according to 11.
The filter unit is
If the reference image is an image of the current layer, perform the filtering process with 1/4 pixel accuracy,
The image decoding device according to claim 12, wherein when the reference image is an image of another layer whose resolution is ½ of the current layer, the filter processing is performed with 1/8 pixel accuracy.
A storage unit for storing the reference image;
The storage unit stores a plurality of reference frames,
The image decoding according to claim 11, wherein the filter unit performs the filtering process on an image read out as the reference image from the storage unit with accuracy according to a type of a reference frame from which the reference image is read out. apparatus.
The image decoding device according to claim 14, further comprising a receiving unit that receives information regarding the filter processing on an image read from a reference frame of the storage unit as the reference image.
The receiving unit receives control information for designating a layer of an image stored as a long-term reference frame that is one of the reference frames in the storage unit, as information relating to the filtering process,
When the reference image is an image read from the long-term reference frame, the filter unit performs the filtering process with an accuracy according to a layer specified by the control information received by the receiving unit. Item 15. The image decoding device according to Item 15.
The receiving unit receives information indicating whether the image of the long term reference frame is used as a reference image as information relating to the filtering process, and the information uses the image of the long term reference frame as a reference image. The image decoding apparatus according to claim 16, further receiving the control information only when indicating.
An accuracy control unit that determines the accuracy of the filtering process according to the type of the reference frame from which the reference image is read out and the control information received by the receiving unit;
The image decoding device according to claim 16, wherein the filter unit performs the filtering process with the accuracy determined by the accuracy control unit.
The image decoding device according to claim 11, wherein, in the intra BL mode, the filter unit omits an intra smoothing process for the reference image that is an image of another layer different from the current layer.
Filtering the reference image used for decoding the encoded data of the image data composed of a plurality of layers with accuracy according to the layer of the reference image,
An image decoding method for decoding a current layer of the encoded data using the filtered reference image.