Enhancing Versatile Video Coding through Joint Reference Frame Synthesis and Post-Processing Filter

Core Concepts

The proposed method combines reference frame synthesis (RFS) and post-processing filter enhancement (PFE) to achieve space-time coupled enhancement for Versatile Video Coding (VVC), leveraging a single neural network (STENet) for both tasks.

Abstract

The paper presents a novel approach that jointly utilizes reference frame synthesis (RFS) and post-processing filter enhancement (PFE) to improve the performance of Versatile Video Coding (VVC). Key highlights: The Space-Time Enhancement Network (STENet) is introduced, which comprises a synthesis pipeline for RFS and an enhancement pipeline for PFE. STENet takes two compressed frames as input and generates an intermediate synthesized frame and two enhanced frames. For RFS, STENet's synthesis pipeline synthesizes a virtual reference frame that is inserted into the reference picture lists to enhance inter prediction. For PFE, STENet's enhancement pipeline filters the reconstructed frames to alleviate artifacts and distortions. To reduce inference complexity, the authors propose joint inference of RFS and PFE (JISE), which executes both tasks simultaneously using a single STENet inference. The proposed method is integrated into the VVC reference software VTM-15.0 and evaluated under the Random Access (RA) configuration. It achieves 7.34%/17.21%/16.65% PSNR-based BD-rate reduction on average for the Y/U/V components. Ablation studies demonstrate the individual contributions of RFS, PFE, and the joint training strategy. RFS is the primary driver of performance improvement, while PFE and joint training also provide notable gains.

Stats

The proposed method achieves 4.08% average bitrate reduction and 0.29% average Y-PSNR improvement compared to VTM-15.0 under RA configuration. Compared to VTM-15.0, the encoding and decoding time complexity of the proposed method increases by 272% and 261266% on average, respectively.

Quotes

"The proposed method could achieve -7.34%/-17.21%/-16.65% PSNR-based BD-rate on average for three components under RA configuration." "RFS is the primary driver of performance improvement in our methodology and constitutes a substantial portion of the total runtime."

Key Insights Distilled From

Joint Reference Frame Synthesis and Post Filter Enhancement for Versatile Video Coding

by Weijie Bao,Y... at arxiv.org 04-30-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.18058.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the computational complexity of the proposed method be further reduced while maintaining its performance benefits

To reduce the computational complexity of the proposed method while preserving its performance benefits, several strategies can be implemented: Optimized Network Architecture: Streamlining the network architecture by reducing redundant layers, parameters, or operations can significantly cut down on computational requirements without compromising performance. Quantization and Pruning: Applying quantization techniques to reduce the precision of weights and activations can lead to lower computational demands. Additionally, pruning redundant connections or neurons can further optimize the network. Parallel Processing: Utilizing parallel processing techniques, such as distributed computing or GPU acceleration, can distribute the computational load and expedite inference without sacrificing performance. Knowledge Distillation: Implementing knowledge distillation techniques can train a smaller, less complex model to mimic the behavior of the larger model, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining performance levels. Selective Activation: Introducing mechanisms to selectively activate certain components of the network based on the input data characteristics can help focus computational resources where they are most needed, optimizing efficiency.

What other NNVC tools could be integrated with the proposed method to achieve even greater coding efficiency improvements

Integrating additional NNVC tools with the proposed method can further enhance coding efficiency. Some tools that could be considered for integration include: Intra Prediction Enhancement: Improving intra prediction algorithms using neural networks can enhance the efficiency of encoding by better exploiting spatial redundancies within frames. Super-Resolution Techniques: Incorporating super-resolution networks can upscale lower-resolution frames, leading to improved visual quality and potentially reducing bitrates. Entropy Coding Optimization: Employing neural networks to optimize entropy coding processes, such as arithmetic coding or Huffman coding, can enhance compression efficiency. Adaptive Loop Filtering: Integrating neural network-based adaptive loop filtering techniques can help reduce artifacts and enhance the visual quality of reconstructed frames. Rate Control Optimization: Utilizing neural networks for rate control mechanisms can dynamically adjust encoding parameters to achieve optimal trade-offs between bitrate and quality.

Can the proposed space-time coupled enhancement approach be extended to other video coding standards beyond VVC

The proposed space-time coupled enhancement approach can be extended to other video coding standards beyond VVC by adapting the methodology to suit the specific requirements and structures of the target standards. Some considerations for extension include: Standard-specific Adaptations: Tailoring the space-time enhancement approach to align with the hierarchical coding structures, inter prediction mechanisms, and in-loop filtering techniques of the target video coding standard. Compatibility Testing: Ensuring compatibility and interoperability with the specific syntax, tools, and configurations of the alternative video coding standard to seamlessly integrate the space-time enhancement approach. Performance Evaluation: Conducting thorough performance evaluations and comparisons to assess the effectiveness of the space-time coupled enhancement approach in improving coding efficiency and visual quality within the context of the new video coding standard. Standardization and Adoption: Working towards standardization and adoption of the enhanced approach within the new video coding standard through collaboration with relevant standardization bodies and industry stakeholders.