Netflix patents smarter video compression for streaming
This patent describes a method for compressing video data by choosing between two different mathematical techniques called scalar and trellis coded quantization. The system analyzes the video's data to decide which method works best for a specific section, then compresses it accordingly to save space.
In the filing’s own words
In various embodiments, an encoder receives transform coefficients of prediction residues associated with video data. The encoder sets a flag value based on at least one of metadata or transform statistics associated with a vector of the transform coefficients. The encoder performs trellis coded quantization operations on the vector of the transform coefficients to generate a vector of quantization indices or one or more scalar quantization operations on the transform coefficients to generate a set of quantization indices based on the flag value. The encoder performs entropy coding operations on either the vector of quantization indices or a vector corresponding to the set of quantization indices to generate encoded video data.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A computer-implemented method for encoding video data, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of transform coefficients of prediction residues; setting a flag value based on at least one of metadata associated with a first vector that includes the plurality of transform coefficients or a set of transform statistics associated with the plurality of transform coefficients; performing one or more trellis coded quantization operations on the first vector to generate a second vector that includes a plurality of quantization indices or one or more scalar quantization operations on the plurality of transform coefficients to generate a set of quantization indices based on the flag value; and performing one or more entropy coding operations on either the second vector that includes the plurality of quantization indices or a third vector that includes the set of quantization indices to generate encoded video data.
Facts
- Company
- Netflix (NETFLIX, INC.)
- Official title
- Techniques for selecting between scalar quantization and trellis coded quantization when encoding video data
- Patent number
- US12739380B2
- Application number
- 19058963
- Filed
- Feb 20, 2025
- Granted
- Sep 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04N 19/124 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/13 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/147 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/176 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/18 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/46 Electricity & electronicsMore from Netflix in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.