/Patent Tracker
GoogleGranted patentAI & softwareInterest 3/10

Google patents video compression using hidden reference frames

This patent describes a method for compressing video files by creating a special, hidden frame that serves as a reference for encoding subsequent frames. The system encodes this reference frame into the data stream but marks it as 'non-showable,' meaning it is used for calculation but not displayed to the viewer. This allows the decoder to reconstruct the video accurately without needing to store extra visual data.

Why it mattersIt improves the efficiency of video streaming by reducing the amount of data needed to transmit high-quality video, which could lead to smoother playback on slower connections.

In the filing’s own words

Video coding using constructed reference frames may include generating, by a processor in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, a reconstructed video. Generating the reconstructed video may include receiving an encoded bitstream. Video coding using constructed reference frames may include generating a reconstructed non-showable reference frame. Generating the reconstructed non-showable reference frame may include decoding a first encoded frame from the encoded bitstream. Video coding using constructed reference frames may include generating a reconstructed frame. Generating the reconstructed frame may include decoding a second encoded frame from the encoded bitstream using the reconstructed non-showable reference frame as a reference frame. Video coding using constructed reference frames may include including the reconstructed frame in the reconstructed video and outputting the reconstructed video.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An apparatus comprising: a memory including instructions for encoding a video stream; and a processor that executes the instructions to: generate an encoded video, wherein to generate the encoded video the processor executes the instructions to: receive an input video stream; generate an encoded constructed reference frame, wherein to generate the encoded constructed reference frame the processor executes the instructions to encode a first input frame from the input video stream; include the encoded constructed reference frame in an output bitstream as a non-showable frame; generate a reconstructed reference frame, wherein to generate the reconstructed reference frame the processor executes the instructions to reconstruct the encoded constructed reference frame; generate an encoded frame, wherein to generate the encoded frame the processor executes the instructions to encode a second input frame from the input video stream using the reconstructed reference frame as a reference frame; and include the encoded frame in the output bitstream; and output the output bitstream.

Facts

Company
Google (GOOGLE LLC)
Official title
System and method for video encoding using constructed reference frame
Patent number
US12756870B2
Application number
18952696
Filed
Nov 19, 2024
Granted
Oct 6, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 19/80 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/105 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/107 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/117 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/127 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/139 Electricity & electronics

More from Google in AI & software

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.