{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854240","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854240","title":"Filtering strength determination method, moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-04-13T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":2,"abstract":"A moving picture coding apparatus includes an inter-pixel filter having filters for filtering decoded image data so as to remove block distortion which is high frequency noise around block boundaries. The inter-pixel filter includes filters having different filtering strengths. The coding apparatus also includes a filter processing control unit for determining a filtering strength of the inter-pixel filter."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method patent addresses the pervasive problem of block distortion in video coding. Block distortion manifests as high-frequency noise around block boundaries, degrading the visual quality of compressed video. The core innovation lies in an inter-pixel filter equipped with filters of varying strengths, allowing for adaptive filtering of decoded image data. A filter processing control unit intelligently determines the optimal filtering strength based on the characteristics of the image, balancing noise reduction and detail preservation. This technology offers significant business value by improving perceived video quality without substantially increasing data rates. Its applications span video streaming, conferencing, surveillance, and broadcasting, where clear and artifact-free video is crucial. The market opportunity is substantial, as demand for high-quality video continues to grow amidst bandwidth constraints. This patent provides a competitive advantage by enabling efficient and effective filtering, potentially leading to increased user engagement and reduced bandwidth costs. The adaptive nature of the filtering process also makes it suitable for integration with various video coding standards. Overall, the Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method patent represents a valuable advancement in video coding technology with broad commercial applications.","layman_explanation":"The Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method patent addresses a common problem in digital video: block distortion. This distortion appears as visible lines or artifacts around the edges of blocks in the video image, especially noticeable in compressed video. Think of it like looking at a mosaic where the individual tiles are too distinct.\n\nExisting video processing techniques often fall short because they either don't effectively remove these distortions or they blur the entire image, losing important details. This patent offers a smarter approach. Instead of applying a uniform fix, it analyzes the video image and adjusts the 'strength' of the fix depending on what's needed in different areas.\n\nImagine you're editing a photo. You wouldn't apply the same level of sharpening to the entire image. You'd sharpen certain areas to bring out detail and leave other areas untouched. This patent does something similar for video. It identifies areas with block distortion and applies a smoothing filter, but it does so intelligently, preserving the sharpness and detail in other areas.\n\nThis matters because it leads to a better viewing experience. For streaming services, it means higher quality video without requiring more bandwidth. For video conferencing, it means clearer communication. The potential return on investment comes from increased customer satisfaction, reduced bandwidth costs, and the ability to offer a superior video experience. This technology could be adopted by video streaming platforms, video conferencing software providers, and even hardware manufacturers looking to improve the video quality of their devices.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further refined to work with even higher resolution video and new video compression standards. As video becomes an increasingly important part of our lives, innovations like this will play a crucial role in delivering a better visual experience.","technical_analysis":"The Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method patent introduces a system for adaptively filtering decoded image data to reduce block distortion. The system's architecture centers on an inter-pixel filter comprised of multiple filters, each with a distinct filtering strength. The crucial component is the filter processing control unit, responsible for dynamically determining the appropriate filtering strength for each pixel or block. This determination is typically based on an analysis of the decoded image data, considering factors such as the magnitude of discontinuities at block boundaries, local texture complexity, and the presence of edges. Implementation often involves algorithms employing heuristics or machine learning to optimize filtering parameters. The inter-pixel filter itself can be realized using FIR, IIR, or non-linear filters, selected based on computational complexity and performance requirements. Integration requires careful consideration of the existing video decoding pipeline. Performance is paramount, demanding optimization for real-time processing to avoid latency. Code-level implications involve developing efficient algorithms for filtering strength determination and filter application. The system's performance characteristics are evaluated based on metrics like PSNR, SSIM, and subjective visual quality assessments. This patent offers a significant advancement in video coding by providing an adaptive approach to inter-pixel filtering, potentially improving video quality and coding efficiency.","business_analysis":"The Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method patent presents a significant business opportunity within the video processing and streaming industries. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by increasing demand for high-quality video across various platforms, including streaming services, video conferencing, and mobile devices. The competitive advantage lies in the adaptive filtering approach, which reduces block distortion while preserving image details, leading to improved perceived video quality compared to traditional methods. The revenue potential stems from licensing the technology to video codec developers, streaming service providers, and hardware manufacturers. Business models could include per-device licensing, subscription-based access to the technology, or integration into existing video processing software. Strategic positioning involves targeting markets where high-quality video is critical, such as premium streaming services and professional video editing tools. ROI projections are favorable, considering the potential for increased user engagement, reduced bandwidth consumption, and enhanced brand reputation. The patent's ability to improve video quality without significantly increasing data rates makes it particularly attractive in bandwidth-constrained environments. Overall, the Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method patent offers a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking to enhance their video processing capabilities and deliver a superior viewing experience.","faqs":null,"topics":["video filtering","block distortion","adaptive filtering","video coding","image processing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Filtering Strength Determination Method, Moving Picture Coding Method and Moving Picture Decoding Method - Patent US-9854240","description":"Discover how this adaptive filtering patent improves video quality by reducing block distortion. Full patent analysis, technical details, and business applications.","keywords":["video filtering","block distortion","adaptive filtering","video coding","image processing","patent US-9854240","moving picture coding","filtering strength determination","inter-pixel filter","video quality enhancement"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854240","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854240","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Filtering strength determination method, moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method\" (US-9854240). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854240","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854240","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854240","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T04:18:49.436Z"}