Efficient use of quantization parameters in machine-learning models for video coding

Abstract

Encoding an image block using a quantization parameter includes presenting, to an encoder that includes a machine-learning model, the image block and a value derived from the quantization parameter, where the value is a result of a non-linear function using the quantization parameter as input, where the non-linear function relates to a second function used to calculate, using the quantization parameter, a Lagrange multiplier that is used in a rate-distortion calculation, and where the machine-learning model is trained to output mode decision parameters for encoding the image block; obtaining the mode decision parameters from the encoder; and encoding, in a compressed bitstream, the image block using the mode decision parameters.