Vlc technique for layered video coding using distinct element grouping

Abstract

The layered coding technique is employed to achieve the image quality scalability for video coding standards. The desired image quality scalability can be achieved by refining the image coefficients in subsequent enhancement layers. In most cases, the refinement coefficient consists of some binary information such as whether this coefficient is refined in this coding pass, whether this coefficient is positively or negatively refined, etc. Because it is generally difficult to code binary information efficiently with VLC (Variable Length Coding) technology, this disclosure introduces a method to code refinement symbol more efficiently with VLC by grouping the symbols of distinct binary elements.