Encoders, decoders and methods employing quantization

An encoder for encoding input data to generate corresponding encoded data, wherein the input data includes a plurality of data portions, wherein a data portion refers to a data block, and wherein the encoder includes a data processing arrangement for processing the input data, characterized in that:

• (a) the encoder is operable to set one or more values of a quality parameter for the plurality of data portions in a portion-specific manner, such that a given data portion has a corresponding given value of the quality parameter;
• (b) the encoder includes an analyser that is operable to analyse the plurality of data portions and to select at least one encoding method and at least two different quantization strengths to be employed for encoding the plurality of data portions, wherein, for a given data portion, a corresponding given encoding method and a corresponding given quantization strength are selected to be employed for encoding the given data portion, the corresponding given encoding method and the corresponding given quantization strength being selected based upon a given value of the quality parameter set for the given data portion at (a);
• (c) the encoder includes an encoding arrangement that is operable to encode, by employing at least one encoding method and at least two different quantization strengths selected at (b), the plurality of data portions to generate corresponding encoded data portions wherein at least two data portions from amongst the plurality of data portions are encoded by employing a same encoding method from amongst the at least one encoding method selected at (b), whilst employing different quantization strengths, for a same value of the quality parameter that has been set for the at least two data portions at (a);
• (d) the encoder includes an aggregator that is operable to aggregate the encoded data portions to generate the encoded data;
• and
• (e) the encoder is operable to assemble information indicative of the at least two quantization strengths and information indicative of the one or more values of the quality parameter into the encoded data.

A method of decoding encoded data to generate corresponding decoded data, via a decoder, wherein a data portion refers to a data block characterized in that the method includes:

• (a) receiving, within the encoded data, information indicative of at least two quantization strengths and one or more values of a quality parameter employed with at least one encoding method during generation of a plurality of encoded data portions of the encoded data, wherein during generation of at least two encoded data portions from amongst the plurality of encoded data portions, by employing at least one encoding method and at least two different quantization strengths, a same encoding method is employed with different quantization strengths for a same value of the quality parameter for the at least two encoded data portions;
• (b) using the information from (a) to apply an inverse of the at least one encoding method with the at least two quantization strengths and the one or more values of the quality parameter, to corresponding encoded data portions of the encoded data in a portion-specific manner to generate corresponding decoded data portions, wherein, for a given encoded data portion, an inverse of a corresponding given encoding method with a corresponding given quantization strength and a corresponding given value of the quality parameter is applied to the given encoded data portion to generate a corresponding decoded data portion;
• and
• (c) aggregating the decoded data portions to generate the decoded data.

A decoder for decoding encoded data to generate corresponding decoded data, and wherein the decoder includes a data processing arrangement for processing the encoded data, wherein a data portion refers to a data block, characterized in that the decoder includes:

• (a) an information decoding arrangement that is operable to receive, within the encoded data, information indicative of at least two quantization strengths and one or more values of a quality parameter employed with at least one encoding method during generation of a plurality of encoded data portions of the encoded data, wherein during generation of at least two encoded data portions from amongst the plurality of encoded data portions, by employing at least one encoding method and at least two different quantization strengths, a same encoding method is employed with different quantization strengths for a same value of the quality parameter for the at least two encoded data portions;
• (b) a decoding arrangement that is operable to use the information from (a) to apply an inverse of the at least one encoding method with the at least two quantization strengths and the one or more values of the quality parameter, to corresponding encoded data portions of the encoded data in a portion-specific manner to generate corresponding decoded data portions, wherein, for a given encoded data portion, an inverse of a corresponding given encoding method with a corresponding given quantization strength and a corresponding given value of the quality parameter is applied to the given encoded data portion to generate a corresponding decoded data portion;
• and
• (c) an aggregator that is operable to aggregate the decoded data portions to generate the decoded data.