Reference picture management in layered video coding

A method implemented by an encoder, the method comprising:

• encoding a current picture into a bitstream, the current picture encoded according to inter-layer prediction based on an inter-layer reference picture;
• encoding a reference picture list structure into the bitstream, the reference picture list structure comprising a plurality of entries for a plurality of reference pictures including an entry associated with the current picture and indicating the inter-layer reference picture, wherein the reference picture list structure is denoted as ref_pic_list_struct(listIdx, rplsIdx) where listIdx identifies a reference picture list, rplsIdx identifies an entry in the reference picture list, and ref_pic_list_struct is a syntax structure;
• encoding an inter-layer reference picture flag into the bitstream, the inter-layer reference picture flag indicating that the entry associated with the current picture is an inter-layer reference picture (ILRP) entry;
• and
• storing the bitstream for communication toward a decoder.

A decoder comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive a bitstream comprising a current picture and a reference picture list structure comprising an inter-layer reference picture flag, wherein the reference picture list structure is denoted as ref_pic_list_struct(listIdx, rplsIdx) where listIdx identifies a reference picture list, rplsIdx identifies an entry in the reference picture list, and ref_pic_list_struct is a syntax structure;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• determine an entry in the reference picture list structure associated with the current picture is an inter-layer reference picture (ILRP) entry based on the inter-layer reference picture flag;
• and
• decode the current picture based on an inter-layer reference picture indicated by the entry in the reference picture list structure when the entry is the ILRP entry.