Perceptual quality based automatic parameter selection for data compression

A method for an objective determination of at least one coding parameter, comprising:

• coding an original sample of an input signal using a lossy coder, having a coding parameter set to a first value of a plurality of trial values, to generate a coded sample;
• decoding the coded sample using a lossy decoder to generate a decoded sample;
• measuring a perceptual distance between the decoded sample and the original sample;
• repeating the steps of coding the original sample, decoding the coded sample, and measuring the perceptual distance wherein the coding parameter is set to a respective, successive value of the plurality of trial values for each repetition;
• and
• identifying the trial value resulting in an optimized perceptual distance as an optimal value for the coding parameter with respect to the original sample.

A method of optimizing a coding parameter in a lossy coder, comprising:

• selecting at least one segment of an input signal;
• selecting a first trial value for the coding parameter;
• coding the at least one segment using the coding parameter to generate a coded segment;
• decoding the coded segment to generate a decoded segment;
• measuring a perceptual distance between the decoded segment and the corresponding at least one segment;
• repeating the steps of coding the at least one segment, decoding the coded segment, and measuring the perceptual distance wherein the coding parameter is set to a respective, successive trial value for each repetition;
• and
• identifying the trial value for the coding parameter resulting in an optimized perceptual distance as an optimal value for the coding parameter with respect to the at least one segment.

An apparatus for optimizing at least one coding parameter utilized in a lossy coder, the apparatus comprising:

• the lossy coder for receiving at least one portion of an input signal and for generating a coded signal therefrom utilizing the at least one coding parameter;
• a lossy decoder connected to the lossy coder for receiving the coded signal and for generating a decoded signal therefrom;
• and
• a neural encoding model analyzer connected to the lossy decoder and the lossy coder for receiving the input signal and the decoded signal, for calculating a perceptual distance therebetween, and for adjusting the at least one coding parameter based on the perceptual distance.

A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of:

• coding an original sample of an input signal using a lossy coder, having a coding parameter set to a first value of a plurality of trial values, to generate a coded sample;
• decoding the coded sample using a lossy decoder to generate a decoded sample;
• measuring a perceptual distance between the decoded sample and the original sample;
• repeating the steps of coding the original sample, decoding the coded sample, and measuring the perceptual distance wherein the coding parameter is set to a respective, successive value of the plurality of trial values for each repetition;
• identifying the trial value resulting in an optimized perceptual distance as an optimal value for the coding parameter with respect to the original sample.

A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of:

• selecting at least one segment of an input signal;
• selecting a first trial value for a coding parameter;
• coding the at least one segment using the coding parameter to generate a coded segment;
• decoding the coded segment to generate a decoded segment;
• measuring a perceptual distance between the decoded segment and the corresponding at least one segment;
• repeating the steps of coding the at least one segment, decoding the coded segment, and measuring the perceptual distance wherein the coding parameter is set to a respective, successive trial value for each repetition;
• and
• identifying the trial value for the coding parameter resulting in an optimized perceptual distance as an optimal value for the coding parameter with respect to the at least one segment.