Coding-loop-external smoothing of a boundary between two image regions

A method for processing at least one decoded image region, the method comprising:

• at the exit of a decoding loop that has decoded at least one current image region, processing the decoded current image region with the aid of a boundary smoothing module using metadata relating at least to a boundary between the current image region and a neighboring image region, wherein the metadata relates at least to a choice of a smoothing function to be applied to the boundary, from a set of predetermined smoothing functions.

A digital signal comprising at least one encoded current image region as well as metadata relating at least to a boundary between the current image region and a neighboring image region, wherein the metadata relates at least to a choice of a smoothing function to be applied at the boundary, from a set of predetermined smoothing functions.

A data processing circuit comprising:

• an input interface configured to receive a digital signal comprising at least one encoded current image region and metadata relating at least to a boundary between the current image region and a neighboring image region, wherein the metadata relates at least to a choice of a smoothing function to be applied at the boundary, chosen from a set of predetermined smoothing functions, and
• at least one output interface configured to provide the encoded current image region as input to a decoding loop, and to provide the metadata to a processing module provided at the exit of the decoding loop.