Picture processing via a shared decoded picture pool

An information handling system (IHS), comprising:

• a processor that includes multiple compute elements that decode pictures from an encoded bitstream, wherein the processor partitions the decoding of pictures into N sequential stages that process the pictures as decoding pictures, wherein N is the number of sequential stages, wherein each compute element performs a different sequential stage of the N sequential stages, the compute elements executing in parallel;
• and
• a memory, coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores a decoded picture buffer associated with a first stage of the N sequential stages, the first stage receiving the encoded bitstream, wherein the memory stores a respective decoded picture buffer snapshot for each of the sequential stages other than the first sequential stage, wherein the memory further stores a decoded picture pool of decoded pictures for sharing among the sequential stages;
• wherein the decoded picture buffer and decoded picture buffer snapshots include pointers to decoded pictures in the decoded picture pool that the sequential stages need for decoding the encoded bitstream.

A computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer operable medium, comprising:

• instructions that receive an encoded bitstream that includes pictures;
• instructions that partition decoding of the pictures of the encoded bitstream into N sequential stages that process the pictures as decoding pictures, wherein N is the number of sequential stages;
• instructions that map the sequential stages onto N compute elements that execute in parallel;
• instructions that store, in a memory, a decoded picture buffer for a first stage of the N sequential stages, the first stage receiving the encoded bitstream;
• instructions that store, in the memory, a respective decoded picture buffer snapshot for each of the sequential stages other than the first sequential stage;
• instructions that store, in the memory, a decoded picture pool of decoded pictures for sharing among the sequential stages;
• and
• instructions that configure the decoded picture buffer and decoded picture buffer snapshots to include pointers to decoded pictures in the decoded picture pool that the sequential stages need for decoding the encoded bitstream.