Managing multi-reference picture buffers and identifiers to facilitate video data coding

A method for encoding a video stream having a plurality of frames, comprising:

• identifying an allocated number of reference frame buffers;
• calculating a maximum number of picture IDs as equal to or greater than the allocated number;
• estimating an expected error value representing possible frame errors;
• wherein the maximum number of picture IDs is equal to the allocated number plus the expected error value;
• assigning, using a processor, a picture ID to a respective reference frame assigned to a respective reference frame buffer of a plurality of reference frame buffers to no higher than the maximum number of picture IDs, each picture ID having a value not assigned to any other reference frames assigned to the plurality of reference frame buffers;
• freeing the picture ID when its associated reference frame is no longer assigned to the reference frame buffer;
• periodically re-using a freed picture ID when assigning the picture IDs;
• encoding one or more frames of the plurality of frames using the reference frames assigned to the plurality of reference frame buffers;
• and
• including the picture IDs in the video stream.

An apparatus for encoding a video stream having a plurality of frames, comprising:

• a memory;
• a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:
• identify an allocated number of reference frame buffers;
• calculate a maximum number of picture IDs as greater than the allocated number;
• assign a picture ID to a respective reference frame assigned to a respective reference frame buffer of a plurality of reference frame buffers to no higher than the maximum number of picture IDs, each picture ID having a value not assigned to any other reference frames assigned to the plurality of reference frame buffers;
• free the picture ID when its associated reference frame is no longer assigned to the reference frame buffer;
• re-use a freed picture ID when assigning the picture IDs;
• encode one or more frames of the plurality of frames using the reference frames assigned to the plurality of reference frame buffers;
• and
• include the picture IDs in the video stream.