CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention is a Divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,431, filed on Feb. 1, 2011, entitled “Method and Apparatus of Delta Quantization Parameter Processing for High Efficiency Video Coding,” which claims priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application, No. 61/411,066, filed Nov. 8, 2010, entitled “Delta Quantization Parameter for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/425,966, filed on Dec. 22, 2010, entitled “Delta Quantization Parameter for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)”. The priority applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to video coding. In particular, the present invention relates to coding techniques associated with quantization parameter processing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) is an advanced video coding system being developed under the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) group of video coding experts from ITU-T Study Group. HEVC is block-based hybrid video coding with very flexible block structure. Three block concepts are introduced in HEVC: coding unit (CU), prediction unit (PU), and transform unit (TU). The overall coding structure is characterized by the various sizes of CU, PU and TU in a recursive fashion, where each picture is divided into largest CUs (LCUs) consisting of 64×64 pixels. Each LCU is then recursively divided into smaller CUs until leaf CUs or smallest CUs are reached. Once the splitting of CU hierarchical tree is done, each leaf CU is subject to further split into prediction units (PUs) according to prediction type and PU partition. Furthermore, transform is applied to TUs to transform spatial data into transform coefficients for compact data representation. In the H.264 coding standard, the underlying video frames are divided into slices, where each slice consists of non-overlapping macroblocks as the smallest coding unit. Since the slice is independently processed, errors or missing data from one slice cannot propagate to any other slice within the picture. In the recent HEVC development, the slice contains multiple LCUs instead of macroblocks. The LCU size is much larger than the macroblock size of 16×16 pixels. Therefore, the LCU-aligned slice of HEVC does not provide enough granularities for dividing video frames and bit rate control. While the LCU-aligned slice is used by HEVC, it is also possible to use non-LCU aligned slices. The non-LCU aligned slice provides more flexible slice structure and finer granular rate control. 
         [0004]    In HEVC, each LCU has its own quantization parameter (QP) and the QP selected for the LCU is conveyed to the decoder side so that the decoder will use the same QP value for proper decoding process. In order to reduce information associated with QP, the difference between the current coding QP and the reference QP is transmitted instead of the QP value itself. The reference QP can be derived in different ways. For example, in H.264, the reference QP is derived base on previous macroblock; while in HEVC, the reference QP is the QP specified in the slice header. Comparing with the macroblock-based coding of AVC/H.264, the coding unit for HEVC can be as large as 64×64 pixels, i.e., the largest CU (LCU). Since the LCU is much larger than the macroblock of AVC/H.264, using one delta QP per LCU may cause rate control unable to adapt to the bitrate quickly enough. Consequently there is a need to adopt delta QP in units smaller than LCU to provide more granular rate control. Furthermore, it is desirable to develop a system that is capable of facilitating more flexible and/or adaptive delta QP processing. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An apparatus and method for coding of video pictures associated with quantization parameter are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for video coding comprises steps of receiving a leaf CU, determining a QP minimum CU size to transmit quantization parameter information, and incorporating the quantization parameter information if leaf CU size is larger than or equal to the QP minimum CU size. The QP minimum CU size may be indicated in the sequence level, picture level, or slice level, where a QP selection flag may be used to select the QP minimum CU size indication in the slice level or the sequence/picture level. In an alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the method further comprises a step of incorporating second quantization parameter information for at least two second leaf CUs to share the second quantization parameter information if said at least two second leaf CUs are smaller than the QP minimum CU size and parent CU size of said at least two second leaf CUs is equal to the QP minimum CU size. In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, the method further comprises a step of incorporating third quantization parameter information for a third leaf CU regardless of the size of the third leaf CU if the third leaf CU is the first one of coding units in a slice. An apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream associated with adaptive quantization parameter processing are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream comprises receiving the video bitstream, determining a QP minimum CU size from the video bitstream, determining size of a leaf CU from the video bitstream and obtaining quantization parameter information for the leaf CU if the size of the leaf CU is larger than or equal to the QP minimum CU size. In an alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the method further comprises a step of obtaining second quantization parameter information for at least two second leaf CUs to share the second quantization parameter information if said at least two second leaf CUs are smaller than the QP minimum CU size and parent CU size of said at least two second leaf CUs is equal to the QP minimum CU size. In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, the method comprises a step of obtaining third quantization parameter information for a third leaf CU regardless of the size of the third leaf CU if the third leaf CU is the first one of coding units in a slice. 
         [0006]    An apparatus and method for coding of video pictures associated with quantization parameter are disclosed. In the following disclosure, LCU-aligned slices are used as an example to illustrate the delta-QP processing according to the present invention. As for non-LCU-aligned slices, the related operations of the first leaf CU of the slice can be handled similarly. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for video coding comprises steps of receiving a leaf CU, determining a QP minimum CU size to transmit quantization parameter information for the leaf CU and incorporating the quantization parameter information if leaf CU size is larger than or equal to the QP minimum CU size and the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. In an alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the method further comprises incorporating second quantization parameter information for at least two second leaf CUs to share the second quantization parameter information if said at least two second leaf CUs are smaller than the QP minimum CU size, parent CU size of said at least two second leaf CUs is equal to the QP minimum CU size, and said at least two second leaf CUs have at least one second nonzero quantized transform coefficient. Detection of nonzero quantized transform coefficient can be based on PredMode, CBP, CBF, or a combination of PredMode, CBP, and CBF. An apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream associated with adaptive quantization parameter processing are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream comprises receiving the video bitstream, determining a QP minimum CU size from the video bitstream, and determining leaf CU size for a leaf CU from the video bitstream. If the leaf CU size is larger than or equal to the QP minimum CU size, detecting whether the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. If the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient, obtaining quantization parameter information for the leaf CU. 
         [0007]    An apparatus and method for coding of video pictures associated with quantization parameter are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for video coding comprises steps of receiving a leaf CU and incorporating quantization parameter information for the leaf CU if the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient, wherein said at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient is detected based on PredMode, CBP, CBF, or a combination of PredMode, CBP, and CBF. The way of incorporating quantization parameter information for leaf CU which has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient can be explicit or implicit. For example, the quantization parameter information is directly transmitted in the video bitstream in an explicit way; or the quantization parameter information is derived from the information of at least another leaf CU such as quantization parameter information, PredMode, CBF, CBP, leaf CU position, or a combination of the above, in an implicit way. An apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream associated with adaptive quantization parameter processing are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream comprises receiving the video bitstream and detecting whether the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. If the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient, obtaining quantization parameter information for the leaf CU. The quantization parameter information can be obtained in explicit or implicit way, for example, the quantization parameter information can be obtained from the video bitstream or can be derived from information of at least another leaf CU. 
         [0008]    An apparatus and method for coding of video pictures associated with quantization parameter are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for video coding comprises steps of receiving a leaf CU, incorporating a Largest Coding Unit (LCU) based QP flag according to a performance criterion, incorporating quantization parameter information for an LCU if LCU based QP is selected as indicated by the LCU based QP flag and the LCU contains at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient, and incorporating the quantization parameter information for the leaf CU if non-LCU based QP is selected as indicated by the LCU based QP flag and the leaf CU contains said at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. An apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream associated with adaptive quantization parameter processing are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the apparatus and method for decoding of a video bitstream comprises receiving the video bitstream and extracting an LCU based QP flag from the video bitstream. If LCU based QP is selected as indicated by the LCU based QP flag, the method further comprises a step of obtaining quantization parameter information for each LCU. If non-LCU based QP is selected as indicated by the LCU based QP flag, the method further comprises a step of obtaining quantization parameter information for each leaf CU. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary coding unit partition based on the quadtree. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of slice partition where the partition boundaries are aligned with the largest coding unit. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of slice partition where the slices may include fractional largest coding units. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary sequence header syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary slice header syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary slice data syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7A  illustrates an exemplary coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7B  illustrates the remaining portion of the exemplary coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative example of slice data syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9A  illustrates an alternative example of coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9B  illustrates the remaining portion of the alternative example of coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of transform unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates sequence header syntax based on conventional HEVC for delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates slice header syntax based on conventional HEVC for delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates slice data syntax based on conventional HEVC for delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14A  illustrates coding unit syntax based on conventional HEVC for delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14B  illustrates the remaining portion of coding unit syntax based on conventional HEVC for delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative example of transform unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16A  illustrates another alternative example of coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16B  illustrates the remaining portion of another alternative example of coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  illustrates an alternative example of transform unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) is an advanced video coding system being developed under the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) group of video coding experts from ITU-T Study Group. HEVC is block-based hybrid video coding with very flexible block structure. Three block concepts are introduced in HEVC: coding unit (CU), prediction unit (PU), and transform unit (TU). The overall coding structure is characterized by the various sizes of CU, PU and TU in a recursive fashion. Each picture is divided into largest CUs (LCUs) consisting of 64×64 pixels and each LCU is then recursively divided into smaller CUs until leaf CUs or smallest CUs are reached. Once the splitting of CU hierarchical tree is done, each leaf CU is subject to further split into prediction units (PUs) according to prediction type and PU partition. In the H.264/AVC standard, one of the new characteristics is the capability of dividing an image into regions called slice. The use of slice provides various potential advantages such as prioritized transmission, error resilient transmission, and etc. While the LCU-aligned slice is used by HEVC, it is also possible to use non-LCU aligned slice. The non-LCU aligned slice provides more flexible slice structure and finer granular rate control. 
         [0031]    HEVC is block-based hybrid video coding with very flexible block structure, where coding process is applied to each coding unit. Once the splitting of CU hierarchical tree is done, each leaf CU is subject to further split into prediction units (PUs) according to prediction type and PU partition. Transform is then applied to transform units associated with the prediction residues or the block image data itself. The transform coefficients are then quantized, and the quantized transform coefficients are then processed by entropy coder to reduce information required for representing the video data. Quantization Parameter (QP) is a control parameter that determines the quantization step size and consequently adjusts picture quality and compressed bit rate. In the conventional HEVC, the quantization parameter is adjusted on the LCU basis. Therefore information associated QP is transmitted for each LCU. In order to conserve bit rate associated with transmission of QP, the difference between the current coding QP and the reference QP is used instead of the QP value itself. The difference between the current QP and the reference QP is termed as the delta QP. The reference QP can be derived in different ways. For example, in H.264, the reference QP is typically derived base on previous macroblock; while in HEVC, the reference QP is the QP specified in the slice header. 
         [0032]    In the high efficiency video coding (HEVC) under development, the fixed-size macroblock of H.264/AVC is replaced by the flexible coding unit.  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary coding unit partition based on a quadtree. At depth 0, the initial coding unit CU0,  112  consisting of 64×64 pixel, is the largest CU. The initial coding unit CU0,  112  is subject to quadtree split as shown in block  110 . A split flag 0 indicates the underlying CU is not split and, on the other hand, a split flag 1 indicates the underlying CU is split into four smaller coding units CU1,  122  by the quadtree. The resulting four coding units are labeled as 0, 1, 2 and 3 and each resulting coding unit can be further split in the next depth. The coding units resulted from coding unit CU0,  112  are referred to as CU1,  122 . After a coding unit is split by the quadtree, the resulting coding units are subject to further quadtree split unless the coding unit reaches a pre-specified smallest CU (SCU) size. Consequently, at depth 1, the coding unit CU1,  122  is subject to quadtree split as shown in block  120 . Again, a split flag 0 indicates the underlying CU is not split and, on the other hand a split flag 1 indicates the underlying CU is split into four smaller coding units CU2,  132  by the quadtree. The coding unit CU2,  132 , has a size of 16×16 and the process of the quadtree splitting as shown in block  130  can continue until a pre-specified smallest coding unit is reached. For example, if the smallest coding unit is chosen to be 8×8, the coding unit CU3,  142  at depth 3 will not be subject to further split as shown in block  140 . The collection of quadtree partitions of a picture to form variable-size coding units constitutes a partition map for the encoder to process the input image area accordingly. The partition map has to be conveyed to the decoder so that the decoding process can be performed accordingly. 
         [0033]    In the high efficiency video coding (HEVC) coding standard being developed, the largest coding unit (LCU) is used as an initial coding unit. The LCU may be adaptively divided into smaller CUs for more efficient processing. The macroblock-based slice partition for H.264 can be extended to the LCU-based slice partition for HEVC. An example of the LCU-based slice partition for HEVC is shown in  FIG. 2  where twenty-four LCUs are partitioned into three slices. LCU00 though LCU07 are assigned to slice 0,  210 , LCU08 though LCU15 are assigned to slice 1,  220 , and LCU16 though LCU23 are assigned to slice 2,  230 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the slice boundary is aligned with the LCU boundary. While the LCU-aligned slice partition is easy to implement, the size of LCU is much larger than the size of macroblock and the LCU-aligned slice may not be able provide enough granularities to support dynamic environment of coding systems. Therefore, a non-LCU aligned slice partition is being proposed in the HEVC standard development. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of slice structure with the fractional LCU partition, where the partition boundaries may run through the LCU. Slice 0,  310  includes LCU00 through LCU06 and terminates at a leaf CU of LCU07. LCU07 is split between slice 0,  310  and slice 1,  320 . Slice 1,  320  includes the remaining leaf CUs of LCU07 not included in slice 0,  310  and LCU08 through LCU15, and part of LCU16. Slice 1,  320  terminates at a leaf CU of LCU16. LCU16 is split between slice 1,  320  and slice 2,  330 . Slice 2,  330  includes the remaining leaf CUs of LCU16 not included in slice 1,  320  and LCU17 through LCU23. 
         [0035]    In the current HEVC, each LCU has its own quantization parameter (QP) and the QP selected for the LCU is conveyed to the decoder side so that the decoder will use the same QP value for proper decoding process. In order to reduce information associated with QP, the difference between the current coding QP and the reference QP is transmitted instead of the QP value itself. Consequently, the delta QP is transmitted for each LCU, where the delta QP is defined as the difference between the QP of the current coding LCU and the reference QP. If the current LCU is the first LCU in the slice, the slice QP is regarded as the reference QP. Depending on different design options, the reference QP of LCU other than the first LCU in the slice can be the slice QP, a predefined QP value, or the QP of the previous LCU. The delta QP of an LCU is usually the last syntax element of the LCU data. When the prediction mode (PredMode) of the LCU is SKIP mode, the delta QP is not transmitted. Comparing with the macroblock-based coding of AVC/H.264, the coding unit for HEVC can be as large as 64×64 pixels, i.e., the largest CU (LCU) size. Since the LCU is much larger than the macroblock of AVC/H.264, using one delta QP per LCU may cause rate control unable to adapt to the bitrate quickly enough. Consequently there is a need to adopt delta QP in units smaller than the LCU to provide more granular rate control. Furthermore, it is desirable to develop a system that is capable of facilitating more flexible QP processing. 
         [0036]    When delta QP is allowed for coding units smaller than LCU, the information associated with delta QP on a per-pixel basis will increase when the coding unit size is decreased. Therefore, a QP minimum CU size is specified so that delta QP will be only transmitted for CUs larger than or equal to the QP minimum CU size. Furthermore, in order to provide flexible delta QP, the QP minimum CU size may be specified at the sequence header, picture header or slice header. For example, a syntax element sps_qp_max_depth in the sequence header, SPS is defined as shown in  FIG. 4 . The additional syntax element required over that of conventional HEVC is indicated by block  410 . The sps_qp_max_depth syntax element specifies the depth of the QP minimum CU size from the largest CU. Therefore, the QP minimum CU size can be derived from the largest CU size according to sps_qp_max_depth. A syntax element specifies the depth of the QP minimum CU size in the picture header can also be specified similarly. In each slice header, another syntax element, sh_qp_max_depth is defined as shown in  FIG. 5 . The additional syntax elements required over those of conventional HEVC are indicated by block  510 . 
         [0037]    The sh_qp_max_depth syntax element specifies the depth of the QP minimum CU size, QpMinCuSize, from the largest CU, and the QpMinCuSize can be derived from the largest CU size according to sh_qp_max_depth. For each slice, either the QP minimum CU size identified in the sequence level or in the slice level can be chosen as the QpMinCuSize for the current slice. The change_qp_max_depth_flag syntax element as shown in block  510  is used to indicate the selection of the QP minimum CU size from either the sequence level or the slice level. For example, a change_qp_max_depth_flag value equal to 0 denotes that the minimum CU size for sending a delta QP is derived from sps_qp_max_depth. A change_qp_max_depth_flag value equal to 1 denotes that the minimum CU size for sending a delta QP is derived from sh_qp_max_depth. The general rule for transmitting delta QP is described as follows. For a leaf CU that is larger than or equal to QpMinCuSize, one delta QP is transmitted. For multiple leaf CUs that are all smaller than QpMinCuSize and have the same parent CU with size equal to QpMinCuSize, one delta QP is transmitted for the multiple leaf CUs to share the QP information. When non-LCU-aligned slices are used, one delta QP is always transmitted for the first leaf CU of the slice regardless of the size of the first leaf CU. 
         [0038]    Exemplary slice data syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 6 . The additional syntax elements required over those of conventional HEVC are indicated by block  610 . The FirstCuFlag syntax element is a flag used to indicate whether the CU is the first CU in the slice. FirstCuFlag is initialized to 1 in block  610 . The SendQpFlag syntax element is a flag used to indicate whether a delta QP is transmitted for the CU and is initialized to 0 in block  610 . The subsequent execution of the coding_unit( )routine may cause the values of FirstCuFlag and SendQpFlag altered. After a delta QP is transmitted for the first CU in the slice, FirstCuFlag will be reset to 0 in the coding_unit( ) routine. 
         [0039]    Exemplary coding unit syntax associated with delta quantization parameter processing according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . The additional syntax elements required over those of conventional HEVC are indicated by blocks  710  and  720 . In block  710 , the SendQpFlag is reset to 1 to indicate the need to send one delta QP if the current CU size, CurrCuSize, is the same as the QP minimum CU size, QpMinCuSize. In block  720 , three conditions are tested: whether the current CU is the first CU in the slice, FirstCuFlag; whether SendQpFlag is set; and whether the CurrCuSize is the same as the QpMinCuSize. If any of the three conditions is asserted, the delta QP, delta_qp, is transmitted and both SendQpFlag and FirstCuFlag are reset to 0. The embodiment according to the present invention via the syntax elements shown in  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 7B  allows delta QP processing based on units smaller than the LCU and also provides delta QP processing for a system having fractional LCU. Furthermore, embodiment according to the present invention via the syntax elements shown in  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 7B  allows the system to adaptively select the QP minimum CU size indicated in the sequence/picture header or in the slice header. 
         [0040]    While the syntax design in  FIG. 4 through 7B  illustrates an embodiment according to the present invention, the particular syntax elements are used as examples to practice the present invention and a skilled person in the field may modify the syntax elements to practice the same present invention. According to syntax elements illustrated in  FIG. 4 through 7B , a decoder may derive required QP information for decoding the bitstream. For example, a decoder may extract the change_qp_max_depth_flag syntax element to determine whether the QP minimum CU size is indicated in the slice header or the sequence header. Consequently, the QP minimum CU size can be determined. The size of a leaf CU can be decoded from the bitstream and the order of the leaf CU in the slice can be determined. If the leaf CU size is greater than or equal to the QP minimum CU size, or the leaf CU is the first CU in a non-LCU-aligned slice, a delta QP exists in the coding unit data. The decoder can extract the delta QP value accordingly and apply the delta QP to the coding unit data for decoding the coding unit. 
         [0041]    While the QP processing described above allows the QP change at a finer granular level than the LCU and adaptively selects the QP minimum CU size indicated in the sequence header or in the slice header, there is room for further improving the efficiency of transmission associated with quantization parameter information. Accordingly, a first alternative embodiment of the present invention is described as follows. When one delta QP is sent, it is possible that the region covered by the delta QP does not have any nonzero quantized transform coefficient. Since the QP is used for quantizing nonzero transform coefficients and de-quantizing nonzero transform coefficients, there is no need for transmitting QP or delta QP for the region that does not have any nonzero quantized transform coefficient. Consequently, information associated with delta QP or QP can be saved for these regions. In order to support this feature, syntax modifications are made for coding unit_( )nd transform_unit( ) and in order to simplify the illustration, only LCU-aligned slice is taken as an example. The syntax for sequence header and slide header stay the same as those shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The syntax for slide_data( )is the same as the conventional HEVC as shown in  FIG. 8 , where the initialization of the FirstCuFlag and SendQpFlag as shown in  FIG. 6  is not performed for LCU-aligned slices, but for non-LCU-aligned slices, the initialization of the FirstCuFlag is required to handle the first leaf CU with at least one non-zero coefficient in the slice. According to the alternative embodiment, the coding_unit( )syntax is modified so that a delta QP may exist only at the end of a leaf CU with size larger than or equal to QpMinCuSize or only after the last leaf CU of a split CU with size equal to QpMinCuSize. Furthermore, the transform_unit( )syntax associated with the delta QP is modified so that a delta QP is sent only when the corresponding region has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. The condition of at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient in a region can be detected based on prediction mode (PredMode), coded block pattern (CBP), coded block flag (CBF), or a combination of PredMode, CBP, and CBF. For example, when PredMode is SKIP, it implies that there is no residue existing in the leaf CU. When VLC is used and CBP is zero, it implies that there is no residue existing in the leaf CU. When CABAC is used and CBF is zero, it again implies that there is no residue existing in the leaf CU. QP information can be omitted for those leaf CUs to improve the coding and transmission efficiency. 
         [0042]    To support the above alternative embodiment, the coding_unit( )syntax modifications are indicated by blocks  910  through  940  as shown in  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B . In block  910 , when CurrCuSize is the same as QpMinCuSize, the NonZeroFound is set to 0. The subsequent coding_unit( )routine is then executed in a recursive fashion, where the NonZeroFound value may be alternated. In the processing shown in block  920 , if CurrCuSize is the same as QpMinCuSize, the NonZeroFound value is checked. If NonZeroFound has a value of 1, delta_qp is sent. After the prediction_unit( )routine is called and if PredMode is not SKIP, the block  930  is performed. In block  930 , if CurrCuSize is larger than or equal to QpMinCuSize, the NonZeroFound is set to 0. The subsequent transform_unit( )routine is then executed, where the NonZeroFound value may be alternated. After the transform_unit( )routine is called, the block  940  is performed. In the processing shown in block  940 , if CurrCuSize is larger than or equal to QpMinCuSize, the NonZeroFound value is tested. If NonZeroFound has a value of 1, delta_qp is sent. 
         [0043]    To support the above alternative embodiment, the transform_unit( )syntax modifications are shown in block  1010  of  FIG. 10 . When VLC is used and if CBP is not zero, it implies at least one nonzero transform coefficient existing in the leaf CU and NonZeroFound is set to 1. Otherwise, when VLC is used and CBP is zero, NonZeroFound has the same value as before, i.e., 0. When CABAC is used and CBF is not zero, it implies at least one nonzero transform coefficient existing in the leaf CU and NonZeroFound is set to 1. Otherwise, when CABAC is used and CBF is zero, NonZeroFound has the same value as before, i.e., 0. 
         [0044]    To support the above alternative embodiment, the sequence head and slide header syntax stays the same as those in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . As before, the sps_qp_max_depth syntax element in the sequence head specifies the depth of the QP minimum CU size from the largest CU. In each slice header, the sh_qp_max_depth syntax element specifies the depth of QP minimum CU size from the largest CU. The change_qp_max_depth_flag syntax element as shown in block  510  is used to indicate the selection of the QP minimum CU size, QpMinCuSize, from either the sequence level or the slice level. For example, a change_qp_max_depth_flag value equal to 0 denotes that the minimum CU size for sending QP is derived from sps_qp_max_depth. A change_qp_max_depth_flag value equal to 1 denotes that the minimum CU size for sending QP is derived from sh_qp_max_depth. For a leaf CU that is larger than or equal to QpMinCuSize, one delta QP is transmitted when the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. For multiple leaf CUs that are all smaller than QpMinCuSize and have the same parent CU of size equal to QpMinCuSize, one delta QP is transmitted when these leaf CUs have at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. According to the alternative embodiment, a leaf CU that is larger than or equal to QpMinCuSize, one delta QP is transmitted when the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. In other words, the delta QP is not transmitted if there is no nonzero quantized transform coefficient. Furthermore, for multiple leaf CUs that are smaller than QpMinCuSize and have the same parent CU of size equal to QpMinCuSize, one delta QP is transmitted for the leaf CUs to share the QP information when these leaf CUs have at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. In addition, the detection of nonzero quantized transform coefficient can be based on PredMode, CBP, CBF or any combination of PredMode, CBP, and CBF. 
         [0045]    While the syntax design in  FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9A, 9B and 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the particular syntax elements are used as examples to practice the present invention and a skilled person in the field may modify the syntax elements to practice the same present invention. According to the exemplary syntax elements, a decoder may derive required QP information for decoding the bitstream. For example, a decoder may extract the change_qp_max_depth_flag syntax element to determine whether the QP minimum CU size is indicated in the slice header or the sequence header. Consequently, the QP minimum CU size can be determined. The size of a leaf CU can be decoded from the bitstream and the order of the leaf CU in the slice can be determined. If the leaf CU size is greater than or equal to the QP minimum CU size, the NonZeroFound value is checked. If NonZeroFound has a value of 0, it implies no nonzero transform coefficients in the leaf CU and the transform coefficients of the leaf CU are all set to 0. If NonZeroFound has a value of 1, a delta QP exists in the coding unit data. The decoder can extract the delta QP accordingly and apply the delta QP to the coding unit data for decoding the coding unit. 
         [0046]    In a second alternative embodiment according the present invention, delta QP for each leaf CU, which has nonzero quantized transform coefficients, is explicitly transmitted or derived implicitly base on the information of at least one other leaf CU belonging to the same LCU. The condition of nonzero quantized transform coefficients in the leaf CU can be derived based on PredMode, CBF, CBP, or a combination of the above. For example, if the leaf CU prediction mode, PredMode is not SKIP and the coded block pattern, CBP, in case of VLC, or the coded block flag, CBF, in case of CABAC is nonzero, the leaf CU contains at least one nonzero transform coefficient. In the following, we only take the case of transmitting delta QP information explicitly for the leaf CU which has nonzero quantized transform coefficients as an example. The required syntax to support the second alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 11 through 15 . The sequence header in  FIG. 11 , the slice header in  FIG. 12 , the slice_data( )syntax in  FIG. 13 , and the coding_unit( )syntax in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  are the same as those for the conventional HEVC. The required transform_unit( )syntax modifications from the conventional HEVC are indicated in block  1510  as shown in  FIG. 15 . As shown in block  1510 , when VLC is used and CBP is non-zero, a delta QP is transmitted. Also, when CABAC is used and CBF is non-zero, a delta QP is transmitted. According to the second alternative embodiment, each leaf CU can have its own quantization parameter and the quantization parameter information is sent only if the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. 
         [0047]    While the syntax design in  FIGS. 11 through 15  illustrates the second alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the particular syntax elements are used as examples to practice the present invention and a skilled person in the field may modify the syntax elements to practice the same present invention. According to the exemplary syntax elements, a decoder may derive required QP information for decoding a leaf CU in the video bitstream if the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. For example, if VLC is used and if the coded block pattern, CBP, of a leaf CU is non-zero, the decoder obtains QP information such as a delta QP explicitly from the video bitstream or implicitly from information of at least another leaf CU belonging to the same Largest Coding Unit (LCU). The decoder can extract the delta QP accordingly and apply the delta QP to the coding unit data for decoding. If VLC is used and if the CBP is zero, it indicates that the transform coefficients of the leaf CU are all 0. Similarly, if CABAC is used and if the coded block flag, CBF, is non-zero, a delta QP exists. The decoder can extract the delta QP accordingly and apply the delta QP to the coding unit data for decoding. If CABAC is used and if the CBF is zero, it indicates that the transform coefficients of the leaf CU are all 0. 
         [0048]    In a third alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the coding system may switch between two modes of quantization parameter processing. In a first mode, the coding system uses one delta QP per LCU if the LCU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. In a second mode, the coding system uses one delta QP per leaf CU if the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. To support the third alternative embodiment, the same sequence header syntax, slice header syntax, and slide_data( )syntax as the conventional HEVC can be used. The coding_unit( )syntax modifications are indicated by blocks  1610  and  1620  as shown in  FIG. 16A  and  FIG. 16B . In block  1610 , lcu_based_qp_flag is incorporated to indicate whether LCU based QP is used if the current CU has the same size as LCU. If lcu_based_qp_flag is set, NonZeroFound is reset to 0. After the subsequent transform_unit( ) routine is executed, the NonZeroFound value may be altered. As shown in block  1620 , if the current CU has the same size as LCU, the syntax element, the lcu_based_qp_flag value is checked. If lcu_based_qp_flag has a value of 1, the NonZeroFound value is checked. If NonZeroFound has a value of 1, delta_qp is incorporated and NonZeroFound is reset to 0. The required transform_unit( )syntax modifications from the conventional HEVC are indicated in block  1710  as shown in  FIG. 17 . As shown in block  1710 , when lcu_based_qp_flag has a value of 1, the first two conditions of if VLC is used and if coded block pattern, CBP, is non-zero are tested. If the first two conditions are satisfied, then NonZeroFound is set to 1. Furthermore, the second two conditions of if CABAC is used and if coded block flag, CBF, is non-zero are also tested. If the second two conditions are satisfied, then NonZeroFound is set to 1. If neither the first two conditions nor the second two conditions are satisfied, the value for NonZeroFound remains the same as before, i.e., 0. When lcu_based_qp_flag is not set, the third two conditions of if VLC is used and if CBP is non-zero are tested. If the third two conditions are satisfied, then a delta QP is transmitted. Furthermore, the fourth two conditions of if CABAC is used and if CBF is non-zero are tested. If the fourth two conditions are satisfied, then a delta QP is also transmitted. According to the third alternative embodiment, in the first mode, each LCU can have its own quantization parameter and the quantization parameter information is sent only if the LCU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. In the second mode, each leaf CU can have its own quantization parameter and the quantization parameter information is sent only if the leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient 
         [0049]    While the syntax design in  FIGS. 16A, 16B and 17  illustrates the third alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the particular syntax elements are used as examples to practice the present invention and a skilled person in the field may modify the syntax elements to practice the same present invention. According to the exemplary syntax elements, a decoder may derive required QP information for decoding the bitstream. For example, the decoder can check if lcu_based_qp_flag is set. If lcu_based_qp_flag is set, the decoder checks if NonZeroFound is set. If NonZeroFound is set, the decoder extracts QP information such as the delta QP accordingly and applies the delta QP to the LCU. If NonZeroFound is not set, it implies that there is no nonzero transform coefficient in the LCU. When lcu_based_qp_flag is not set, the decoder checks the conditions of if VLC is used and if coded block pattern, CBP, is non-zero. If the conditions are satisfied, the decoder extracts the QP information such as the delta QP accordingly and applies the delta QP to the leaf CU for decoding. The decoder also checks the conditions of if CABAC is used and if coded block flag CBF, is non-zero. If the conditions are satisfies, he decoder extracts the QP information such as the delta QP accordingly and applies the delta QP to the leaf CU for decoding. If VLC is used and CBP is zero, the transform coefficients of the leaf CU are all set to 0. Similarly, if CABAC is used and CBF is zero, the transform coefficients of the leaf CU are all set to 0. 
         [0050]    The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The invention may be embodied in hardware such as integrated circuits (IC) and application specific IC (ASIC), software and firmware codes associated with a processor implementing certain functions and tasks of the present invention, or a combination of hardware and software/firmware. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
In one implementation, a method codes video pictures, in which each of the video pictures is partitioned into LCUs (largest coding units). The method operates by receiving a current LCU, partitioning the current LCU adaptively to result in multiple leaf CUs, determining whether a current leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient according to both Prediction Mode (PredMode) and Coded Block Flag (CBF), and incorporating quantization parameter information for the current leaf CU in a video bitstream, if the current leaf CU has at least one nonzero quantized transform coefficient. If the current leaf CU has no nonzero quantized transform coefficient, the method excludes the quantization parameter information for the current leaf CU in the video bitstream.