Video Encoder Block Partitioning for Lower Bitstream Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image and video encoding methods face inefficiencies due to the lack of flexibility in block partitioning strategies, particularly when using block sizes other than typical 8×8 or 16×16, which can lead to suboptimal encoding and decoding processes.
Innovation Solution
An encoder and decoder that utilize a set of block partition modes, including a first partition mode defining the direction and number of partitions for a block, and a second partition mode for a center block with a fixed number of partitions, where the second mode is identified by a flag indicating horizontal or vertical partitioning, without specifying the total number of partitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete block partition mode is provided for every possible partition configuration, then encoding flexibility is improved, but bitstream complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing complete partition mode information only when necessary. When a block is partitioned into three or more sub-blocks, the patent specifies the partition direction and total number of partitions. However, when a block is partitioned into exactly two sub-blocks, the patent uses a simplified mode that only specifies the partition direction, omitting the total number of partitions parameter. This selective information provision reduces bitstream complexity while maintaining encoding flexibility for complex partitioning scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the level of detail in partition mode specifications based on the specific partitioning scenario. Different partition configurations receive different levels of information detail: ternary and quaternary partitions receive complete mode information, while binary partitions receive simplified directional information only. This localized differentiation of information quality optimizes the balance between flexibility and complexity reduction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the total number of partitions is always specified in block partition modes, then partitioning precision is improved, but encoding efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing complete partition mode information only when necessary. When a block is partitioned into three or more sub-blocks, the patent specifies the partition direction and total number of partitions. However, when a block is partitioned into exactly two sub-blocks, the patent uses a simplified mode that only specifies the partition direction, omitting the total number of partitions parameter. This selective information provision reduces bitstream complexity while maintaining encoding flexibility for complex partitioning scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the decoder to infer the total number of partitions from the partition direction and partition type information. When only the partition direction is provided (for binary partitions), the decoder can automatically determine the total number of partitions based on the partition type, eliminating the need for explicit specification and reducing encoding overhead while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If block partition modes are simplified to reduce processing overhead, then encoding speed is improved, but partitioning adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the block partitioning process into different scenarios based on the number of sub-blocks. It segments the partition modes into: (1) binary partition modes (2 sub-blocks) with simplified directional information, and (2) ternary/quaternary partition modes (3-4 sub-blocks) with complete directional and total partition information. This segmentation allows the system to use simplified processing for common binary partitions while maintaining full adaptability for complex partitioning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the partition mode specification adaptive rather than static. The level of detail in the partition mode information dynamically adjusts based on the partitioning scenario: simplified modes for binary partitions, complete modes for ternary and quaternary partitions. This dynamic information provision maintains encoding speed for simple cases while preserving full adaptability for complex cases.
Data Source
AI summary
An encoder partitions into blocks using a set of block partition modes. The set of block partition modes includes a first partition mode for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. When the number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after partitioning the first block, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicates that the number of partitions is only three. A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode includes a first flag indicating a horizontal or vertical partition direction, and does not include a second flag indicating the number of partitions.