Adaptive Block Quantization for High-Resolution Video Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video encoding technologies, such as H.264/AVC, are limited by their basic encoding unit of a macroblock, which is not optimal for high-resolution videos, as they do not adaptively encode quantization parameters according to the size of extended macroblocks or subblocks, leading to inefficiencies in compression and decoding.
Innovation Solution
A video encoding and decoding apparatus that determines the size of the minimum block unit for quantization parameter encoding, allowing adaptive encoding and decoding of quantization parameters based on the size of extended macroblocks and subblocks, enabling efficient encoding and decoding of high-resolution videos by dividing blocks into smaller units such as 16×16, 8×8, 8×4, 4×8, and 4×4 pixels, and using skip modes to reduce encoded information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If quantization parameters are transmitted in units of macroblock, then the encoding process is simple, but the compression efficiency for high-resolution videos deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video picture into multiple slices, and further divides each slice into multiple macroblocks. Within each macroblock, it identifies smaller block units (8×8, 4×4 pixels) and transmits quantization parameters at these finer granularities. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the macroblock level while achieving high-resolution optimization at the block unit level, resolving the contradiction between encoding simplicity and compression efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If extended macroblocks are used for high-resolution videos, then the picture quality improves, but the adaptability of quantization parameter encoding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quantization parameter encoding methods to different regions within a macroblock based on their specific characteristics. For block units with non-zero transform coefficients, it transmits differential quantization parameters adapted to local content characteristics. For blocks with zero coefficients, it uses skip modes that avoid redundant encoding. This local adaptation enables the system to maintain high picture quality while improving encoding adaptability through context-aware parameter selection.
3Measurement precision
If all block units are encoded with full information, then the decoding accuracy is high, but the encoded data size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential information needed for decoding. For block units where transform coefficients are non-zero, it extracts and transmits differential quantization parameters. For block units where transform coefficients are zero, it extracts and transmits skip mode indicators that allow the decoder to infer the quantization parameters without transmitting full information. This selective extraction maintains decoding accuracy for important regions while significantly reducing encoded data size for regions with minimal content.
Data Source
AI summary
A video decoding apparatus includes: a decoder to determine a size of a minimum block unit among block units in which quantization parameter information is decoded from a bitstream, determine a current block to be decoded by dividing a block larger than 16×16 into one or more blocks, decode, from the bitstream, a skip information and the motion information for deriving the motion vector of the current block without decoding information on residual signals of the current block, and decode, from the bitstream, prediction information of the current block and quantized transform coefficients of the current block; and a video reconstructor to determine the motion vector of the current block using the decoded motion information, reconstruct residual signals from the quantized transform coefficients by inversely quantizing the quantized transform coefficients using a quantization parameter, and reconstruct the current block based on the prediction information and the reconstructed residual signals.