Adaptive Image Block Splitting and Prediction for Image Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image encoding and decoding technologies face challenges in efficiently compressing and decompressing high-resolution or high-definition image content, particularly in determining optimal data units for encoding and decoding based on the characteristics of images.

Innovation Solution

The method involves splitting image blocks into various types (binary-split, tri-split, and quad-split) based on their size and shape, and determining prediction modes (intra or inter) to optimize encoding and decoding processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If image blocks are split into various types (binary-split, tri-split, and quad-split) based on size and shape, then encoding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image block is segmented into multiple sub-blocks using different split types (binary-split, tri-split, quad-split) based on the block's size and shape characteristics. This segmentation allows the encoding process to adapt to local image features, improving encoding efficiency by selecting the most appropriate split pattern for each block region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding system dynamically selects among multiple split types and prediction modes based on real-time analysis of block size and shape. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize encoding efficiency for different image regions without requiring a fixed, overly complex structure for all possible cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If prediction modes are determined based on block size and shape characteristics, then compression efficiency is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of prediction modes based on block size and shape characteristics before the actual encoding process. By pre-establishing the appropriate prediction mode for each block type, the system avoids time-consuming mode selection during encoding, thus improving compression efficiency without excessive processing time penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding system changes parameters (prediction mode selection) based on block characteristics (size and shape). This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve better compression efficiency by matching the prediction mode to the block's inherent properties, while the rule-based parameter selection keeps processing time manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple split types are used for different block characteristics, then encoding precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different split types (binary-split, tri-split, quad-split) are applied to different blocks based on their local characteristics (size and shape). This local quality approach ensures that each block is encoded with the most appropriate precision for its specific features, rather than using a uniform encoding approach for all blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding process is segmented into multiple pathways corresponding to different split types. Each pathway is activated based on the block's characteristics, allowing the system to achieve high encoding precision for diverse block types while managing complexity through structured segmentation of the encoding logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4593375A1Image encoding method and apparatus, and image decoding method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4593375A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4593375A1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4593375A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

An image decoding method includes: splitting a first block included in an image on the basis of at least one of a split type and a split direction of the first block to determine at least one second block from the first block; determining one of a prediction mode of the at least one second block and whether to split the at least one second block on the basis of at least one of a size and a shape of the determined at least one second block; obtaining a prediction block of a block included in the at least one second block on the basis of one of the determined prediction mode and whether to split the at least one second block; and restoring the block included in the at least one second block on the basis of the prediction block of the block included in the at least one second block. Here, the split type represents one of binary-split, tri-split, and quad-split.