Merge-Mode Video Coding With Candidate-Adaptive Cost Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video coding standards often use manually chosen cost functions that may not provide the highest coding efficiency and quality, leading to sub-optimal refinement results and reduced video coding performance.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive selection of cost functions based on a signaled candidate index, block size, and prediction mode to enhance merge candidate diversity, improving video coding efficiency and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a manually chosen cost function is used for a particular coding tool, then the implementation is simple and follows the standard, but the coding efficiency and quality may not be optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cost function selection adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically selects from multiple cost functions (SAD, SATD, MR-SAD, MR-SATD) based on block characteristics such as size, prediction mode, and motion vector candidate type, allowing the coding efficiency to be optimized for different scenarios while maintaining implementation feasibility through predefined selection rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of cost function selection from a fixed manual choice to a variable selection based on block parameters. By using parameters such as block size (4x4, 8x8, 16x16, etc.), prediction mode (merge, AMVP, BM, TM), and candidate index parity, the system selects appropriate cost functions to optimize coding efficiency for different block types
2Stability of the object's composition
If a single cost function is mandated by the video standard, then the standard implementation is consistent, but the coding efficiency and quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional cost function selection mechanism that works across different prediction modes (merge, AMVP, bilateral matching, template matching) and block sizes. The system universally applies selection rules based on candidate index parity and block characteristics to choose from multiple cost functions, ensuring consistent operation across diverse coding scenarios while improving overall efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cost function parameter dynamically based on encoding parameters such as prediction mode, block size, and candidate index. This allows the standard to maintain consistency through predefined selection rules while achieving improved coding efficiency by adapting the cost function to specific encoding conditions
3Productivity
If adaptive cost function selection is implemented, then coding efficiency and quality improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting different cost functions for different local characteristics of video blocks. Based on the specific block size, prediction mode, and candidate index, the system chooses the most appropriate cost function (SAD, SATD, MR-SAD, or MR-SATD) to optimize the refinement process for that particular local context, improving overall coding efficiency with minimal additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cost function parameters adaptively based on encoding parameters, using simple decision rules based on candidate index parity and block characteristics. This approach improves coding efficiency by selecting optimal cost functions for different scenarios while keeping the implementation complexity manageable through straightforward parameter-based selection logic
Data Source
AI summary
Example devices, methods, and computer readable media are described for adaptively selecting a cost function. An example device for decoding video data includes one or more memories configured to store the video data and one or more processors implemented in circuitry and operably coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors are configured to determine to decode a current block of the video data using an inter mode. The one or more processors are configured to determine a value of an index to a prediction candidate in a candidate list. The one or more processors are configured to determine the prediction candidate and a first cost function of a plurality of cost functions based on the value of the index. The one or more processors are configured to decode the current block based on the prediction candidate and the first cost function.