Adaptive Motion Resolution for Video Coding Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video coding techniques, such as those in the H.264 standard, primarily support motion vectors with one-quarter-pixel precision, which may not fully utilize the potential benefits of one-eighth-pixel precision due to increased coding bits, and lack efficient methods for signaling and adapting motion vector precision during the encoding process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive motion resolution techniques that allow video encoders to select between one-eighth-pixel and one-quarter-pixel precision for motion vectors, signaling the chosen precision to decoders, by using flags or context-adaptive variable length codes, ensuring proper calculation and interpolation of motion vectors, and limiting high precision to specific contexts or reference frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If one-eighth-pixel precision motion vectors are used for all blocks, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to increased coding bits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different blocks to have different motion vector precisions based on their specific characteristics. Each block can be independently determined to use either one-eighth-pixel or one-quarter-pixel precision, rather than applying a uniform precision across all blocks. This selective approach optimizes measurement precision where needed while controlling overall coding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the motion vector precision parameter from a fixed one-quarter-pixel to an adaptive system that can switch between one-quarter-pixel and one-eighth-pixel precision. This parameter adaptation is controlled by evaluating block characteristics and signaling the precision level in the bitstream, allowing the system to optimize between precision and complexity on a per-block basis.
2Manufacturing precision
If one-eighth-pixel precision is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to increased bit usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling high encoding precision (one-eighth-pixel) only for specific blocks where it provides benefit, rather than uniformly across all blocks. The encoder evaluates each block's characteristics and selectively applies one-eighth-pixel precision where motion complexity or accuracy requirements demand it, while using the more efficient one-quarter-pixel precision for other blocks, thereby optimizing the balance between encoding precision and bit rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying one-eighth-pixel precision to only a subset of blocks rather than all blocks. This selective application ensures that the increased precision is used partially—only where necessary—to achieve improved encoding accuracy without incurring the full bit rate penalty of universal one-eighth-pixel precision, thus optimizing the trade-off between manufacturing precision and information loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive motion resolution is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to signaling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the motion vector precision indication with existing signaling structures in the video codec. Rather than introducing completely separate signaling mechanisms, the precision level is integrated into the existing bitstream syntax, allowing the encoder to signal whether one-eighth-pixel or one-quarter-pixel precision is used for each block using available signaling resources. This reduces the additional complexity introduced by adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the signaling mechanism to serve multiple functions: it not only indicates the motion vector precision level but also provides information about the encoding mode and block characteristics. This multi-functional signaling approach reduces the overall signaling complexity by consolidating multiple pieces of information into unified syntax elements that serve several purposes simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of encoding video data for blocks (120) of video data is disclosed. The method comprises determining whether to encode a first current block of video data using a first precision motion vector for the first current block or a second precision motion vector for the first current block, wherein the first precision motion vector is a higher precision than the second precision motion vector, encoding (154) the current block of video data using the first precision motion vector for the first current block (120) based on a determination that a reference frame is the closest reference frame temporally to the first current block, generating a first signal value indicative of the use of the first precision motion vector for the first current block, outputting the encoded first current block and the first signal value, determining whether to encode a second current block of video data using the first precision motion vector for the second current block or the second precision motion vector for the second current block, encoding (154) the second current block of video data using the second precision motion vector for the second current block (120) based on a determination that a reference frame is not the closest reference frame temporally to the second current block, generating a second signal value indicative of the use of the second precision motion vector for the second current block, and outputting the encoded second current block and the second signal value.