Adaptive Sliding Window Algorithm for Motion Estimation Memory Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Current motion estimation methods in video coding face challenges in optimizing memory bandwidth and cache requirements, particularly in high-definition resolutions and multi-frame coding, where the sliding window approach reduces cache needs but increases memory bandwidth, while the growing window approach minimizes bandwidth but requires significant internal memory.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive sliding window algorithm that dynamically adjusts the size of the motion estimation search window based on motion in the sequence, allowing for reduced memory bandwidth by switching between sliding and growing window approaches, and optimizing cache usage by trading off horizontal and vertical search ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If sliding window approach is used, then internal memory required for cache is reduced, but memory bandwidth required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal memory required for cacheVSAvoidmemory bandwidth required

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic search window size adjustment mechanism that adapts the cache dimensions based on motion characteristics. The cache size is dynamically modified according to the maximum motion vector magnitude detected in the video sequence, allowing the system to optimize between memory bandwidth and cache size in real-time based on actual motion content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the search window (cache dimensions) based on motion analysis. By analyzing motion vectors and adjusting the cache size parameters accordingly, the system optimizes memory bandwidth utilization while maintaining acceptable video quality, resolving the contradiction between reduced cache size and increased bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If growing window approach is used, then memory bandwidth required is reduced, but internal memory required for cache increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory bandwidth requiredVSAvoidinternal memory required for cache

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic search window size adjustment mechanism that adapts the cache dimensions based on motion characteristics. The cache size is dynamically modified according to the maximum motion vector magnitude detected in the video sequence, allowing the system to optimize between memory bandwidth and cache size in real-time based on actual motion content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the search window (cache dimensions) based on motion analysis. By analyzing motion vectors and adjusting the cache size parameters accordingly, the system optimizes memory bandwidth utilization while maintaining acceptable video quality, resolving the contradiction between reduced cache size and increased bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If search window size is increased to cover complete row of macroblocks, then motion estimation accuracy is improved, but memory bandwidth and cache requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion estimation accuracyVSAvoidmemory bandwidth required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic search window size adjustment mechanism that adapts the cache dimensions based on motion characteristics. The cache size is dynamically modified according to the maximum motion vector magnitude detected in the video sequence, allowing the system to optimize between memory bandwidth and cache size in real-time based on actual motion content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different search window sizes to different regions or sequences based on local motion characteristics. By analyzing motion vectors and adjusting the cache size parameters accordingly, the system provides sufficient search range only where needed, improving motion estimation accuracy in high-motion areas while minimizing bandwidth consumption in low-motion areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8976860B2Method and apparatus for determination of motion estimation search window area utilizing adaptive sliding window algorithm

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for motion estimation utilizing adaptive sliding window algorithm, the method includes estimating motion estimation search window size, transferring data from a previous picture relating to the search window, wherein the size of the search window is determined, and calculating motion vector of the current block by block matching the current block with data of the previous picture in search window.