Asymmetric Sub-Block Division for Video Encoding Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video encoding/decoding methods are limited by the use of square or rectangular encoding/decoding blocks, which restricts the ability to effectively encode and decode high-resolution and high-quality videos using asymmetric sub-block division structures.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing a coding unit into multiple sub-units using various asymmetric sub-block division structures, such as binary-tree, combined quad-tree and binary-tree, and separated PU/TU tree structures, allowing for independent prediction and improved encoding/decoding efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional square or rectangular encoding/decoding blocks are used, then the encoding structure is simple and easy to implement, but the ability to adapt to local characteristics of video data is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to local characteristicsVSAvoidencoding structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding unit is divided into multiple asymmetric sub-blocks with different shapes (e.g., 2:1, 1:2, 3:1, 1:3 ratios) instead of uniform square or rectangular blocks. This segmentation allows each sub-block to be optimized for its specific local characteristics, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic division

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric sub-blocks with non-uniform dimensions (different width-height ratios) to replace the conventional symmetric square or rectangular blocks. This asymmetry enables the encoding structure to better match the actual content characteristics of different video regions, such as horizontal edges versus vertical edges, thereby enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If asymmetric sub-block division structures are used, then encoding/decoding efficiency is improved and local characteristics are better captured, but the complexity of block division structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding/decoding efficiencyVSAvoidblock division structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding unit is divided into multiple asymmetric sub-blocks with different shapes (e.g., 2:1, 1:2, 3:1, 1:3 ratios) instead of uniform square or rectangular blocks. This segmentation allows each sub-block to be optimized for its specific local characteristics, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic division

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic block division where the choice of asymmetric sub-block configuration is not fixed but can be adapted based on the content characteristics of different video regions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize encoding efficiency for each specific case while managing overall complexity through conditional application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If prediction is performed independently for asymmetric sub-blocks, then encoding precision for local characteristics is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coding unit is divided into multiple asymmetric sub-blocks with different shapes (e.g., 2:1, 1:2, 3:1, 1:3 ratios) instead of uniform square or rectangular blocks. This segmentation allows each sub-block to be optimized for its specific local characteristics, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic division

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies independent prediction only to asymmetric sub-blocks where it is most beneficial for capturing local characteristics, rather than uniformly applying it to all blocks. This selective application optimizes precision for regions that require it while avoiding unnecessary computational overhead in regions where conventional prediction suffices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250106409A1Method and device for image encoding/decoding on basis of asymmetric sub-block

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a video encoding/decoding method and apparatus. The video decoding method according to the present invention may comprise dividing a coding unit into a plurality of sub-units according to a block division structure and performing decoding based on the sub-unit, wherein the block division structure is a block division structure in which division is performed so as to include at least one sub-unit having a predetermined block form other than square and rectangle forms.