Bitstream Parser Hardware Accelerator Escape Code Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Variable Length Decode (VLD) components in video decompression processes are inefficient due to the need to break from the N bits at a time (Nbaat) parsing flow when encountering escape codes, leading to increased processing time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hardware-based solution within the BitStream Parser Hardware Accelerator (BSP HWA) to extract run and level values associated with escape codes without departing from the Nbaat parsing flow, using internal Look Up Tables and processing logic to handle escape codes within the hardware parser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If escape codes are handled by breaking from the Nbaat parsing flow and using software routines, then escape codes can be processed correctly, but processing time increases dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveescape code handling correctnessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges escape code handling into the hardware-based Nbaat parsing flow by integrating escape code detection and processing logic directly into the VLD component. This allows escape codes to be handled within the same hardware pipeline as regular VLC codes, eliminating the need to break from the parsing flow and switch to software routines, thus maintaining high processing speed while ensuring correct escape code handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the software-based escape code handling mechanism with a hardware-based implementation. The VLD component includes dedicated hardware logic to detect and process escape codes directly in the bitstream parsing pipeline, substituting the traditional software routine approach with hardware circuitry that operates at the same speed as the main decoding process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If Look Up Tables are used to index common VLC symbols, then decode performance is enhanced, but hardware costs increase due to larger table sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecode performanceVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating specialized hardware handling logic for escape codes in specific locations of the parsing pipeline, rather than uniformly expanding LUTs for all possible symbols. The escape code processing is localized to where it is needed in the bitstream parsing flow, maintaining efficiency without proportionally increasing overall hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of escape code representation by allocating specific bit patterns as escape codes and implementing dedicated detection logic for these patterns. This allows the system to handle escape codes efficiently through parameter-based identification rather than requiring exhaustive LUT coverage for all possible symbol variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2030451B1Hardware accelerated compressed video bitstream escape code handling

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 INTEL CORP

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AI summary

Apparatus, systems and methods for hardware accelerated compressed video bitstream escape code handling are disclosed including an apparatus comprising a bitstream parser (BSP) to parse a bitstream of compressed video data. The BSP includes circuitry to extract uncompressed run and level data from the bitstream when the BSP detects an escape code in the bitstream. Other implementations are disclosed.