Buffer Array Flag Parameter Calculation for H.264 Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing H.264/AVC video compression standard requires complex and time-consuming calculations for determining offset values of blocks, leading to significant hardware resource occupation and computation time due to the need for repeated processing of each block's coded_block_flag parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize buffer arrays to store and update flag parameters in a specific order, allowing for efficient calculation of offset values by processing neighboring left and upper blocks prior to the current block, thereby reducing redundant computations and simplifying the processing of coded_block_flag parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a universal algorithm is used for calculating the offset value of all blocks, then the calculation can be performed for every block, but it results in huge and complex computation and occupies hardware resource
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the macroblock into multiple regions (e.g., four 8x8 blocks) and processes each region separately. By segmenting the calculation into region-level operations rather than block-level operations, the complexity is reduced while maintaining the necessary calculation accuracy for offset values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calculations only for necessary regions rather than all blocks. By applying partial action (calculating offset values only for regions that require them based on neighboring block characteristics), the computation is reduced without sacrificing the accuracy needed for CABAC decoding.
2Reliability
If repeated processing is performed for each block to determine coded_block_flag parameters, then the offset value can be calculated, but it causes large consumption of time and hardware resource
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations at the region level before processing individual blocks. By pre-calculating offset values for regions based on neighboring block characteristics, the subsequent block-level processing is accelerated without compromising decoding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processing of multiple blocks into a single region-level operation. By combining the calculation logic for multiple blocks into one unified region processing step, the patent reduces redundant computations and improves decoding speed while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal algorithm is used for all blocks, then consistency in processing is maintained, but it results in huge computation since every block demands repeated processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions based on their local characteristics. By analyzing neighboring block properties (such as whether they are intra or inter macroblocks) and applying region-specific calculations, the patent maintains processing consistency where needed while avoiding redundant computations in other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A flag parameter in a digital image decoding is calculated. For a macroblock consisting of M×N blocks, a first operation is performed on M block along a first edge to obtain M first parameters, and a second operation is performed on N blocks along a second edge to obtain N second parameters. The first and second parameters are stored into corresponding locations in a first and a second buffer array. Then a flag parameter corresponding to a given block is calculated according to corresponding values stored in the first and second buffer arrays. Calculation for all of the M×N blocks is performed in the order that neighboring left and upper blocks next to the give block is processed prior to the given block.