Block-Based Motion Estimation in Deep Video Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video compression methods struggle to efficiently determine optimal motion vectors for motion-compensated prediction, leading to high bitrate contributions due to inefficient motion information transmission.

Innovation Solution

Employing classical block-based motion estimation techniques within a neural network framework to enhance the end-to-end video codec, incorporating block-based motion estimation strategies such as diamond search and sub-pel search, and modifying the cost criterion to include a rate term, along with improved distortion measures to estimate residual coding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If neural network-based motion search is used, then the end-to-end video compression is simplified, but the bitrate contribution from motion information transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion search complexityVSAvoidbitrate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical block-matching motion estimation with a neural network-based approach. The neural network directly processes reference pictures to generate motion vectors, eliminating the need for complex search algorithms and reducing computational complexity while maintaining compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of motion vector representation by using neural networks to directly output optimized motion vectors rather than traditional block-matching results. This parameter transformation enables more efficient bitrate allocation and reduces the bitrate contribution from motion information transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If block-based motion estimation is used, then motion vector determination is optimized, but the computational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector accuracyVSAvoidcomputational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motion estimation process into block-based units, where each block independently determines its motion vector. This segmentation enables parallel processing and reduces the overall computational cost while maintaining high accuracy through localized optimization of motion vectors in each block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying strategies where motion vectors are predicted based on neighboring blocks' motion vectors. This copying approach reduces computational cost by avoiding exhaustive search while maintaining accuracy through the exploitation of spatial correlation in motion fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If full search of motion vector candidates is performed, then optimal motion vectors are found, but the computational expense becomes too high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector optimalityVSAvoidcomputational expense
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial search strategies where instead of exhaustively searching all possible motion vector candidates, the algorithm performs a limited but sufficient search. This partial action approach finds optimal or near-optimal motion vectors with significantly reduced computational expense, balancing accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the neural network continuously refines motion vector estimates based on prediction error feedback. This feedback loop enables the system to converge on optimal motion vectors without requiring exhaustive search, reducing computational expense while maintaining optimality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250386027A1Deep video coding with block-based motion estimation
Publication Date: 2025.12.18 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • US20250386027A1 patent drawing
  • US20250386027A1 patent drawing
  • US20250386027A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for determining an encoding of a motion field for a picture of a video sequence comprising a sequence of pictures, such that said picture is decodable using a reference picture, the motion field and the residual, according to an embodiment is provided. The apparatus comprises a trained neural network configured to determine the encoding of the motion field, being associated with said picture, depending on said picture and depending on the reference picture.