Diagonal Block Partitioning for Efficient Inter Prediction Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image encoding/decoding technologies face challenges in achieving efficient compression of high-resolution and stereoscopic video content, particularly in inter prediction processes.

Innovation Solution

The method employs diagonal division of blocks into regions using various block division types, including quad-tree, binary-tree, and ternary-tree divisions, with masking operations to enhance compression efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional block division methods (square/non-square) are used in inter prediction, then the encoding process is simple, but compression efficiency is insufficient for high-resolution video

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidblock division complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current block is divided into multiple prediction blocks using diagonal division in addition to conventional square and non-square divisions. This segmentation allows different prediction modes to be applied to different regions, improving compression efficiency by better matching the actual motion patterns in high-resolution video content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces diagonal division as a new dimension of block partitioning, transitioning from traditional horizontal/vertical splits to include diagonal orientations. This adds a new degree of freedom in how blocks can be divided, enabling more flexible adaptation to various motion directions and improving prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple block division types are combined, then compression efficiency improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a predetermined hierarchy and selection order for different block division types (square division, non-square division, diagonal division). By pre-defining the sequence in which division types are considered and selected, the encoder can make decisions based on simple criteria without requiring extensive signaling about the selection process, thus reducing overhead while maintaining compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If diagonal division is applied to all blocks, then prediction accuracy improves, but processing complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies diagonal division selectively rather than uniformly to all blocks. The decision to apply diagonal division is made based on local characteristics of each current block, such as its size and the nature of the video content. This localized approach maintains prediction accuracy where needed while avoiding unnecessary processing complexity in blocks where conventional division suffices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260006198A1Method, device, and recording medium storing bit stream, for encoding/decoding image
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260006198A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006198A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006198A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for encoding/decoding an image. The image decoding method according to the invention comprises the steps of: obtaining diagonal partition information on a current block; determining a diagonal partition structure of the current block using the diagonal partition information; and diagonally partitioning the current block into a first and a second area based on the determined diagonal partition structure, the current block being a leaf node of a square or rectangular partition.