Dynamic Encoder Switching for H.265 Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The H.265 video protocol encoders experience significantly higher power consumption compared to H.264, and existing clock gating methods only partially reduce this consumption, especially when operating in full-speed encoding modes.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically switches between primary and secondary encoders based on the encoding complexity index and scenario types, using the secondary encoder with lower power consumption for frames with high skip macroblocks and preset motion vectors, and switching back to the primary encoder for frames with complex motion scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If clock gating is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but encoding speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic encoder selection that adapts to varying encoding scenarios. The system dynamically switches between primary and secondary encoders based on real-time analysis of motion complexity metrics (skip macroblock ratio, motion vector precision), allowing optimal power-performance balance that adjusts to content characteristics rather than using a fixed low-power mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the encoding process by dividing video frames into different complexity categories and routing them to appropriate encoders. Simple frames with high skip macroblock ratios are processed by the low-power secondary encoder, while complex frames with frequent motion are processed by the high-performance primary encoder, achieving selective power reduction without compromising overall encoding quality
2Reliability
If a primary encoder is used for all scenarios, then encoding quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by matching encoder capability to scene requirements. Instead of uniformly applying high-quality encoding to all frames, the system analyzes local motion characteristics and applies appropriate encoder strength only where needed, using the secondary encoder for static or simple motion regions where full encoding power is unnecessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different encoder configurations based on measured scene complexity. The system monitors parameters such as skip macroblock ratio and motion vector precision, and adjusts encoder selection accordingly, transitioning from primary to secondary encoder when parameters indicate simple motion scenarios
3Productivity
If full-speed encoding mode is used, then encoding speed is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of encoding scenarios by continuously analyzing frame characteristics and dynamically adjusting encoder selection. The system periodically assesses motion complexity metrics and switches encoders accordingly, creating a rhythm of high-performance and low-power operation that matches the temporal patterns in video content
Data Source
AI summary
A low power-consuming encoding method and an apparatus are provided. The method includes: receiving a quantity of skip macroblocks and a quantity of macroblocks whose motion vectors (MVs) are a preset value, where the quantity of skip macroblocks and the quantity of macroblocks whose MVs are the preset value are corresponding to a target frame and are sent by a target encoder; obtaining an encoding complexity index according to the quantity of skip macroblocks and the quantity of macroblocks whose MVs are the preset value, and determining a scenario type corresponding to the target frame; and using a secondary encoder as the target encoder if a quantity of first pre-determined scenarios in scenario types separately corresponding to multiple consecutive target frames is greater than a threshold. Power consumed by the secondary encoder is less than power consumed by a primary encoder, which effectively reduces power consumption of encoding.