Dynamic Entropy Encoding Control for Parallel Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image encoding methods experience degradation in image quality at boundary parts within a picture due to division of images into blocks or segments for parallel processing, which is unavoidable in current parallel encoding systems.
Innovation Solution
An image encoding apparatus is designed with multiple entropy encoding sections that perform parallel processing, where the encoding control section dynamically assigns the next frame to the entropy encoding section that has completed the encoding process earlier, ensuring continuous encoding without suspending mid-process and minimizing processing suspension periods, thus maintaining high bit rate encoding without image quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of encoding devices operate in parallel to encode different blocks of the same picture, then encoding speed is improved, but image quality degradation occurs at boundary parts
Solution Approach 1:
The picture is divided into multiple blocks that can be processed in parallel by different encoding devices. Each block is assigned to a specific encoding device, allowing simultaneous encoding while maintaining the ability to handle boundary regions properly through coordinated processing between adjacent encoding devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic task allocation where encoding devices can switch between encoding different blocks of the same picture or different pictures based on processing status. This dynamic assignment allows the system to optimize for both parallel processing efficiency and boundary quality by adjusting which regions are processed by which device at any given time.
2Productivity
If video segments are shuffled and divided for parallel encoding, then parallel processing efficiency is improved, but image quality degradation still occurs at boundary parts
Solution Approach 1:
The video data is segmented into multiple blocks that can be independently processed in parallel. The segmentation is designed to allow proper handling of boundary regions between segments, ensuring that encoding quality is maintained at the interfaces between parallel processing regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the organizational parameters of how video data is divided and assigned for parallel processing. Instead of fixed segmentation, it implements a more flexible parameter-based allocation that considers both processing efficiency and quality requirements, allowing dynamic adjustment of segment boundaries and assignment strategies.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image encoding apparatus is provided which realizes an encoding process at a high bit rate without degradation in image quality at boundary parts within a picture. The image encoding apparatus 1 includes: a plurality of entropy encoding sections 105 and 106 for generating bit streams by entropy-encoding intermediate data generated from syntax elements of image data; and an encoding control section 104 for supplying the intermediate data to any of the entropy encoding sections. The encoding control section 104 determines the entropy encoding section that performs an entropy encoding process by a frame in accordance with the processing status of each of the entropy encoding sections.