Dynamic Prediction Mode Selection for 4:4:4 Image Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing high 4:4:4 profile in video encoding systems does not optimize compression efficiency, as it uses a prediction method derived from the 4:2:0 format, which does not account for equal contributions of color components in representing image structure, leading to suboptimal encoding in formats where all color components contribute equally.
Innovation Solution
An image encoder that includes a predicted-image generating unit, a prediction-mode judging unit, and an encoding unit, which evaluates and selects between common and separate prediction modes for color components, allowing flexible selection of intra- and inter-prediction modes based on control signals and multiplexes appropriate information in the bit stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the common prediction mode derived from 4:2:0 format is used for 4:4:4 format encoding, then compatibility with existing standards is maintained, but compression efficiency is not optimized because color components do not contribute equally to image structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic prediction mode selection where the system can switch between common prediction mode (for compatibility) and separate prediction mode (for optimized compression). The prediction mode judging unit dynamically evaluates which mode to use based on the specific encoding scenario, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different prediction modes to different color components (Y, Cb, Cr) based on their individual characteristics. Instead of uniformly applying the same prediction mode to all components, the system selectively applies separate prediction modes where needed, optimizing compression efficiency for each component's contribution to image structure.
2Productivity
If separate prediction modes are used for each color component, then encoding efficiency is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether to use separate or common prediction modes based on actual encoding needs. The prediction mode judging unit evaluates the benefits of separate prediction against the increased complexity, selecting the optimal approach for each specific case rather than always using the more complex separate prediction mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controllable parameter (prediction mode selection) that can be adjusted to balance encoding efficiency and complexity. By changing this parameter based on the specific encoding scenario, the system can optimize performance while managing processing overhead.
3Ease of manufacture
If the high 4:4:4 profile uses prediction methods from 4:2:0 format, then implementation is simpler, but compression efficiency is suboptimal because all color components contribute equally to image structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the prediction process into separate handling for different color components. Instead of applying a unified prediction method from 4:2:0 format to all components, the system divides the prediction process to allow separate prediction modes for Y, Cb, and Cr components, recognizing that each component contributes differently to image structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different prediction qualities and methods to different color components based on their individual characteristics. The separate prediction mode allows each color component to be predicted with the appropriate level of detail and method, optimizing compression efficiency while maintaining implementation feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image encoder including: a predicted-image generating unit that generates a predicted image in accordance with a plurality of prediction modes indicating predicted-image generating methods; a prediction-mode judging unit that evaluates prediction efficiency of a predicted image outputted from the predicted-image generating unit to judge a predetermined prediction mode; and an encoding unit that subjects an output of the prediction-mode judging unit to variable-length encoding. The prediction-mode judging unit judges, on the basis of a predetermined control signal, which one of a common prediction mode and a separate prediction mode is used for respective color components forming the input image signal, and multiplexes information on the control signal on a bit stream, multiplexes, when the common prediction mode is used, common prediction mode information on the bit stream, and multiplexes, when the common prediction mode is not used, prediction mode information for each of the color components on the bit stream.