Encoder Circuit Two-Stage Motion Search for Video Coding Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video encoders face a challenge in improving coding efficiency through motion search, as a wider search range increases processing time, reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An encoder circuit with a reduction circuit, statistical processing circuit, and multiple motion search circuits generates reduced images and performs statistical processing to select the most appropriate pattern for motion vector detection, allowing for efficient motion vector search within a narrower search range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wider search range is used in motion search, then motion vector detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion search process is divided into two stages: first performing motion search on reduced images to obtain preliminary motion vectors, then using these vectors to define a narrowed search range in the full-resolution reference frame. This segmentation allows accurate motion vector detection while reducing the overall search space and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary motion search on reduced-resolution images before conducting the final motion search on full-resolution images. This preliminary action provides initial motion vector estimates that guide the subsequent refined search, enabling accurate results with reduced processing time by avoiding exhaustive search of the entire range.
2Productivity
If reduced images are used for motion search, then processing time is reduced, but motion vector detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary motion search on reduced-resolution images to obtain initial motion vector estimates, then uses these estimates to guide a refined motion search in the full-resolution reference frame. This two-stage approach maintains high accuracy by correcting potential losses from downsampling through the final full-resolution search.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions between different resolution dimensions by first searching in a reduced-dimensional (lower resolution) space to quickly identify candidate motion vectors, then refining the search in the full-dimensional (original resolution) space. This dimensional transition enables efficient processing while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An encoder circuit includes a reduction circuit, a statistical processing circuit, a first motion search circuit, and a second motion search circuit. The reduction circuit generates reduced images of multiple patterns with respect to each of macroblocks. Each of frame images included in video is divided into the macroblocks. The statistical processing circuit performs statistical processing on motion vectors detected with respect to each of the macroblocks. The first motion search circuit selects one of the reduced images generated with respect to the frame image of a reference frame, based on the result of the statistical processing, and searches a first search range in the selected one of the reduced images so as to detect a first motion vector. The second motion search circuit searches a second search range set in the reference frame based on the first motion vector so as to detect a second motion vector.