Encoder Circuit Motion Vector Search Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video encoder circuits face challenges in improving coding efficiency through inter prediction, particularly in setting effective search ranges and directions for motion vectors in video compression coding standards like MPEG and H.264.

Innovation Solution

The proposed encoder circuit includes a statistical processing circuit and a motion search circuit that perform statistical processing on motion vectors to set a search range, start position, and direction, optimizing the search process by generating motion vectors based on previous searches, thereby reducing the time required for detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large search range is used to ensure accurate motion vector detection, then detection precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector detection precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using statistical processing on previously detected motion vectors to predict the search start position and search direction before the actual motion vector search begins. This preliminary prediction allows the search to start from an optimized position rather than scanning the entire range from the beginning, thus reducing processing time while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the search range and search direction adaptive rather than fixed. The search range is dynamically adjusted based on statistical characteristics of motion vectors in different regions, and the search direction is dynamically determined based on predicted motion patterns. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between search thoroughness and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If statistical processing is performed on motion vectors to optimize search parameters, then coding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidencoder circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the statistical processing circuit to serve multiple functions: it processes motion vectors from different macroblocks, generates statistical information for search range determination, and provides prediction data for search direction optimization. This multi-functional approach improves coding efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by having the statistical processing circuit utilize the motion vectors it processes to generate its own operational parameters. The circuit processes motion vectors, extracts statistical characteristics, and uses these characteristics to automatically determine search ranges and directions, thereby improving efficiency without requiring external complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10104396B2Encoder circuit and encoding method
Publication Date: 2018.10.16 SOCIONEXT INC
  • US10104396B2 patent drawing
  • US10104396B2 patent drawing
  • US10104396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An encoder circuit includes a statistical processing circuit and a motion search circuit. The statistical processing circuit performs statistical processing on motion vectors detected with respect to each of macroblocks that are units of processing. Each of frame images included in video is divided into the macroblocks. The motion search circuit sets a first search range in a reference frame image temporally different from a first frame image among the frame images, sets a search start position and a search direction within the first search range based on the result of the statistical processing, searches the first search range from the search start position in accordance with the search direction, and generates the motion vector of a current macroblock included in the first frame image based on the result of searching the first search range.