Gradual Refresh Image Encoding and Decoding for Lower Bit Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size, resolution, and frame rate of video data are leading to higher data volumes, necessitating improved encoding efficiency and higher image quality, particularly in the encoding of intra-predicted I pictures, which pose challenges in rate control and buffer management.
Innovation Solution
A method for gradually encoding or decoding an entire region of a picture over multiple pictures using a gradual refresh technique, where a group of pictures is defined with a first and last picture, and regions are progressively refreshed, allowing for improved encoding efficiency and reduced bit requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If intra-prediction is used for I pictures, then image quality is improved, but bit requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The picture is divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) with different prediction modes. The first region uses intra-prediction for high quality, while the second region uses inter-prediction to reduce bit requirements. This segmentation allows selective application of prediction techniques to balance quality and bitrate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the picture are assigned different prediction qualities. The first region (e.g., important areas like heads or text) receives high-quality intra-prediction, while the second region (less important areas) uses lower-bitrate inter-prediction. This local differentiation optimizes overall quality per bitrate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intra-prediction is used for entire I picture, then random access capability is maintained, but buffer control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The I picture is segmented into regions with different prediction modes. The first region maintains intra-prediction for random access capability, while the second region uses inter-prediction to reduce buffer requirements. This allows partial maintenance of random access while improving buffer control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying intra-prediction to the entire picture (excessive action), the patent applies it only to the first region where it is most beneficial (partial action). This reduces the overall bit load and simplifies buffer control while maintaining essential random access capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If video resolution and frame rate are increased, then image quality is improved, but data volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions are assigned different quality levels. Important regions (first region) receive high-quality encoding with intra-prediction, while less important regions (second region) use more compressed inter-prediction. This allows overall image quality improvement without proportionally increasing data volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters (prediction mode, bitrate allocation) for different regions based on their importance. This allows adaptive quality control where high resolution and frame rate are maintained for important areas while reducing data volume for less important areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for decoding a sequence of pictures using a gradual refresh technique. In particular, all areas in one picture are gradually encoded or decoded over a plurality of pictures associated with the picture.