H.264 Macroblock Prediction Mode Parameter Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining prediction mode parameters in H.264/AVC digital image decoding are complex and time-consuming, leading to inefficient use of hardware resources due to the need for repeated processing of neighboring blocks.
Innovation Solution
A simplified method and system that involves a block processing unit and a computation unit to perform specific logic operations on macroblocks to efficiently determine prediction mode parameters by storing and referencing pre-computed values, reducing the need for complex computations on neighboring blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine prediction mode parameters by processing neighboring blocks, then accurate prediction mode determination is achieved, but hardware resources are inefficiently utilized and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining and storing the prediction mode parameters of neighboring macroblocks (left macroblock A and upper macroblock B) before processing the current macroblock. These pre-computed parameters are stored in buffer memory and directly referenced during current block processing, eliminating the need for repeated computation of neighboring block parameters and significantly improving decoding efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If prediction mode parameters of neighboring blocks are repeatedly computed, then accurate prediction is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent computes and stores the prediction mode parameters of neighboring macroblocks in advance in buffer memory. When processing the current macroblock, the system directly retrieves these pre-computed parameters from the buffer rather than recalculating them, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining prediction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the prediction mode parameters from neighboring macroblocks and stores them in buffer memory. These copied parameters are then referenced during current block processing, avoiding the need to recreate or recompute the same parameter data and reducing overall computational burden.
3Reliability
If complex processing is performed on all blocks, then comprehensive prediction mode determination is achieved, but hardware resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the macroblock processing into distinct stages: (1) pre-processing stage where neighboring macroblock parameters are computed and stored in buffer, and (2) processing stage where current macroblock parameters are determined using the stored neighboring parameters. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to work independently and efficiently, improving overall hardware resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computation and storage of neighboring macroblock prediction mode parameters before current block processing. This preliminary action separates the computationally intensive neighboring block analysis from the current block processing, allowing hardware resources to be used more efficiently during the actual decoding operation.
Data Source
AI summary
For determining a prediction mode parameter, a macroblock of an image is divided into a plurality of blocks; most prediction mode parameters corresponding to a plurality of first blocks along a left most edge of the macroblock are determined; most prediction mode parameters corresponding to a plurality of second blocks along a top most edge of the macroblock are determined; and the most prediction mode parameters of the first and second blocks are stored into a buffer allocated with designated position for the plurality of blocks.