Hybrid Fixed-Rate Codec Switching for Bit-Budgeted Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data compression technologies face challenges in achieving mathematically lossless performance while meeting bitrate constraints and minimizing memory usage, especially in applications like display panels where overdrive algorithms require efficient data handling.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid data compression codec system that switches between lossless and lossy codecs based on a bit budget, using differential pulse coded modulation (DPCM) codecs without quantization for lossless performance and with quantization for lossy compression, to encode data in a fixed-size buffer without additional memory buffers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a lossless codec is used to ensure mathematically lossless performance, then compression quality is improved, but the bitrate increases beyond constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression qualityVSAvoidbitrate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic codec selection that switches between lossless and lossy compression modes based on real-time bit budget availability. The system monitors the bit budget constraint and adapts the compression approach accordingly, using lossless DPCM when budget permits and transitioning to lossy DPCM with quantization when budget is constrained, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining lossless quality and adhering to bitrate limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compression parameter (quantization level) dynamically based on bit budget conditions. When the bit budget is sufficient, the system uses lossless DPCM with no quantization. When the bit budget is constrained, the system applies lossy DPCM with quantization at adjustable levels, thus adapting the compression parameter to resolve the contradiction between information preservation and bitrate control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional memory buffers are added to handle compression data, then data handling flexibility is improved, but device complexity and memory usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata handling flexibilityVSAvoidmemory buffer requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional memory buffers by designing a compression system that operates with minimal memory requirements. The hybrid codec processes data in a streaming manner without requiring large intermediate buffers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle varying compression conditions through smart algorithmic switching rather than memory-based flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Quantity of substance

If lossy compression is used to meet bitrate constraints, then bitrate control is improved, but compression quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebitrate controlVSAvoidcompression quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between lossless and lossy compression modes based on bit budget conditions. When the bit budget allows, the system uses lossless DPCM to preserve quality. When the bit budget is constrained, the system transitions to lossy DPCM with quantization to meet the bitrate constraint, thus dynamically resolving the contradiction between bitrate control and quality preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial lossy compression only when necessary to meet bit budget constraints, rather than applying full lossy compression universally. The system uses lossless compression for as much data as the bit budget permits, and applies lossy compression only to the extent needed to satisfy bitrate requirements, thereby minimizing quality loss while achieving bitrate control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11244476B2Systems and methods for low-complexity near lossless fixed-rate hybrid data compression codecs

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A method for encoding data includes: receiving a frame of data including subunits; initializing a remaining bit budget for the frame; setting a current codec to a lossless codec having a lossless codec bitrate; and sequentially encoding the subunits, including: encoding a first subunit using the lossless codec to compute a first encoded sub-unit; subtracting a length of the first encoded subunit from the remaining bit budget; determining whether the remaining bit budget exceeds a first lossy bits required to encode a plurality of remaining subunits using a first lossy codec having a first lossy codec bitrate lower than the lossless codec bitrate; in response to determining that the remaining bit budget is less than or equal to the first lossy bits required, setting the current codec to the first lossy codec; and encoding a second subunit using the first lossy codec to compute a second encoded sub-unit.