Hybrid Video Encoding Using Bit-Rate-Based Encoder Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video coding technologies face challenges in achieving high video quality while maintaining power efficiency and speed, particularly in hybrid SW/HW encoding systems, where there is no effective mechanism to decide whether to use a hardware or software encoder, leading to suboptimal tradeoffs between video quality and wall time.
Innovation Solution
A bit-rate-based hybrid encoding system that assigns video shots to either a software or hardware encoder based on estimated bit rate and number-of-cycles thresholds, using a convex-hull optimized encoding approach to determine the best tradeoffs between video quality and wall time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hardware encoder is used for video encoding, then power consumption and encoding time are reduced, but video quality deteriorates compared to software encoders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video encoding task by dividing video shots into different categories (e.g., complex vs. simple scenes) and assigns them to different encoding paths (software or hardware encoder) based on the segment characteristics and estimated bit rate requirements, allowing each encoder type to handle tasks it performs best at
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic encoder selection by continuously estimating bit rates for different video shots and adapting the choice of encoder (software or hardware) based on real-time conditions, rather than using a static encoding approach throughout the entire video sequence
2Manufacturing precision
If a software encoder is used for video encoding, then video quality is improved, but power consumption and wall time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video stream into segments or shots and applies different encoding strategies to different segments, using software encoding only for segments where it provides significant quality improvement while hardware encoding handles other segments, thereby reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters dynamically by adjusting the choice of encoder (software or hardware) based on estimated bit rate thresholds and scene complexity, allowing the system to optimize the tradeoff between video quality and power consumption for each specific video shot
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid SW/HW encoding is implemented without an effective selection mechanism, then both software and hardware encoders are available, but the tradeoff between video quality and wall time becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by estimating the bit rate for each video shot and using this information to determine the appropriate encoder selection, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes the tradeoff between video quality and encoding speed based on actual video content characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate encoder type without requiring manual intervention, using built-in bit rate estimation and threshold comparison logic to make real-time decisions about whether to use software or hardware encoding for each video shot
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to bit-rate-based hybrid encoding. A device may generate a list of encodes based on pairs of resolution and quantization parameters (QP) pairs associated with one or more video segments received from a source. The device may generate an estimated bit rate associated with the one or more video segments based on an analysis of the one or more video segments. The device may compare the estimated bit rate to a threshold. The device may switch between a software encoder and a hardware encoder based on the comparison of the estimated bit rate to the threshold. The device may encode each of the one or more video segments for transmission using the hardware encoder or the software encoder.