Inter Prediction Reference List Segmentation for Video Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video codecs face inefficiencies in encoding and decoding high-resolution video content due to the need for extensive processing and data compression, particularly in determining reference images for inter prediction, which can lead to increased computational complexity and reduced encoding efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method and apparatus for inter prediction involve determining a reference image by preferentially checking a first reference list and selectively checking a second reference list based on the usage of the first list, thereby reducing unnecessary processing steps and enhancing efficiency in determining the reference image for inter prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all reference lists of a collocated block are checked to determine reference images for inter prediction, then the reliability of reference image selection is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference image selection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reference list checking process is segmented into two stages: preferential checking of the first reference list, and conditional checking of the second reference list based on the outcome of the first. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity while maintaining reliability by dividing the comprehensive checking into hierarchical steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first reference list is checked preliminarily before checking the second reference list. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether further checking is necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary processing while ensuring that the most likely candidate references are evaluated first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference image selection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reference list checking process is segmented into two stages: preferential checking of the first reference list, and conditional checking of the second reference list based on the outcome of the first. This segmentation reduces the overall processing time while maintaining reliability by dividing the comprehensive checking into hierarchical steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first reference list is checked preliminarily before checking the second reference list. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether further checking is necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary processing time while ensuring that the most likely candidate references are evaluated first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a selective checking approach is used for reference lists, then the processing efficiency is improved, but the reliability of reference image determination may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding efficiencyVSAvoidreference image determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The checking approach is made dynamic: the system preferentially checks the first reference list, and then dynamically decides whether to check the second reference list based on the outcomes of the first checking stage. This dynamic approach balances efficiency and reliability by adapting the checking depth to the specific case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different checking strategies are applied to different reference lists based on their local characteristics. The first reference list receives preferential checking, while the second reference list receives conditional checking only when necessary. This localized quality approach optimizes the balance between efficiency and reliability for each reference list.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10397601B2Method and apparatus for coding video, and method and apparatus for decoding video accompanied by inter prediction using collocated image

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an inter prediction method including determining a collocated block of a current block of a current image from among blocks of an image that is restored prior to the current image; preferentially checking whether a first reference list from among reference lists of the collocated block is referred to and selectively checking whether a second reference list is referred to according to whether the first reference list is referred to; based on a result of the checking, determining a single collocated reference list from among the first reference list and the second reference list; determining a reference block of the current block by using motion information of the collocated reference list; and performing inter prediction on the current block by using the determined reference block.