Inter Prediction Subblock Partitioning for Video Encoding Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video encoding/decoding methods face limitations in enhancing encoding/decoding efficiency due to a limited number of alternative reference blocks for inter prediction, particularly in generating inter-prediction blocks for current encoding target blocks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine multiple reference blocks from different reference pictures and partition the current block into subblocks, using reference candidate block index information to generate prediction blocks based on weighted sums of these reference blocks, thereby increasing the number of reference candidates for inter prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a limited number of alternative reference blocks are used for inter prediction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the encoding/decoding efficiency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding/decoding efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of reference block candidates
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current block is divided into multiple subblocks, and each subblock independently selects from multiple reference block candidates. This segmentation allows parallel processing and flexible reference selection for different regions, improving prediction efficiency without requiring a single complex reference selection mechanism for the entire block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using a single reference block to using multiple reference blocks across different reference pictures. By adding the temporal dimension (multiple reference pictures) and spatial dimension (multiple reference blocks per picture), the system achieves more accurate predictions while managing complexity through structured candidate generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple reference blocks are used for inter prediction, then the prediction accuracy is improved, but the processing time is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple reference block candidates are pre-generated and prepared before the actual prediction process. The reference pictures and candidate blocks are ready in advance, allowing the prediction to be performed efficiently without time-consuming on-the-fly reference block generation during the encoding/decoding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically generates and manages multiple reference block candidates based on the current block's characteristics and available reference pictures. The reference candidate generation process is self-regulating, adapting to different block sizes and content without requiring external intervention or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the current block is partitioned into subblocks, then the adaptability of prediction is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction adaptabilityVSAvoidblock partitioning structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current block is divided into multiple subblocks, and each subblock independently selects from multiple reference block candidates. This segmentation allows parallel processing and flexible reference selection for different regions, improving prediction efficiency without requiring a single complex reference selection mechanism for the entire block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines the number and configuration of subblocks based on the current block's size and characteristics. The reference candidate generation process is adaptive, adjusting to different block partitions without requiring a fixed complex structure, allowing flexibility while managing complexity through dynamic configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11683475B2Method and apparatus for image encoding/decoding
Publication Date: 2023.06.20 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • US11683475B2 patent drawing
  • US11683475B2 patent drawing
  • US11683475B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image to enhance inter prediction. According to the present invention, the method includes: determining a first reference picture and a second reference picture of a current block; determining both a first reference block in the first reference picture and a second reference block in the second reference picture; partitioning the current block into a plurality of sub blocks; and obtaining a prediction block of each of the sub blocks on the basis of reference candidate block index information of each of the sub blocks.