Interlaced Video Encoding Using Parity-Segmented Reference Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving picture encoding technologies face challenges in efficiently encoding interlaced structures due to phase shifts between top and bottom fields, which affect encoding efficiency and accuracy, especially when regions with and without motion are present.
Innovation Solution
A moving picture encoding apparatus that encodes a current field as a B-picture using a first reference picture list with a same parity field and a second reference picture list with an opposite parity field, allowing for efficient switching between reference destinations for regions with and without motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reference picture list is used for encoding interlaced structures, then device complexity is reduced, but prediction accuracy deteriorates due to phase shifts between top and bottom fields
Solution Approach 1:
The reference picture list is segmented into two separate lists: a first reference picture list for same-parity fields and a second reference picture list for opposite-parity fields. This segmentation allows the encoder to select the appropriate reference list based on the current field's parity, thereby maintaining prediction accuracy without requiring complex switching mechanisms. Each reference list is dedicated to a specific field type, eliminating phase shift issues while keeping the control logic straightforward.
2Measurement precision
If reference pictures from both same and opposite parity fields are mixed in a single list, then prediction accuracy improves, but encoding efficiency deteriorates due to increased data amount
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting reference pictures into two separate lists based on field parity, the invention enables efficient encoding through selective reference. The encoder can choose from only the relevant reference pictures (same-parity or opposite-parity) depending on the current field being encoded, reducing the search space and encoding complexity while maintaining access to the most appropriate reference data for accurate prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing different reference picture sets for different field types. Same-parity fields utilize references from the first list, while opposite-parity fields use references from the second list. This localized optimization ensures that each field type accesses the most suitable reference pictures, improving prediction accuracy without requiring the encoder to process all possible reference pictures from a single mixed list.
3Measurement precision
If phase shift adjustment is applied to motion vector information, then prediction accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment circuits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complex phase shift adjustment circuits, the invention segments reference pictures into two separate lists based on field parity. This segmentation inherently handles the phase shift issue by ensuring that same-parity fields reference same-parity pictures and opposite-parity fields reference opposite-parity pictures, eliminating the need for additional motion vector adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A moving picture encoding apparatus encodes a moving picture having an interlaced structure, and includes: a storage which stores fields as reference pictures; and an encoder which encodes a current field as a B-picture, using a first reference picture list which includes only one field in a same parity as the current field, and a second reference picture list which includes only one field in an opposite parity to the current field.