Template-Matched Block Vector Refinement for Intra-Block Copy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video coding technologies face inefficiencies in intra prediction and motion vector prediction, leading to suboptimal compression ratios and increased bandwidth requirements due to the use of less likely prediction directions and coarse motion vector resolution.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a template matching based block vector refinement method for intra block copy (IBC) mode, which refines block vectors using a finer precision and adaptive motion vector resolution, and applies template matching to improve prediction accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional intra prediction techniques are used with coarse motion vector resolution, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision of block vectors deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblock vector precisionVSAvoidcoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adaptive motion vector resolution (AMVR) that dynamically adjusts the precision of motion vectors based on the characteristics of each block. The system can switch between different precision levels (e.g., 1/4 pixel, 1/8 pixel, 1/16 pixel) depending on the complexity and motion characteristics of the video content, thereby achieving high precision when needed while maintaining low complexity when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the precision parameter of motion vectors from fixed coarse resolution to variable fine resolution. By introducing template matching based block vector refinement, the system refines block vectors with finer precision (e.g., 1/16 pixel accuracy) to improve prediction accuracy, directly addressing the measurement precision improvement while managing complexity through selective application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If template matching based block vector refinement is applied, then manufacturing precision of block vectors is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblock vector refinement accuracyVSAvoidcoding time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies template matching based block vector refinement selectively rather than universally. The system determines when refinement is necessary based on block characteristics, such as motion complexity or prediction accuracy requirements. This partial application approach achieves high precision for critical blocks while avoiding unnecessary processing time for blocks that don't require refinement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary template matching to identify candidate blocks and determine whether refinement is needed before executing the full refinement process. This preliminary assessment allows the system to prepare refinement only for blocks that will benefit from it, reducing overall processing time while maintaining high precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If adaptive motion vector resolution is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector precisionVSAvoidcoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptive motion vector resolution system dynamically selects the appropriate precision level for each block based on its characteristics. The system can adapt between different precision levels (1/4, 1/8, 1/16 pixel) depending on the block's motion complexity and prediction requirements, achieving high precision when needed while maintaining lower complexity for simpler blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the precision parameter of motion vectors from a fixed value to an adaptive parameter that varies by block. By introducing AMVR, the patent allows the motion vector precision to be adjusted based on content characteristics, improving overall precision while managing complexity through content-aware parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12445596B2Block vector refinement method for intra block copy
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TENCENT AMERICA LLC
  • US12445596B2 patent drawing
  • US12445596B2 patent drawing
  • US12445596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for video encoding/decoding. In some examples, an apparatus for video decoding includes receiving circuitry and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry extracts, from a bitstream, a signal indicative of an application of a template matching based block vector refinement for coding a current block in a current picture referencing (CPR) mode. The processing circuitry derives a first refined block vector associated with the current block according to the template matching based block vector refinement. The first refined block vector includes a first block vector refinement offset applied on a first block vector associated with the current block. The processing circuitry reconstructs the current block according to a first reference block in a same picture as the current block, the first reference block being indicated by the first refined block vector.