Intra-estimation Interleaving for Video Encoder Pipeline Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance video encoders face inefficiencies due to dependency on neighboring block data during intra block processing, leading to idle blocks and reduced hardware resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The proposed techniques involve interleaving color components and transform sizes to create non-dependent data, allowing for concurrent processing of blocks without waiting for neighboring block data, using schemes like Luma Chroma Interleave (LCI) and Intra Mode Interleave (IMI) to keep the encoding pipeline running.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intra-estimation is performed sequentially for each block waiting for neighboring block data, then processing accuracy is maintained, but hardware resource utilization decreases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intra-estimation process by color component (Y, Cr, Cb) and transform size, creating independent processing streams for each segment. This allows parallel execution of segments that do not have data dependencies, thereby improving hardware resource utilization while maintaining processing accuracy through proper interleaving of the segmented streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of processing by interleaving different color components and transform sizes within the estimation pipeline. This dimensional reorganization transforms the sequential processing bottleneck into a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture, allowing simultaneous execution of independent estimation operations across different color components and transform sizes.
2Reliability
If blocks wait for neighboring block data during intra block processing, then data dependency is respected, but pipeline stalls occur and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing and pre-fetching neighboring block data before the intra-estimation process begins. This preliminary preparation reduces the waiting time during actual processing and minimizes pipeline stalls, as the data dependencies are resolved in advance rather than causing interruptions during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by interleaving the processing of different color components and transform sizes. When one estimation stream is waiting for data, another stream continues processing, eliminating idle pipeline stages and maintaining continuous productive work throughout the encoding process.
3Device complexity
If traditional sequential intra-estimation is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but compression efficiency is reduced due to increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters by organizing estimations according to color component type (Y, Cr, Cb) and transform size categories. This parameter-based organization enables systematic parallel processing while maintaining a structured and manageable implementation approach. The interleaving strategy systematically alternates between different parameter groups, reducing latency without requiring complex reorganization of the fundamental processing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method of encoding a video includes selecting blocks of pixels in a frame of the video, the blocks having luminance (Y) blocks, red color difference (Cr) blocks, and blue color difference (Cb) blocks; performing intra-estimation based on reconstructed pixels of at the blocks of pixels to generate predicted blocks and then subtracting the predicted blocks from the blocks of pixels to generate residual data, the residual data comprising respective residual data for the Y-blocks interleaved with respective residual data for the Cr-blocks and the Cb-blocks; and generating new reconstructed pixels using a pipeline of a video encoder by processing the residual data for the blocks.