Intra-prediction Angle Disabling for Video Block Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing video coding standards face increased latency and processing slowdowns due to data dependencies between small pixel blocks during intra-prediction, particularly when using 4×4 pixel blocks, which hampers pipeline throughput and encoding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves disabling certain intra-prediction angles based on the processing order of blocks to eliminate dependencies between immediate predecessor blocks, allowing for parallel processing of multiple 4×4 pixel blocks, thereby reducing latency and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intra-prediction is performed on 4×4 pixel blocks following standard processing order, then coding accuracy is maintained, but processing latency increases and pipeline throughput decreases due to data dependencies between blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intra-prediction process by disabling specific prediction angles (modes 3, 6, and 7) that create data dependencies between 4×4 pixel blocks. This segmentation allows the encoding pipeline to process blocks independently without waiting for predecessor blocks, thereby reducing processing latency while maintaining acceptable coding accuracy through the use of remaining valid prediction modes
2Productivity
If all prediction angles are searched for 4×4 pixel blocks, then coding efficiency is optimized, but processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes problematic prediction angles (modes 3, 6, and 7) from the intra-prediction process for 4×4 pixel blocks. By taking out these specific angles that cause processing bottlenecks, the system reduces processing complexity and enables parallel execution, while the remaining prediction modes are sufficient to maintain adequate coding efficiency for most video content
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of searching all 9 prediction angles for every 4×4 block, the patent applies partial action by disabling three specific angles that create dependencies. This partial reduction in search scope decreases processing complexity and enables parallelization, while the remaining six angles provide sufficient prediction accuracy for effective video coding
3Productivity
If parallel processing of 4×4 pixel blocks is enabled, then pipeline throughput increases, but coding accuracy may deteriorate due to eliminated data dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the prediction angle set into two categories: disabled angles (3, 6, 7) that would create data dependencies and prevent parallel processing, and enabled angles that maintain coding accuracy. This segmentation allows parallel processing of 4×4 blocks to proceed while preserving sufficient prediction quality through the remaining valid modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of prediction angle availability by dynamically disabling specific modes based on block processing requirements. This parameter change enables parallel processing architecture while maintaining adequate coding accuracy, as the system adapts the prediction angle set to match the parallel processing constraints without significantly degrading video quality
Data Source
AI summary
Speeding up small block intra-prediction in video coding is described herein. The system includes an encoder. The encoder is to execute intra-prediction by deriving a plurality of prediction angles, wherein the prediction angles are based on a video coding standard. The encoder is also to disable a prediction angle for a current block to eliminate a dependency on an immediate predecessor block.