Intra Prediction Mode Selection via Gradient Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video encoding schemes generate significant data related to pixel prediction information, such as intra prediction modes or motion vectors, which increases the bitrate, and there is a need for an improved video processing scheme to reduce this data while maintaining encoding performance.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining an application area based on features of current and preceding pixel blocks, performing gradient analysis, and selecting an intra prediction video coding mode to reduce the complexity of calculations and data generated during encoding and decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional video encoding schemes use detailed pixel prediction information (intra prediction modes, motion vectors), then encoding precision is improved, but bitrate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding precisionVSAvoidbitrate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and transmits only the essential gradient information (gradient magnitude and direction) instead of complete pixel prediction data. By taking out only the critical features needed for prediction and discarding redundant detailed information, the system achieves both compression (reduced bitrate) and maintains encoding precision through the preserved gradient characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If gradient analysis is performed on all pixels in preceding blocks, then prediction accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts gradient information only from specific pixels in the application area rather than performing exhaustive analysis on all pixels in preceding blocks. This selective extraction of critical gradient data maintains prediction accuracy while significantly reducing the computational burden of gradient calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies gradient analysis locally to a specific application area rather than uniformly across all blocks. By concentrating computational resources on the local region that most influences prediction accuracy, the system achieves high prediction precision with reduced overall computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If more pixels are included in the application area, then prediction accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and processes only the locally relevant application area that has the greatest impact on prediction accuracy. By concentrating processing on this specific local region rather than uniformly processing all pixels, the system achieves high prediction accuracy with minimized processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs gradient analysis on a selective subset of pixels in the application area rather than all pixels. This partial action on the most critical pixels achieves sufficient prediction accuracy without the excessive processing time that would result from analyzing every pixel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3629580A1Method for image processing and apparatus for implementing the same
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 ATEME
  • EP3629580A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3629580A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3629580A1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

A method of processing an image divided into a plurality of pixel blocks which are processed according to a processing sequence is provided, which comprises, for a current pixel block: based on at least one feature of the current pixel block and/or of at least one first block preceding the current pixel block in the processing sequence, determining an application area comprising a set of pixels in at least one second block preceding the current pixel block in the processing sequence; performing a gradient analysis on at least one pixel of the application area; and selecting, based on results of the gradient analysis, at least one intra prediction video coding mode among a plurality of intra prediction video coding modes usable for encoding and/or decoding the current pixel block.