Intra-Prediction Preprocessing for Video Encoding Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video encoding methods, such as the H.264 standard, face challenges in achieving efficient and fast encoding and decoding while maintaining high picture quality, especially at high quantization levels, due to limitations in motion estimation and intra-prediction accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a video encoder/decoder system with advanced modules like motion search, motion refinement, intra-prediction, and scene detection, which utilize pre-processing techniques to optimize motion vectors and intra-prediction modes, and streamline neighbor data management for efficient encoding and decoding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If advanced intra-prediction and motion estimation techniques are used, then encoding quality is improved, but encoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing neighbor data before it is needed for intra-prediction and motion estimation. The system identifies and retrieves relevant neighbor macroblock data in advance, organizing it into buffers before the actual encoding operations require it. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of the main encoding process by having data ready when needed, rather than performing complex retrieval operations during the critical encoding path.
2Loss of information
If accurate intra-prediction is performed, then bit savings are improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-fetching and buffering neighbor macroblock data required for intra-prediction operations. By preparing this data in advance and organizing it in accessible buffers, the system eliminates time-consuming data retrieval operations during the actual prediction process, thus reducing processing time while maintaining accurate intra-prediction for bit savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the encoding process into distinct stages: a pre-processing stage that prepares neighbor data, and a main encoding stage that performs intra-prediction and motion estimation. This segmentation allows the time-consuming data preparation to occur separately from the critical encoding operations, enabling parallel processing and reducing the perceived processing time for the quality-improving algorithms.
3Productivity
If motion estimation accuracy is improved, then encoding efficiency is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing motion vector candidates from neighboring macroblocks before the actual motion estimation process. This preliminary preparation provides ready-to-use motion vector information that reduces the computational search space during motion estimation, thereby maintaining high encoding efficiency while reducing the real-time computational load and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An intra-prediction module includes an intra-prediction preprocessor configured to process pixel data from blocks of picture data to determine edge strength data and edge angle range data corresponding to a plurality of pixels of the blocks, and further to generate intra-prediction candidate data based on the edge strength data and the edge angle range data. The intra-prediction candidate data indicates a first subset selected from a plurality of intra-prediction partitions and a second subset selected from a plurality of intra-prediction modes. A rate distortion optimization processor determines final intra-prediction data, based on the intra-prediction candidate data.