Intra Prediction Sub-Block Partitioning for Image Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing resolution and quality of image data lead to higher data volumes, increasing costs in transmission and storage, necessitating improved high-efficiency image encoding/decoding techniques.

Innovation Solution

An image encoding/decoding method involving intra prediction, which includes dividing a current block into sub-blocks, deriving an intra prediction mode for each sub-block, constructing reference samples, and performing intra prediction based on the derived mode, enhancing compression efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If image resolution and quality are increased, then image quality is improved, but data volume increases leading to higher transmission and storage costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddata volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The current block is divided into multiple sub-blocks (e.g., 4 sub-blocks) for independent intra prediction processing. This segmentation allows each sub-block to be predicted using its own reference samples and prediction modes, improving compression efficiency by better adapting to local image characteristics while reducing the overall data volume required for high-quality images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different intra prediction modes are applied to different sub-blocks based on their local characteristics. Each sub-block derives its prediction mode independently from neighboring blocks, allowing the encoding to adapt to local variations in image content. This local adaptation improves compression efficiency without sacrificing overall image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional image encoding techniques are used, then implementation is simple, but compression efficiency is insufficient for high-resolution images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidcompression efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The image block is segmented into multiple sub-blocks that can be processed independently through intra prediction. This segmentation approach maintains implementation simplicity by using standard prediction techniques on smaller units, while significantly improving compression efficiency for high-resolution images through better local adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intra prediction is applied selectively to sub-blocks based on their size and characteristics. The method performs prediction operations on specific sub-blocks rather than uniformly across the entire block, optimizing compression efficiency while avoiding unnecessary processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260067449A1Image encoding/decoding method and device, and recording medium in which bitstream is stored

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

The present invention relates to an image encoding/decoding method and apparatus. An image decoding method performing intra prediction according to the present invention may comprise dividing a current block into at least one sub-block; deriving an intra prediction mode for the at least one sub-block; constructing a reference sample for the intra prediction; and performing intra prediction for the at least one sub-block based on the derived intra prediction mode.