Intra Prediction Using Virtual Pixels for Video Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image compression methods, such as those in MPEG and H.264/AVC, face inefficiencies in encoding and decoding high-resolution video content, particularly due to the fixed size of macroblocks, which leads to increased data and reduced compression efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution introduces a new intra prediction method that uses adjacent pixels for improved encoding efficiency by obtaining virtual pixels through linear interpolation, allowing for adaptive prediction values based on image characteristics, thereby optimizing the size and shape of coding units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size macroblocks are used for encoding, then the encoding process is simple, but compression efficiency deteriorates for high-resolution content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into prediction units of various sizes (e.g., 4x4, 8x8, 16x16, 32x32 pixels) rather than using fixed macroblocks. This segmentation allows the encoder to adapt the block size to the local image characteristics, improving compression efficiency while maintaining manageable encoding complexity through hierarchical evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation by selecting different prediction modes and block sizes based on image characteristics. The encoder dynamically chooses from multiple intra prediction modes (e.g., planar, angular, DC) and block sizes to optimize compression for each region, transforming the static fixed-macroblock approach into a dynamic adaptive system.
2Productivity
If more prediction modes are used to improve compression efficiency, then coding efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different prediction modes to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. For example, smooth regions use planar or DC prediction, while edges use angular predictions with specific directions. This local adaptation improves coding efficiency without requiring all complex modes to be applied uniformly across the entire image, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters such as prediction mode indices and block sizes based on image content analysis. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to local image characteristics (e.g., gradient magnitude, texture complexity), the system achieves high coding efficiency while avoiding the unnecessary complexity of applying all possible modes everywhere.
3Measurement precision
If virtual pixels are obtained through linear interpolation using adjacent pixels, then prediction accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs linear interpolation to obtain virtual pixels only when and where needed for specific prediction modes, rather than computing all possible virtual pixels for all blocks. This partial application of interpolation reduces computational complexity while maintaining prediction accuracy in regions where it provides benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual pixels as intermediary values obtained through linear interpolation of adjacent pixels. These virtual pixels serve as mediators that enable accurate prediction at block boundaries and corners without requiring direct computation of all pixel values, thus improving prediction accuracy while managing computational load through efficient interpolation formulas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances image compression efficiency by dynamically adjusting coding units according to image characteristics, reducing the number of macroblocks and improving data compression, especially for high-resolution content.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a first prediction value of the current predicted pixel via linear interpolation using the first virtual pixel and an adjacent left pixel on the same line as the current predicted pixel; obtaining a second prediction value of the current predicted pixel via linear interpolation using the second virtual pixel and an adjacent upper pixel on the same column as the current predicted pixel
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for intra predicting an image, which generate a prediction value via linear interpolation in horizontal and vertical directions of a current prediction unit. The method includes: generating first and second virtual pixels by using at least one adjacent pixel located upper right and lower left to a current prediction unit; obtaining a first prediction value of a current pixel via linear interpolation using an adjacent left pixel located on the same line as the first virtual pixel and the current pixel; obtaining a second prediction value of the current pixel via linear interpolation using an adjacent upper pixel located on the same column as the second virtual pixel and the current pixel; and obtaining a prediction value of the current pixel by using the first and second prediction values.