Macro-Block Encoding Vertical Array Memory Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of high-definition moving images requires more storage capacity for surrounding macro-block information, which is limited by the built-in memory of semiconductor chips used in moving image encoding and decoding devices, leading to inefficiencies in processing and decoding.
Innovation Solution
A moving image encoding and decoding method that rearranges the processing order of macro-blocks within a frame to reduce the storage requirements for surrounding macro-block information, allowing for efficient encoding and decoding by storing information in a vertically aligned manner rather than the conventional horizontal alignment, thus optimizing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image size is increased to support high-definition moving images, then the image quality and resolution are improved, but the storage capacity required for surrounding macro-block information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame processing into multiple arrays of vertically aligned macro-blocks. Instead of processing the entire frame horizontally, the frame is divided into segments that can be processed in vertical columns, reducing the amount of macro-block information that needs to be stored in built-in memory at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing dimension from horizontal to vertical. By processing arrays of vertically aligned macro-blocks instead of horizontally aligned ones, the patent exploits the vertical dimension to reduce memory storage requirements while maintaining processing efficiency for high-definition images.
2Productivity
If the built-in memory storage capacity is increased to accommodate larger image sizes, then the processing capability for high-definition images is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the macro-block processing into multiple vertical arrays, allowing the built-in memory to store only the information needed for the current vertical array being processed. This segmentation enables high-definition image processing without requiring proportionally larger memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameter from horizontal alignment to vertical alignment of macro-block arrays. This parameter change optimizes memory utilization by reducing the storage capacity requirement while maintaining the ability to process high-definition images effectively.
3Ease of operation
If the conventional horizontal alignment method is used for storing macro-block information, then the processing follows the standard encoding order, but the storage capacity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal processing approach by adopting vertical processing of macro-block arrays. This inversion maintains ease of operation by following a systematic encoding order while dramatically reducing the storage capacity required in built-in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal to vertical dimension in macro-block alignment and processing. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain standard encoding operations while reducing memory storage requirements by processing vertical arrays instead of horizontal rows.
Data Source
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AI summary
The moving image encoding method includes encoding macro-blocks included in a landscape picture frame of a moving image having a larger horizontal width in a horizontal direction than a vertical width in a vertical direction by an encoding device. In macro-block encoding, information of the encoded macro-blocks surrounding a macro-block to be encoded is stored in a built-in information storing memory of the encoding device. Further, in the encoding, first a vertical array of macro-blocks at the left end of the horizontal width of the landscape picture frame are encoded sequentially, and the resultant encode information is stored in the information storing memory, and subsequently an adjacent vertical array of the plural macro-blocks located horizontally on the right of the left end of the horizontal width of the landscape picture frame are encoded sequentially.