Mode Selection Engine for Multi-Standard Video Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video encoding standards require separate mode selection engines for different intra-prediction encoding standards, leading to increased hardware complexity and inefficiency in supporting multiple standards.
Innovation Solution
A single mode selection engine is implemented to perform mode selection for multiple encoding standards, allowing for flexible and efficient mode selection across various standards, including ITU H.263 and MPEG-4, by deviating from conventional techniques and using a shared engine for both spatial and DCT domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mode selection engines are implemented for different encoding standards, then each standard can be supported with dedicated optimization, but hardware complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single mode selection engine that can operate in multiple modes to support different encoding standards (H.263, H.264, MPEG-4). The engine is designed with configurable parameters and a unified architecture that adapts its behavior based on the selected standard, eliminating the need for separate dedicated engines for each standard while maintaining full compatibility with all supported formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple separate mode selection engines into a single unified engine. By merging the H.263 mode selection, H.264 mode selection, and MPEG-4 mode selection into one shared resource, the system reduces hardware complexity while preserving the ability to perform standard-specific optimizations through software configuration rather than hardware duplication.
2Device complexity
If a single mode selection engine is used for multiple encoding standards, then hardware complexity is reduced, but the engine must handle diverse requirements across standards
Solution Approach 1:
The mode selection engine implements dynamic configurability where operational parameters, prediction modes, and selection criteria can be adjusted in real-time based on the active encoding standard. The engine transitions between different operational states (H.263 mode, H.264 mode, MPEG-4 mode) allowing it to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than being fixed for a single standard, thus handling diverse requirements through software-controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to enable the single engine to support multiple standards. By modifying operational parameters such as prediction mode sets, cost function weights, and selection algorithms based on the target standard, the engine achieves versatility without hardware changes. The same physical engine performs different functions by changing its operational parameters according to the selected encoding standard.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an encoding device comprising a mode selection engine that performs mode selection for intra-prediction encoding regardless of whether the encoding device is programmed to comply with first encoding standard or a second encoding standard. The device also includes a first encoder to perform the intra-prediction encoding according to the selected mode in compliance with the first encoding standard when the encoding device is programmed to comply with the first encoding standard, and a second encoder to perform the intra-prediction encoding according to the selected mode in compliance with the second encoding standard when the encoding device is programmed to comply with the second encoding standard. The techniques can simplify mode selection in support of multiple different intra-prediction encoding standards.