Motion Vector Encoding Using Integer-Subpixel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video encoding techniques that determine motion vectors with subpixel accuracy are computationally complex, leading to slow processing and high resource usage.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining motion vectors with integer accuracy for multiple partition modes, selecting the most accurate mode, and then calculating subpixel accuracy using a subset of potential points, thereby reducing computational complexity and improving encoding efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If motion vectors are determined with subpixel accuracy using conventional techniques, then compression ratio is improved, but processing speed deteriorates due to computational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector accuracyVSAvoidencoding speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motion estimation process into two distinct phases: integer-pixel accuracy estimation followed by subpixel accuracy refinement. This segmentation allows the computationally intensive subpixel calculation to be applied only to the most promising candidate blocks identified in the first phase, rather than to all blocks, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary motion estimation at integer-pixel accuracy before proceeding to subpixel accuracy refinement. This preliminary action identifies candidate blocks that are likely to benefit from subpixel precision, allowing the system to avoid unnecessary subpixel calculations for blocks where integer accuracy is sufficient, thus improving overall encoding speed while maintaining compression quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If motion vectors are determined with subpixel accuracy for all partition modes, then compression efficiency is improved, but computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies subpixel accuracy selectively to specific partition modes and candidate blocks rather than uniformly to all blocks. By determining which partition modes benefit most from subpixel precision based on the integer-pixel estimation results, the system optimizes compression efficiency for regions that require it while conserving computational resources in regions where integer accuracy is sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs subpixel accuracy refinement only for a subset of candidate blocks identified as promising during integer-pixel estimation, rather than for all blocks. This partial action approach ensures that the additional computational resources are invested only where they will provide the most benefit to compression efficiency, avoiding wasteful processing of blocks where subpixel precision would not significantly improve results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8761261B1Encoding using motion vectors
Publication Date: 2014.06.24 SYNAPTICS INC
  • US8761261B1 patent drawing
  • US8761261B1 patent drawing
  • US8761261B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments provide techniques and/or systems for reducing instances of computational complexity involved in video encoding.