Motion Vector Prediction in Image Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image encoding and decoding methods face challenges in achieving high compression ratios and precise prediction due to limitations in motion vector determination and prediction direction usage, particularly in bi-directionally predicted pictures.

Innovation Solution

The method determines a motion vector for a current block based on previously encoded blocks, allowing for first-direction, second-direction, or bi-directional prediction without explicitly encoding the motion vector, thereby enhancing prediction accuracy and compression efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If motion vector is explicitly encoded for each block, then prediction precision can be maintained, but compression ratio decreases due to increased bitstream data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction precisionVSAvoidcompression ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The motion vector of the current block is determined autonomously by the decoder using motion vectors of previously decoded blocks, eliminating the need for explicit encoding of the current block's motion vector. This self-determination mechanism allows the system to maintain prediction precision while reducing bitstream data, thereby improving compression ratio without requiring additional information transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies copying by utilizing motion vectors from previously decoded blocks as references to determine motion vectors for current blocks. Instead of encoding each motion vector independently, the system copies and adapts motion vector information from historical blocks, reducing redundancy in the bitstream while preserving prediction accuracy through the copying of motion trajectory patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If motion vector is determined based on previous blocks only, then compression ratio increases, but prediction accuracy may decrease for complex motion patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidprediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate reference block and motion vector based on the spatial and temporal characteristics of the current block. By adapting the reference selection process to match the specific motion patterns being encoded, the system maintains high prediction accuracy even while relying solely on previously decoded blocks, thus resolving the contradiction between compression efficiency and prediction precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the temporal and spatial distances between reference blocks and current blocks to optimize prediction accuracy. The system varies these parameters based on the complexity of motion patterns, allowing it to maintain accurate predictions for simple motions while achieving high compression ratios, and adaptively balance between the two for complex scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If bi-directional prediction is used, then prediction accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple motion vector determinations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidencoding/decoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the determination of multiple motion vectors into a unified process that leverages previously decoded block information. Instead of independently calculating motion vectors for different prediction directions, the system combines them into a single determination step using historical motion vector data, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining bi-directional prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion vector determination mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both unidirectional and bi-directional prediction needs through a single unified process. By making the motion vector determination universal and applicable to various prediction scenarios, the system eliminates the need for separate complex determination procedures for each direction, thus reducing overall device complexity while preserving prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3913923A1Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding images using a motion vector of a previous block as a motion vector for the current block
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3913923A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3913923A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3913923A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for determining a motion vector of a current block based on a motion vector of at least one block encoded/decoded before encoding/decoding of the current block, and prediction-encoding/decoding the current block based on one from among first-direction prediction, second-direction prediction, and bi-directional prediction, according to the determined motion vector.