Variable-Length Encoding Scheme Switching in Moving Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for encoding moving images using MPEG-4 AVC experience delays and increased processing loads due to frequent switching between variable-length encoding schemes like CAVLC and CABAC, leading to potential interruptions in reproduction.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a continuous unit for encoding and decoding, fixing the variable-length encoding scheme within this unit, and using management information to indicate that the scheme is fixed, thereby eliminating switching delays and reducing processing loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable-length encoding schemes (CAVLC and CABAC) are switched on a picture-by-picture basis, then encoding adaptability is improved, but decoding delays and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream into continuous units (such as clips or sequences of pictures) and fixes the variable-length encoding scheme within each unit. This segmentation allows the encoder to adapt the encoding scheme to different content characteristics while ensuring that within each unit, the scheme remains consistent, thereby eliminating decoding delays associated with frequent switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of encoding schemes at the unit level while maintaining static application within each unit. The encoder can dynamically choose between CAVLC and CABAC based on the characteristics of each continuous unit, but once selected, the scheme remains fixed for that unit, providing both adaptability and decoding efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-length encoding schemes are switched frequently, then encoding optimization is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the video stream into continuous units and fixing the encoding scheme within each unit, the patent reduces the frequency of scheme switching. This segmentation strategy allows optimization at the unit level while minimizing the processing overhead associated with frequent transitions between different encoding methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent determines the continuous unit and fixes the encoding scheme in advance before actual encoding begins. This preliminary determination allows the encoder to optimize for each unit's specific characteristics while avoiding the need for real-time switching decisions during the encoding process, thereby reducing processing load.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching between CAVLC and CABAC is allowed, then encoding flexibility is improved, but reproduction continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream into continuous units where the encoding scheme is fixed. This segmentation ensures that within each unit, the encoding scheme remains consistent, thereby maintaining reproduction continuity. The flexibility to choose different schemes is preserved at the unit level, but switching between units maintains consistency to avoid disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous and stable encoding by fixing the variable-length encoding scheme within each continuous unit. This continuity of useful action eliminates interruptions in reproduction that would otherwise occur due to frequent switching between encoding schemes, while still allowing flexible selection at the unit level.
Data Source
AI summary
A moving image encoding method of encoding a moving image while switching between variable-length encoding schemes. In this method, a continuous unit to be continuously reproduced is determined (S5201), a stream is generated by encoding the moving image without switching between variable-length encoding schemes in the continuous unit (S5202), and management information is generated that includes a first flag information indicating that a variable-length encoding scheme is fixed in the continuous unit (S5204, and S5205).