Parallel Entropy Encoder Using N Search Trees

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing entropy encoding and decoding processes are bottlenecked by their serial nature, leading to inefficiencies in real-time data compression, particularly in applications like video encoding where CABAC is more computationally demanding than CAVLC.

Innovation Solution

A parallel implementation of entropy encoder and decoder using N search trees, where encoding elements are distributed based on probability frequency, allowing multiple elements to process phrases or codes concurrently, thereby balancing workloads and improving processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If CABAC is used for entropy coding, then compression efficiency is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the entropy coding process into multiple parallel processing elements, each handling a specific subset of the N search trees. This segmentation allows CABAC to achieve high compression efficiency while distributing computational complexity across multiple simpler units that can operate concurrently, resolving the contradiction between compression efficiency and computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If serial entropy encoding/decoding is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but processing speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the serial entropy encoding/decoding process into multiple parallel processing elements that each handle specific portions of the data simultaneously. This maintains implementation simplicity through modular design while dramatically improving processing speed through parallel execution, directly resolving the contradiction between implementation simplicity and processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional serial processing approach to a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture by introducing multiple processing elements operating simultaneously. This dimensional change enables the system to maintain operational simplicity while achieving significant speed improvements through concurrent processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2381686B1Apparatus for parallel entropy encoding and decoding
Publication Date: 2017.01.18 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2381686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2381686B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2381686B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An entropy encoder block for use in a context adaptive encoder and an entropy decoder block for use in a context adaptive decoder are provided.