Parallel Image Compression Circuit for Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video compression techniques require high bandwidth to achieve acceptable audio and video quality, especially with increasing complexity of video processing algorithms and bit width, necessitating a solution to save signal bandwidth in video processors.
Innovation Solution
A bandwidth and memory compression circuit employing a lossless compressor and a quantization compressor that generate variable and fixed length bit streams, respectively, to optimize storage in output memory blocks, allowing for parallel compression and achieving visually lossless quality at compression rates between 1.5 and 2.5 times the original size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If video compression techniques are implemented with increasing complexity and bit width, then video quality is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides video data processing into two parallel compression paths: a lossless compression path and a lossy compression path. Each path processes the same video input but uses different compression algorithms and complexity levels, allowing the system to segment the bandwidth consumption based on quality requirements for different video regions or frames
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts compression parameters including bit width, compression ratio, and algorithm complexity based on scene characteristics, motion detection, and quality requirements. This allows the system to change processing parameters in real-time to optimize the trade-off between video quality and bandwidth consumption for different video content
2Manufacturing precision
If lossless compression is used to maintain video quality, then video quality is preserved, but the bit stream size may exceed memory block capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that monitors the size of the lossless compressed bit stream and compares it against the output memory block capacity. Based on this real-time assessment, the system dynamically switches between storing the lossless compressed data and storing lossy compressed data, ensuring that memory constraints are always satisfied while maximizing video quality when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism that acts as a mediator between the lossless compression output and the memory storage. This intermediary evaluates whether the compressed bit stream fits within memory constraints and routes the data accordingly, either to memory storage or to alternative handling, thus resolving the conflict between quality preservation and memory capacity
3Productivity
If parallel compression is implemented with multiple compressors, then compression efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression function into distinct specialized modules: a lossless compressor for quality-critical data, a lossy compressor for bandwidth-efficient data, and a comparison mechanism for decision-making. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together in parallel to achieve overall compression efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal compression apparatus that can handle multiple compression modes (lossless and lossy) within a single integrated system. The apparatus is designed to process video data through multiple compression paths simultaneously and select the appropriate output based on constraints, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate independent compression systems
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and devices that employ parallel compression of image data using a lossless compressor and a quantization compressor. As described, the lossless compressor generates a variable length compressed bit stream and the quantization compressor generates a fixed length compressed bit stream. The fixed length bit stream is always equal in size to a size requirement of an output memory block. The variable length bit stream may be stored in the output memory block unless it exceeds the memory requirement in size, in which case the fixed length bit stream may be stored to the output memory block.