Partition-Specific Bitstream Buffering for Video Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient buffering and decoding of multi-partition VP8/WebP bitstreams are challenging due to the need for frequent switching between partitions, which lowers decoding speed as the bitstream buffer may not have enough storage space for the entire compressed frame, leading to delayed data availability.
Innovation Solution
A buffering apparatus with multiple bitstream buffers dedicated to each partition of a compressed frame, along with a prefetch mechanism that preloads data from one partition while decoding another, ensuring continuous data access and reducing the need for frequent switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single bitstream buffer is used to buffer the entire compressed frame, then the buffer may have enough storage space, but frequent switching between partitions occurs which lowers decoding speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single bitstream buffer into multiple partition-specific buffers (first bitstream buffer for first partition data, second bitstream buffer for second partition data). This segmentation allows the decoding apparatus to access data from different partitions simultaneously without frequent switching, thereby maintaining decoding speed while ensuring sufficient storage space for the entire compressed frame.
2Productivity
If multiple partition-specific bitstream buffers are used, then decoding speed is improved by reducing switching, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a buffer controller that universally manages multiple partition-specific buffers, allowing a single control mechanism to handle data retrieval from any partition buffer. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate control logic for each buffer, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining the decoding speed benefits of partition-specific buffering.
3Quantity of substance
If the bitstream buffer does not have enough storage space for the entire compressed frame, then the buffer size is reduced, but data availability is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a prefetch circuit that proactively loads data from the bitstream into partition-specific buffers before the decoding apparatus actually needs it. This preliminary action ensures that data is already available in the appropriate buffer when needed, eliminating delays in data availability while allowing the use of smaller, more efficient buffer structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary buffering apparatus for buffering a multi-partition video/image bitstream which transmits a plurality of compressed frames each having a plurality of partitions includes a first bitstream buffer and a second bitstream buffer. The first bitstream buffer is arranged to buffer data of a first partition of the partitions of a specific compressed frame. The second bitstream buffer is arranged to buffer data of a second partition of the partitions of the specific compressed frame.