Selective Subblock Motion Refinement for Consistent Video Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing DMVR scheme in VVC refines motion vectors (MVs) for each subblock independently, leading to inconsistencies among subblocks, resulting in noticeable subblock boundaries and deteriorating subjective video quality.

Innovation Solution

A method for selectively triggering DMVR by evaluating spatial activity and MV differences between subblocks to determine if DMVR should be applied, preventing inconsistent MVs and subblock boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subblock-based motion refinement (DMVR) is applied to all blocks, then motion vector precision is improved, but subjective video quality deteriorates due to inconsistent MVs and visible subblock boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector precisionVSAvoidsubjective video quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively enabling DMVR only for specific subblocks based on their characteristics (e.g., motion complexity, texture patterns) rather than uniformly applying it to all subblocks. This ensures that motion refinement is applied where beneficial while avoiding regions where it would create visible boundaries, thus resolving the contradiction between MV precision and subjective quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic decision-making for DMVR application by evaluating block-specific criteria and adapting the refinement strategy accordingly. The system dynamically determines whether to apply DMVR to each block based on local characteristics, rather than using a static all-or-nothing approach, thereby optimizing both precision and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If subblock-based motion refinement is applied, then motion vector accuracy is improved, but visible subblock boundaries are created due to inconsistencies among subblocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector accuracyVSAvoidsubblock boundary consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively enabling DMVR only for specific subblocks based on their characteristics (e.g., motion complexity, texture patterns) rather than uniformly applying it to all subblocks. This ensures that motion refinement is applied where beneficial while avoiding regions where it would create visible boundaries, thus resolving the contradiction between MV precision and subjective quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the motion vector refinement process across subblock boundaries by ensuring consistency checks and coordinated refinement strategies. When DMVR is applied, the system ensures that adjacent subblocks maintain consistent MV relationships, preventing the creation of visible boundaries while preserving accuracy benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If DMVR is selectively triggered based on spatial activity and MV differences, then subjective video quality is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubjective video qualityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-evaluating block characteristics (spatial activity, MV differences) before deciding whether to apply DMVR. This preliminary assessment allows the system to make informed decisions about where refinement is needed, avoiding unnecessary processing in regions where DMVR would not improve quality, thus managing complexity while maintaining quality improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters (spatial activity thresholds, MV difference criteria) to optimize the balance between quality improvement and processing complexity. By adjusting these parameters, the system can control the number of blocks subjected to DMVR, thereby managing computational load while preserving subjective quality benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12439076B2Selective subblock-based motion refinement
Publication Date: 2025.10.07 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US12439076B2 patent drawing
  • US12439076B2 patent drawing
  • US12439076B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method of encoding a picture. The method comprises selecting a motion vector. MV, for a current block within the picture. The method comprises determining whether a condition is satisfied, wherein determining whether the condition is satisfied comprises: (i) determining if a subblock-based motion refinement is applicable for the current block and (ii) determining if a first subblock within the current block satisfies a criteria. The method comprises, as a result of determining that the condition is satisfied, not using the selected MV for encoding the current block.