Skip Decision Circuit for Video Encoding Bitrate Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video compression technologies face challenges in reducing bit transmission requirements while maintaining video quality, especially under low-latency and limited bandwidth conditions, where frame delay and bit savings are critical.
Innovation Solution
A video encoding apparatus and method that utilize a skip decision circuit to generate control signals based on similarity checks and quantization parameter comparisons between frames, allowing for selective skipping of macroblock encoding to conserve bits without degrading video quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional video encoding schemes (MPEG-like standards) are used, then video quality is maintained, but frame delay increases and bandwidth consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The video frame is divided into multiple macroblocks, and each macroblock is independently evaluated for skip encoding. This segmentation allows selective encoding of only necessary blocks, reducing overall processing time and frame delay while maintaining quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rate-distortion cost parameter that dynamically evaluates whether to encode or skip each macroblock based on bandwidth conditions and quality requirements. By changing the encoding parameter (encode vs. skip) based on this cost function, the system optimizes the trade-off between video quality and transmission delay.
2Reliability
If all macroblocks are encoded to maintain video quality, then video detail is preserved, but the number of bits required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rate-distortion cost as a dynamic parameter to decide whether to encode each macroblock. When the cost indicates that quality degradation from skipping is acceptable, the encoding is omitted, significantly reducing bit consumption while maintaining perceptual quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different macroblocks within the same frame are treated differently - some are fully encoded while others are skipped. This local differentiation allows the system to concentrate bits on important regions while saving bits on redundant regions, optimizing the overall quality-bitrate trade-off.
3Quantity of substance
If skip encoding is used to reduce bits, then bandwidth consumption decreases, but video quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rate-distortion cost function dynamically adjusts the decision to skip or encode each macroblock based on the expected quality loss versus bit savings. This parameter-driven approach ensures that skipping only occurs when quality degradation is minimal, maintaining overall video quality while reducing bit consumption.
4Reliability
If rate-distortion cost calculation is performed for all macroblocks, then optimal encoding decisions are made, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the frame into macroblocks and evaluating each independently, the patent reduces the computational burden compared to evaluating the entire frame. This segmentation allows parallel processing and reduces the complexity of the optimization problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs rate-distortion cost calculation only for macroblocks where it is beneficial to decide between encoding and skipping, rather than uniformly processing all macroblocks. This partial action reduces unnecessary computations while maintaining encoding optimization where it matters most.
Data Source
AI summary
A video encoding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is used to process a sequence of frames of video data and each frame comprises a plurality of processing blocks. The apparatus comprises a skip decision circuit and an encoder. The skip decision circuit generates a control signal according to a similarity checking result and a comparison result between a first quantization parameter for a first processing block from a current frame and a second quantization parameter for a second processing block from a previous frame. The encoder encodes the first processing block to generate an encoded bit stream and the first quantization parameter. The second processing block resides at the same location in the previous frame as the first processing block in the current frame.