Video Transcoder Macroblock Mode Estimation via Spatial and DCT Weights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video transcoding methods face challenges in accurately estimating output macroblock modes and motion vectors, particularly during non-integer scaling, which can degrade transcoding performance due to the lack of consideration for macroblock significance.
Innovation Solution
The method determines spatial weights based on overlapping areas and DCT weights based on zero coefficients to estimate output macroblock modes, and uses block activities related to non-zero DCT coefficients and quantization step sizes to select candidate motion vectors, optimizing the estimation of output motion vectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-integer scaling is used for transcoding, then flexibility in resolution conversion is improved, but estimation accuracy of output macroblock mode and motion vector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining spatial weights based on overlapping areas between input macroblocks and correlation areas, and DCT weights based on the number of zero DCT coefficients. This allows different regions and macroblocks to be weighted differently according to their local characteristics, improving estimation accuracy while maintaining non-integer scaling flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing spatial weight and DCT weight as additional weighting factors, and by determining block activities based on non-zero DCT coefficients and quantization step sizes. These parameter changes enable more accurate estimation of output macroblock modes and motion vectors during non-integer scaling transcoding
2Productivity
If conventional transcoding methods are used, then computational complexity is reduced, but transcoding performance deteriorates due to lack of consideration for macroblock significance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves transcoding performance by introducing spatial weight and DCT weight parameters that reflect macroblock significance. The spatial weight is determined from overlapping areas and the DCT weight from the number of zero coefficients, allowing the system to prioritize significant macroblocks without excessive computational overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical motion estimation and macroblock mode decision processes with a weighted estimation approach. By using spatial and DCT weights along with block activities, the system substitutes traditional computationally intensive methods with a more efficient weighting and selection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and transcoders are disclosed for video transcoding input macroblocks to an output macroblock. One of the methods estimates an output macroblock mode for the video transcoding. A spatial weight is determined based on size of overlapping areas of each of the input macroblocks with a correlation area that is correlated with the output macroblock. A discrete cosine transform (DCT) weight is determined based on a number of zero DCT coefficients of each of the input macroblocks that overlap the correlation area. The output macroblock mode is estimated based on the spatial weight and the DCT weight.