Video Encoding Block Merging for Compression Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video codecs struggle with efficiently encoding and decoding high-resolution video content due to limitations in their encoding methods, which often rely on fixed-sized macroblocks and fail to effectively utilize varying prediction modes and data unit sizes, leading to inefficiencies in data compression and redundancy removal.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining an encoding mode for each data unit, assessing the possibility of merging with neighboring units based on prediction and encoding modes, and encoding prediction mode information, merging-related information, and prediction-related information to optimize video encoding and decoding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-sized macroblocks are used for encoding, then the encoding process is simple and consistent, but the compression efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying data unit sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video content into multiple data units of different sizes and shapes (e.g., 16x16, 8x16, 16x8, 8x8 blocks) rather than using uniform fixed-sized macroblocks. This segmentation allows the encoding process to adapt to the local characteristics of different regions, improving compression efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic handling of various block types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic block size selection and merging mechanisms where the encoder can adaptively choose different data unit sizes and shapes based on the content characteristics. The block merging functionality dynamically combines adjacent blocks when beneficial, allowing the encoding structure to flexibly respond to varying video content rather than being constrained by fixed macroblock boundaries.
2Productivity
If block merging is implemented to improve compression efficiency, then redundant data is reduced and compression efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional merging determination and encoding steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements block merging functionality where adjacent data units can be merged into a single encoded block when they share similar characteristics. This merging reduces the total number of blocks that need to be processed and encoded separately, thereby improving compression efficiency. The merging determination is based on comparing prediction modes and other characteristics of adjacent blocks, and only performs merging when beneficial, balancing complexity reduction with compression improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of block size and merging status dynamically based on content analysis. By adjusting the effective block size through merging operations and encoding different block types (e.g., intra-block, inter-block, skip-block) with different parameters, the system optimizes compression efficiency while managing complexity through conditional parameter adjustment rather than universal complex processing.
3Productivity
If various data unit sizes and shapes are used for encoding, then compression efficiency improves by reducing redundancy, but the encoding and decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically segments video content into various data unit sizes and shapes (16x16, 8x16, 16x8, 8x8 blocks) based on content characteristics. This segmentation improves compression efficiency by allowing different regions to be encoded at appropriate granularities. The complexity is managed through a hierarchical structure where blocks are processed in a defined order and manner, making the variable-size approach more tractable than arbitrary segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different encoding characteristics to different local regions by using varying data unit sizes and types appropriate to each area. Smooth regions may use larger blocks with merging, while detailed regions use smaller blocks without merging. This local adaptation improves overall compression efficiency while the systematic rules for determining local characteristics keep the complexity manageable through localized decision-making rather than global complex processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding a video by using block merging and a method and apparatus for decoding a video by using block merging. The method of encoding includes: determining an encoding mode indicating a current data unit for encoding of a picture and an encoding method including prediction encoding performed for the current data unit; determining an occurrence of merging with at least one neighboring data unit based on at least one of the encoding mode and a prediction mode; and determining prediction mode information, merging related information, and prediction related information, and determining encoding information of the data unit including the prediction mode information, the merging related information, and the prediction related information.