Video Coding Unit Division via Pixel Gradient Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video coding methods are inefficient due to high computational costs associated with rate-distortion cost operations, leading to low video coding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A video coding method that calculates target pixel gradient data based on the difference between pixel values and reference pixel values to determine whether to divide coding units, thereby reducing the need for rate-distortion cost calculations and improving coding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rate-distortion cost operation is performed on each prediction mode of LCUs and coding subunits to determine division manner, then coding accuracy is improved, but calculation amount increases leading to low video coding efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential feature for division decision from the complex rate-distortion cost calculation by using pixel gradient data. Instead of performing full rate-distortion operations on each prediction mode, the method extracts gradient information to determine division decisions, thereby reducing calculation amount while maintaining coding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for division decision from rate-distortion cost to pixel gradient data. By calculating pixel gradients and comparing them against thresholds, the method determines whether to divide coding units without performing computationally intensive rate-distortion operations, thus improving video coding efficiency while preserving coding accuracy.
2Productivity
If pixel gradient data is calculated to determine division decisions, then video coding efficiency is improved, but calculation complexity of gradient computation is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple gradient calculation operations that are computationally inexpensive compared to rate-distortion cost operations. The pixel gradient data serves as a lightweight, disposable metric for division decision-making, replacing complex calculations with simpler gradient computations that can be performed efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process of rate-distortion cost calculation with a simpler gradient-based decision mechanism. By replacing the complex rate-distortion operation with pixel gradient computation and threshold comparison, the method reduces calculation complexity while achieving the same division decision functionality.
3Loss of time
If gradient-based division decision is used instead of rate-distortion cost operation, then coding time is reduced, but measurement precision of division decision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary gradient calculation on pixel data before making division decisions. By pre-computing gradient information and using it to guide division decisions, the method reduces coding time while maintaining decision accuracy. The gradient data serves as a preliminary indicator that prevents the need for more time-consuming rate-distortion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pixel gradient data as an intermediary metric between the raw pixel values and the final division decision. This intermediary measurement provides sufficient information for accurate division decisions without requiring direct rate-distortion cost calculations, thus reducing coding time while preserving measurement precision through the gradient-based decision mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a video coding method and apparatus, a computer device, and a storage medium. The method includes: obtaining a current coding unit; obtaining target pixel gradient data through calculation according to a pixel value of a pixel in the current coding unit, the target pixel gradient data being obtained according to a difference between the pixel value of the pixel and a reference pixel value; determining a target division decision result corresponding to the current coding unit according to the target pixel gradient data; and performing video coding on the current coding unit according to the target division decision result.