Video Compression Normalization for Quality Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Constant bit rate compression methods in video sequences lead to sudden variations in image quality due to abrupt changes in compression factors, degrading the perceived quality of service.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a normalization step to smooth variations in the compression factor by simulating the receiver's buffer filling level and adjusting the quantization factor to maintain optimal buffer constraints, combined with local optimization techniques to minimize quality differences between images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If constant bit rate compression is used, then the bitrate is maintained constant, but the image quality varies abruptly due to sudden changes in compression factor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebitrateVSAvoidimage quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant bitrate approach to a dynamic variable bitrate approach. The compression factor is adjusted frame-by-frame based on scene complexity analysis, allowing the bitrate to vary dynamically while maintaining perceptual quality consistency. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive rather than rigid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compression parameter (quantization factor) based on scene complexity metrics. By analyzing scene changes and adjusting the compression factor accordingly, the system maintains consistent perceptual quality while allowing bitrate to vary. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between constant bitrate and quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If variable compression factor is used to adapt to image complexity, then image quality is optimized, but bitrate varies causing buffer overflow or starvation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidbuffer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by simulating the receiver buffer behavior during the encoding process. The buffer simulation provides feedback about potential overflow or starvation conditions, which is used to adjust the compression factor and bitrate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures both quality optimization and buffer stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary buffer simulation during the encoding phase to predict and prevent buffer overflow or starvation before they occur. By proactively adjusting compression parameters based on simulated buffer behavior, the system ensures reliable playback while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If quantization factor is increased to reduce bitrate, then data amount is reduced, but image quality deteriorates significantly in high complexity scenes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata amountVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different compression factors for different frames based on their complexity. Low complexity frames receive higher compression (lower quality), while high complexity frames receive lower compression (higher quality). This local adaptation optimizes the overall quality-bitrate tradeoff rather than applying uniform compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the quantization factor based on scene complexity analysis. By adjusting this parameter adaptively rather than using a fixed value, the system achieves better quality-bitrate efficiency, reducing data amount while preserving quality where it matters most.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2433428B1Video compression method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 NINTENDO EUROPEAN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
  • EP2433428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2433428B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2433428B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of video compression and, specifically, to controlling the bit rate of the generated compressed sequence. The invention relates to a method for constant bit rate compression, using a step of normalising the compression ratio. Variations in said ratio can thus be smoothed out, eliminating sudden variations in image quality in the resulting sequences. The perceived quality of service is thereby improved.