Video Encoder Bit Estimator for Macroblock Size Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video compression schemes are inefficient in predicting when to invoke a special mode to prevent encoded macroblocks from exceeding size limits, leading to high false alarms and increased processing time due to re-encoding.
Innovation Solution
A bit estimation process is used to predict the size of macroblocks during encoding, allowing for early decision-making on whether to use a special prediction mode based on bit consumption estimates, comparing predicted sizes to a configurable threshold to avoid illegal macroblock sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If known compression schemes use prediction schemes during mode selection to determine whether to invoke special mode encoding, then the encoding process can proceed without re-encoding, but the prediction accuracy is very low resulting in high false alarms and wrong decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary bit consumption estimation during mode selection before actual encoding occurs. This preliminary action uses statistical models to predict the number of bits required for each macroblock under different prediction modes, allowing the system to make informed decisions about whether to invoke special mode encoding in advance, rather than waiting until after encoding to detect size violations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual bit consumption from previous encodings is used to refine and update the statistical models. The system continuously adjusts the prediction parameters based on actual encoding results, creating a closed-loop system that improves prediction accuracy over time while maintaining real-time encoding efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If known compression schemes re-encode macroblocks with special mode after determining they exceed size limits, then the size limit is satisfied, but processing time and latency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary bit consumption estimation during mode selection to predict which macroblocks will exceed size limits before encoding occurs. By identifying these macroblocks in advance, the system can apply special mode encoding during the initial pass, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-encoding operations and reducing overall processing latency while ensuring size compliance.
3Productivity
If known compression schemes use statistics prior to actual transform and compression to predict special mode needs, then the encoding process is faster, but the decisions rely on inaccurate pre-encoding statistics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where actual bit consumption data from encoding operations is used to continuously update and refine the statistical models. This allows the system to maintain real-time encoding efficiency while progressively improving the accuracy of predictions by incorporating actual measurement data, thereby reducing information loss in the statistical estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts statistical parameters and model weights based on actual encoding conditions and content characteristics. By changing parameters such as prediction weights, threshold values, and model coefficients according to real-time feedback, the system maintains encoding efficiency while adapting to varying content types and encoding scenarios, thereby improving information accuracy without sacrificing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A video transmission system includes an encoder to receive video images, and encode them for transfer to a decoder. The video images include macroblocks having data that are encoded according to a prediction mode, such as inter-prediction or intra-prediction. A bit estimator for the encoded macroblock within the encoder estimates a size for the encoded macroblock and predicts whether it will be an illegal size. The bit estimator applies a bit estimation function using a number of header bits and a number of texture bits based on the prediction mode and transformed data of the macroblock.