Video Encoder Block Size Decision Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video encoding techniques, such as those in the HEVC standard, face complexity in determining the optimal block size and intra-prediction mode due to the need to evaluate every possible combination, leading to increased processing requirements and time.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a video encoder determines the homogeneity of a block's pixels by calculating variance and DPCM-based metrics, selectively evaluating a subset of block sizes for intra-encoding, reducing the complexity by excluding non-homogeneous block sizes and focusing on either larger or smaller block sizes based on homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If every possible block size combination is evaluated for intra-encoding, then encoding accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the block size evaluation process into two stages: first evaluating a limited set of candidate block sizes based on variance criteria, then selectively evaluating additional block sizes only for regions meeting specific homogeneity thresholds. This segmentation reduces the overall computational complexity while maintaining encoding accuracy for suitable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial evaluation by not assessing all possible block size combinations universally. Instead, it performs exhaustive evaluation only for regions that meet specific variance and homogeneity criteria, while using simplified evaluation for other regions. This partial action approach maintains accuracy where needed while reducing overall processing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If every possible block size combination is evaluated for intra-encoding, then encoding quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of block size candidates using variance calculations before committing to full intra-encoding evaluation. By pre-screening block sizes based on variance thresholds and homogeneity criteria, the system avoids time-consuming exhaustive evaluation for block sizes unlikely to produce quality results, thereby reducing processing time while preserving encoding quality for suitable candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial evaluation by performing exhaustive block size assessment only for regions meeting specific variance and homogeneity thresholds, while using simplified or skipped evaluation for other regions. This selective approach maintains encoding quality where it can be achieved efficiently while reducing processing time for regions where quality improvement would be minimal.
3Reliability
If all block sizes are evaluated for homogeneous blocks, then encoding optimality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality assessment by evaluating block size suitability based on local variance characteristics rather than applying a uniform evaluation strategy across all regions. Different block size evaluation strategies are applied to different regions depending on their homogeneity properties, optimizing encoding for each local region while reducing overall processing complexity through adaptive selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameters dynamically based on measured variance and homogeneity metrics. When variance thresholds indicate homogeneous regions, the system adjusts its block size evaluation parameters to consider a broader range of block sizes. When variance exceeds thresholds, the system restricts evaluation to fewer block sizes, thereby maintaining encoding optimality for suitable regions while reducing processing complexity overall.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes determining a respective variance value for pixels of each respective sub-block of at least four sub-blocks of a current block of video data of a particular block size; determining an average of the determined variance values for the at least four sub-blocks; determining a maximum difference value for the current block based on the average and the variance values for the at least four sub-blocks; determining whether pixels of the current block are homogeneous based on whether the maximum difference value for the current block satisfies a threshold difference value; and in response to determining that the pixels of the current block are homogeneous, selectively including block sizes that are greater than or equal to a threshold block size in a sub-set of block sizes to evaluate for use when intra encoding the pixels of the current block.