Video Encoder Freshness Map for Encoding Decisions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video encoders perform complex calculations to assess distortion, which complicates the evaluation of encoding decisions and their impact on video signal quality, particularly in adaptive intra and inter prediction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A video encoder that calculates a freshness map independently of distortion, using Intra and Inter prediction mechanisms to determine the reliance of encoded data on previously transmitted data, allowing for simplified decision-making on encoding strategies based on freshness values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex distortion calculations are performed to evaluate encoding decisions, then measurement precision of video quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for quality assessment - the prediction mechanism type (Intra/Inter) and reference frame freshness - while discarding complex distortion calculations. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision for encoding decisions while significantly reducing computational complexity in the encoder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of data based on prediction mechanism and freshness status before encoding. By pre-categorizing data into freshness levels without performing full distortion calculations, the system prepares quality assessment information in advance, reducing real-time computational burden while maintaining decision accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If probabilistic distortion calculations with concealment steps are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex probabilistic concealment step from the encoder operation while retaining its functional benefit through a simplified freshness-based approach. The encoder only needs to track and compare prediction mechanisms and reference frame ages, eliminating the need for complex probabilistic calculations and concealment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the assessment parameter from complex distortion values requiring probabilistic calculation to simple freshness indicators based on prediction mechanism type and reference frame age. This parameter transformation maintains encoding decision accuracy while dramatically simplifying the operational complexity of the encoder.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive distortion calculation including residuals and previous distortion data is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of data freshness and prediction mechanism type before the actual encoding process. This pre-assessment avoids the need for complex distortion calculations during the time-critical encoding phase, maintaining measurement precision for decision-making while significantly improving encoding speed and overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential freshness indicators (prediction mechanism type and reference frame age) needed for quality assessment, removing the computationally intensive residual calculation and previous distortion data processing steps. This extraction enables fast encoding decisions without sacrificing the ability to make accurate encoding choices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a video encoder (ENC) for encoding frames (FR) of a video signal before transmission, said video encoder (ENC) including an encoding decision unit (EDU) for deciding which kind of coding will be used for each data of said frame (FR) in an encoding unit (ENU). Said video encoder (ENC) further implements a freshness map calculation unit (FMCU) for calculating, throughout the time, for each data of said frame (FR), a corresponding freshness value (FV) taking into account Intra and Inter prediction mechanisms, independently from a calculation of a distortion. Said freshness value (FV) express on which degree encoded data (ED) are relying on previously transmitted data and said freshness value (FV) is used by said encoding decision unit (EDU).