Video Encoder Precision Adjustment for Buffer Overflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video encoders face issues with maintaining an optimal frame output rate due to buffer overflow or underflow, leading to undesired rate fluctuations, which affect the encoding process.

Innovation Solution

A video encoder adjusts its encoding rate by modifying the precision level of its algorithms based on the output buffer rate, reducing precision to increase encoding speed when the buffer is full and increasing precision to decrease encoding speed when the buffer is empty, thereby maintaining a stable output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the encoder increases encoding speed to prevent buffer overflow, then the frame output rate improves, but the manufacturing precision of encoding quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe output rateVSAvoidencoding quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder dynamically adjusts the motion estimation precision level based on real-time buffer status. When the buffer is full or filling quickly, the encoder reduces precision to increase speed. When the buffer has sufficient space, the encoder increases precision to improve quality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between encoding speed and quality by making the system flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder changes the precision parameter of motion estimation algorithms based on buffer conditions. By adjusting parameters such as search range, block size, and estimation accuracy, the encoder can modulate between speed and quality modes. This parameter-based control allows the system to optimize the trade-off between frame output rate and encoding quality in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the encoder decreases encoding speed to maintain quality, then the manufacturing precision of encoding quality improves, but the productivity of frame output rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding qualityVSAvoidframe output rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder uses dynamic control to adjust motion estimation precision based on buffer status. When the buffer has sufficient capacity, the encoder operates at high precision for quality. When the buffer approaches full capacity, the encoder automatically reduces precision to prevent overflow. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting to real-time conditions rather than maintaining a fixed operating point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder implements feedback control by monitoring the buffer fill level and using this information to adjust encoding precision. The buffer status serves as feedback that triggers appropriate precision adjustments. This closed-loop control ensures the encoder maintains quality when possible while preventing buffer overflow, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the encoder uses high precision algorithms, then the manufacturing precision of encoding quality improves, but the loss of time in encoding duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding qualityVSAvoidencoding duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder adjusts motion estimation parameters such as search range and block size based on buffer conditions. When quality is prioritized (buffer has space), higher precision parameters are used. When time is critical (buffer filling fast), lower precision parameters reduce encoding duration. This parameter adaptation resolves the time-quality trade-off dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder applies partial precision adjustments rather than always using maximum precision. By using just enough precision to maintain acceptable quality while considering buffer status, the encoder avoids excessive encoding time. This partial action approach optimizes the balance between quality and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Productivity

If the encoder uses low precision algorithms to increase speed, then the productivity of frame output rate improves, but the manufacturing precision of encoding quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe output rateVSAvoidencoding quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder dynamically selects precision levels based on real-time buffer status rather than using fixed low precision. When speed is critical (buffer full), low precision increases frame output rate. When quality can be maintained (buffer has space), higher precision is used. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by making precision adaptive to conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder modifies motion estimation parameters to control the speed-quality trade-off. By adjusting parameters like search range and block granularity, the encoder can achieve higher frame rates when needed while maintaining acceptable quality. This parameter control resolves the productivity-precision contradiction through flexible adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9357222B2Video device finishing encoding within the desired length of time
Publication Date: 2016.05.31 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US9357222B2 patent drawing
  • US9357222B2 patent drawing
  • US9357222B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system comprising a processor and a compression module coupled to the processor. The compression module is adapted to perform motion estimation on video data using an algorithm, the motion estimation performed at a rate. If the processor determines a difference between the rate and a target rate, the processor adjusts a precision level of the algorithm such that the difference is decreased.