Video Encoder Sub-Frame Latency Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video coding standards, such as H.264/AVC and HEVC, suffer from high latency and require multiple frames for encoding and decoding, which is inadequate for applications needing sub-frame latency, and they struggle with maintaining visually lossless quality through multiple encode-decode cycles, especially in broadcast studios where bandwidth limitations and complex cable routing are issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for encoding a coding tree unit in a video bitstream by forming candidate configurations with variations in partitioning modes and encoding parameters, selecting a configuration based on a predetermined maximum bit rate, and encoding using the selected configuration to ensure real-time operation and minimal buffering, thereby achieving low latency and visually lossless compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional video coding standards (H.264/AVC, HEVC) are used for distribution, then compression is achieved for distribution to end consumers, but latency increases to multiple frames and buffering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate control that adjusts encoding parameters in real-time based on buffer utilization and bitrate constraints, enabling the system to adapt between compression efficiency and latency requirements. The rate control module dynamically modifies quantization parameters and encoding strength to maintain visually lossless quality while meeting sub-frame latency targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key encoding parameters including quantization parameter (QP) ranges, transform block sizes, and prediction modes to optimize for low latency. By modifying these parameters dynamically based on scene complexity and bitrate availability, the system achieves visually lossless compression at sub-frame latency without requiring multiple frame buffering.
2Manufacturing precision
If uncompressed video data is transported through studio cabling, then video quality is maintained, but cable routing complexity increases and achievable cable lengths are limited due to high bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video signal into compressed data streams that can be transmitted over existing studio infrastructure. By implementing compression at the source (camera or switcher), the system divides the high-bandwidth uncompressed signal into lower-bandwidth compressed streams that can travel longer distances over standard cabling while maintaining visually lossless quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a compression intermediary layer between the video source and transmission medium. This intermediary compresses the video data before transmission and decompresses it at the destination, allowing high-quality video transport over bandwidth-constrained studio cabling without requiring complex cable routing or replication.
3Device complexity
If compression is applied to reduce cable bandwidth requirements, then cable routing becomes simpler, but maintaining visually lossless quality through multiple encode-decode cycles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary compression with optimized parameters before the video signal enters the studio distribution network. By pre-compressing the video at the source with visually lossless settings and appropriate bitrate allocation, the system eliminates the need for multiple re-encoding cycles while maintaining quality throughout the distribution chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the rate control module continuously monitors buffer utilization and transmission conditions, adjusting encoding parameters in real-time to maintain visually lossless quality. This closed-loop control ensures that compression artifacts remain imperceptible even through multiple encode-decode cycles in the studio workflow.
4Manufacturing precision
If higher data rates are used to transport UHDTV signals, then video quality is maintained, but achievable cable lengths reduce below minimum usable lengths for studio applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data rate parameter by implementing efficient compression algorithms that reduce the bitrate requirement for UHDTV transmission. By optimizing quantization parameters, transform block sizes, and prediction modes, the system maintains visually lossless UHDTV quality at lower bitrates, enabling transmission over standard-length studio cabling without signal degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of encoding a coding tree unit in a video bitstream. A plurality of candidate configurations are formed for the coding tree unit, each of the candidate configurations having a variation of at least one of a set of partitioning modes and encoding parameters. A candidate configuration is selected from the plurality of candidate configurations based on a predetermined maximum bit rate for the coding tree unit, the selected candidate configuration having a size within the predetermined maximum bit rate. The coding tree unit is encoded using the selected candidate configuration.