Video Encoding Skip Mode Determination Reducing Computational Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high complexity of determining the optimal prediction mode in video encoding and decoding processes, particularly in the H.264/AVC standard, leads to increased computational requirements and potential degradation of coding performance.
Innovation Solution
A video encoding apparatus and method that sets the prediction mode of a current block to SKIP when the motion parameter matches a candidate block's motion parameter and all-zero coefficients result from transform and quantization of the residual data block, simplifying the encoding process and reducing computational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all available intra prediction modes and inter prediction modes are used for calculating rate-distortion costs to select the optimal prediction mode, then coding performance is improved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking whether the current block can be encoded in SKIP mode before performing full rate-distortion optimization. The encoder first checks if motion parameters match candidate blocks and if transform coefficients are all zeros, allowing early determination of SKIP mode eligibility without computing all prediction modes, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining coding performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mode decision process into two stages: first checking simple SKIP mode conditions (motion parameter matching and zero coefficients), and then proceeding to full RDO optimization only for blocks that don't meet SKIP criteria. This segmentation allows the encoder to handle simple cases efficiently while maintaining optimal performance for complex cases
2Productivity
If more intra prediction modes and inter prediction modes are used to achieve higher coding performance, then coding efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the optimal mode decision process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary checks for SKIP mode applicability before engaging in complex mode decision processes. By checking motion parameter matching and zero coefficient conditions in advance, the encoder can quickly identify blocks suitable for SKIP mode without undergoing complex RDO calculations, thereby reducing mode decision complexity while preserving coding efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different blocks differently based on their characteristics. Blocks with matching motion parameters and zero coefficients are handled with simple SKIP mode checks, while other blocks undergo full RDO optimization. This localized approach optimizes the decision process complexity according to the actual content requirements of each block
Data Source
AI summary
A video encoding apparatus includes: an inter prediction unit to determine a motion parameter of a current block and generate a predicted block of the current block, by performing a motion estimation on the current block; and an optimal mode determining unit to set a prediction mode of the current block as a SKIP mode when (i) the motion parameter of the current block is identical to a motion parameter of a candidate block among a plurality of candidate blocks and (ii) all-zero coefficients result from a transform and a quantization performed on a residual data block representing the difference between the current block and the predicted block.