Video Intra Prediction Mode Determination Using Pixel Variation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing video compression technologies, such as H.264/AVC, face inefficiencies in determining optimal intra prediction modes, leading to complex encoding processes and reduced compression efficiency due to the need to calculate costs for multiple prediction modes, especially when adjacent blocks have identical or similar pixels.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that calculate the variation of adjacent pixels relative to a current block, using a threshold to determine if a single predetermined prediction mode is optimal, or if a particular prediction mode from multiple modes is optimal through rate-distortion optimization, thereby reducing unnecessary prediction mode determining procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple prediction modes are evaluated through rate-distortion optimization, then prediction accuracy is improved, but encoding complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates pixel variation before performing rate-distortion optimization. This preliminary calculation of pixel variation (comparing adjacent pixels to determine similarity) allows the system to pre-assess whether full mode evaluation is necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary complex processing while maintaining prediction accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by evaluating only a subset of prediction modes rather than all possible modes. When pixel variation is low (indicating similar adjacent pixels), the system uses simplified prediction without exhaustive mode evaluation. When pixel variation is high, full rate-distortion optimization is applied. This selective approach reduces overall encoding complexity while maintaining accuracy where necessary.
2Productivity
If all prediction modes are tested to determine optimal mode, then compression efficiency is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pixel variation calculation before time-consuming rate-distortion optimization. By first comparing adjacent pixels to assess similarity, the system can determine whether full mode testing is necessary, thereby reducing processing time for cases where simplified prediction suffices while maintaining compression efficiency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selectively applying full mode evaluation only when necessary (high pixel variation). For cases with low pixel variation, the system uses partial prediction methods that require less processing time. This selective approach maintains compression efficiency for complex images while significantly reducing processing time for simpler images.
3Speed
If prediction mode determination is simplified, then processing speed is improved, but prediction accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pixel variation assessment to determine whether simplified or full prediction modes should be used. This pre-evaluation allows the system to apply simplified, faster prediction for similar pixel cases while reserving full accurate prediction for cases where pixel variation indicates complexity, thus balancing speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different prediction approaches for different local conditions. When pixel variation is low (similar adjacent pixels), simplified prediction is used for speed. When pixel variation is high (different adjacent pixels), full rate-distortion optimization is applied for accuracy. This conditional approach optimizes the trade-off between processing speed and prediction accuracy based on local image characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for determining an intra prediction mode, and for encoding/decoding video using the same. An apparatus for determining an intra prediction mode is provided, the apparatus comprising a calculator to calculate a variation of adjacent pixels to a current block; a threshold setter to set a threshold to evaluate the pixel variation; a comparator to compare between the variation and the threshold; a first prediction mode determination unit to determine a single predetermined prediction mode to be an optimal prediction mode if the variation is below the threshold; and a second prediction mode determination unit to determine a particular prediction mode from a plurality of prediction modes to be the optimal prediction mode through a rate-distortion optimization by performing intra predictions in the plurality of prediction modes if the variation is greater than or equal to the threshold.