Abstract: A method and apparatus for rate control for a constant-bit-rate finite-buffer-size video encoder is described. Rate control is provided by adjusting the size of non-intra frames based on the size of intra frames. A sliding window approach is implemented to avoid excessive adjustment of non-intra frames located near the end of a group of pictures. A measurement of “power” based on a sum of absolute values of pixel values is used. The “power” measurement is used to adjust a global complexity value, which is used to adjust the sizes of frames. The global complexity value responds to scene changes. An embodiment of the invention calculates and uses L1 distances and pixel block complexities to provide rate control. An embodiment of the invention implements a number of bit predictor block. Predictions may be performed at a group-of-pictures level, at a picture level, and at a pixel block level. An embodiment of the invention resets a global complexity parameter when a scene change occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rate control for a constant-bit-rate finite-buffer-size video encoder is described. Rate control is provided by adjusting the size of non-intra frames based on the size of intra frames. A sliding window approach is implemented to avoid excessive adjustment of non-intra frames located near the end of a group of pictures. A measurement of “power” based on a sum of absolute values of pixel values is used. The “power” measurement is used to adjust a global complexity value, which is used to adjust the sizes of frames. The global complexity value responds to scene changes. An embodiment of the invention calculates and uses L1 distances and pixel block complexities to provide rate control. An embodiment of the invention implements a number of bit predictor block. Predictions may be performed at a group-of-pictures level, at a picture level, and at a pixel block level. An embodiment of the invention resets a global complexity parameter when a scene change occurs.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving video encoding using content information. A three-dimensional (3D) modeling system produces an encoded video stream. The system includes a content engine, a renderer, and a video encoder. The renderer receives 3D model information from the content engine relating and to produces corresponding two-dimensional (2D) images. The video encoder receives the 2D images and produce a corresponding encoded video stream. The video encoder receives content information from the content engine, transforms the content information into encoder control information, and controls the video encoder using the encoder control information.

Abstract: In the claimed approach, a high efficiency video coding codec optimizes the memory resources used during motion vector (MV) prediction. As the codec processes block of pixels, known as coding units (CUs), the codec performs read and write operations on a fixed-sized neighbor union buffer representing the MVs associated with processed CUs. In operation, for each CU, the codec determines the indices at which proximally-located “neighbor” MVs are stored within the neighbor union buffer. The codec then uses these neighbor MVs to compute new MVs. Subsequently, the codec deterministically updates the neighbor union buffer—replacing irrelevant MVs with those new MVs that are useful for computing the MVs of unprocessed CUs. By contrast, many conventional codecs not only redundantly store MVs, but also retain irrelevant MVs. Consequently, the codec reduces memory usage and memory operations compared to conventional codecs, thereby decreasing power consumption and improving codec efficiency.

Abstract: A video frame compression system includes a rendering engine that provides a current video frame and current additional rendering information. Additionally, the video frame compression system includes a warping engine that generates a warped video frame, wherein the warped video frame is a transformation of a previous video frame that is based on the current additional rendering information. Further, the video frame compression system includes a video encoder that compresses the current video frame by using the warped video frame as a reference frame and separately compresses the current additional rendering information. Still further, the video frame compression system includes a packetizer that provides main and auxiliary data streams corresponding to the compressed current video frame and the compressed current additional rendering information, respectively. A video frame decompression system and methods of video frame compression and decompression are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rate control for a constant-bit-rate finite-buffer-size video encoder is described. Rate control is provided by adjusting the size of non-intra frames based on the size of intra frames. A sliding window approach is implemented to avoid excessive adjustment of non-intra frames located near the end of a group of pictures. A measurement of “power” based on a sum of absolute values of pixel values is used. The “power” measurement is used to adjust a global complexity value, which is used to adjust the sizes of frames. The global complexity value responds to scene changes. An embodiment of the invention calculates and uses L1 distances and pixel block complexities to provide rate control. An embodiment of the invention implements a number of bit predictor block. Predictions may be performed at a group-of-pictures level, at a picture level, and at a pixel block level. An embodiment of the invention resets a global complexity parameter when a scene change occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rate control for a constant-bit-rate finite-buffer-size video encoder is described. Rate control is provided by adjusting the size of non-intra frames based on the size of intra frames. A sliding window approach is implemented to avoid excessive adjustment of non-intra frames located near the end of a group of pictures. A measurement of “power” based on a sum of absolute values of pixel values is used. The “power” measurement is used to adjust a global complexity value, which is used to adjust the sizes of frames. The global complexity value responds to scene changes. An embodiment of the invention calculates and uses L1 distances and pixel block complexities to provide rate control. An embodiment of the invention implements a number of bit predictor block. Predictions may be performed at a group-of-pictures level, at a picture level, and at a pixel block level. An embodiment of the invention resets a global complexity parameter when a scene change occurs.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a high efficiency video coding codec optimizes the memory resources used during motion vector (MV) prediction. As the codec processes block of pixels, known as coding units (CUs), the codec performs read and write operations on a fixed-sized neighbor union buffer representing the MVs associated with processed CUs. In operation, for each CU, the codec determines the indices at which proximally-located “neighbor” MVs are stored within the neighbor union buffer. The codec then uses these neighbor MVs to compute new MVs. Subsequently, the codec deterministically updates the neighbor union buffer—replacing irrelevant MVs with those new MVs that are useful for computing the MVs of unprocessed CUs. By contrast, many conventional codecs not only redundantly store MVs, but also retain irrelevant MVs. Consequently, the codec reduces memory usage and memory operations compared to conventional codecs, thereby decreasing power consumption and improving codec efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates efficient and effective encoding and motion detection. A system and method can include: receiving graphics frame information; performing a motion vector analysis including candidate selection utilizing motion vectors that processing has previously been initiated for; and performing an encoding utilizing results of the motion vector analysis. A candidate motion vector is selected based upon balancing of performance and accuracy. The candidate motion vector can be associated with a macro-block that is spatially and temporally close to the left in the same row as the current macro-block. In one exemplary implementation, the candidate motion vector can be within 1 to 8 macro-blocks to the left of the current macro-block. A motion vector candidate selection process for a current macro-block can be performed in which a motion vector associated with another macro-block that has completed motion vector analysis is included as a candidate for the current macro-block.

Abstract: A video frame compression system includes a rendering engine that provides a current video frame and current additional rendering information. Additionally, the video frame compression system includes a warping engine that generates a warped video frame, wherein the warped video frame is a transformation of a previous video frame that is based on the current additional rendering information. Further, the video frame compression system includes a video encoder that compresses the current video frame by using the warped video frame as a reference frame and separately compresses the current additional rendering information. Still further, the video frame compression system includes a packetizer that provides main and auxiliary data streams corresponding to the compressed current video frame and the compressed current additional rendering information, respectively. A video frame decompression system and methods of video frame compression and decompression are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving video encoding using content information. A three-dimensional (3D) modeling system produces an encoded video stream. The system includes a content engine, a renderer, and a video encoder. The renderer receives 3D model information from the content engine relating and to produces corresponding two-dimensional (2D) images. The video encoder receives the 2D images and produce a corresponding encoded video stream. The video encoder receives content information from the content engine, transforms the content information into encoder control information, and controls the video encoder using the encoder control information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for interpolation which is able to process input data with multiple video standards without sacrificing chip area. The interpolation unit comprises: a first interpolation unit for interpolating input data; a second interpolation unit for interpolating input data; a filter indicator for providing information to the first interpolation unit and the second interpolation unit; and an output unit for multiplexing and averaging output from the first interpolation unit and the second interpolation unit. The present invention also provides a motion compensation unit and a decoder for processing multiple video standards.

Abstract: An Inverse Hadamard Transform (IHT) converter and system includes a first group of registers for receiving coefficients inputted to the IHT converter; a first adder for adding selected the coefficients stored in the first group of registers; a second group of registers for receiving results from the first adder; and a second adder for adding selected the results stored in the second group of registers.

Abstract: A software program includes at least two performance levels. Each performance level has an associated processor utilization. Each performance level corresponds to optimization criteria, such as a quality of data processing performed by the software program. The performance level is selected to maintain processor utilization by the software program within constraints, such as a desired range of processor utilization and a minimum idle thread allocation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Inverse Hadamard Transform (IHT) converter which comprises a first group of registers for receiving coefficients inputted to the IHT converter; a first adder for adding selected the coefficients stored in the first group of registers; a second group of registers for receiving results from the first adder; and a second adder for adding selected the results stored in the second group of registers. The present invention provides an Inverse Hadamard Transform (IHT) converter system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for interpolation which is able to process input data with multiple video standards without sacrificing chip area. The interpolation unit comprises: a first interpolation unit for interpolating input data; a second interpolation unit for interpolating input data; a filter indicator for providing information to the first interpolation unit and the second interpolation unit; and an output unit for multiplexing and averaging output from the first interpolation unit and the second interpolation unit. The present invention also provides a motion compensation unit and a decoder for processing multiple video standards.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a programmable rate controller. In one embodiment, the programmable rate controller includes a variable bit rate controller, a constant bit rate controller, and an arbitration logic for selecting one of the two outputs. An embodiment of a variable bit rate controller tracks long-term changes to average bit rate. An embodiment of a constant bit rate controller classifies macroblock types, determines a statistical indicator of complexity for each macroblock type, and generates a target bit rate based on estimated complexity.

Abstract: The invention provide methods and code for better detecting 3:2 pulldown or other video formats. In one respect, embodiments of the invention improve the way in which fields of video data are compared. In another respect, embodiments of the invention provide pattern matching techniques and code for processing the field difference data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rate control for a constant-bit-rate finite-buffer-size video encoder is described. Rate control is provided by adjusting the size of non-intra frames based on the size of intra frames. A sliding window approach is implemented to avoid excessive adjustment of non-intra frames located near the end of a group of pictures. A measurement of “power” based on a sum of absolute values of pixel values is used. The “power” measurement is used to adjust a global complexity value, which is used to adjust the sizes of frames. The global complexity value responds to scene changes. An embodiment of the invention calculates and uses L1 distances and pixel block complexities to provide rate control. An embodiment of the invention implements a number of bit predictor block. Predictions may be performed at a group-of-pictures level, at a picture level, and at a pixel block level. An embodiment of the invention resets a global complexity parameter when a scene change occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rate control for a constant-bit-rate finite-buffer-size video encoder is described. Rate control is provided by adjusting the size of non-intra frames based on the size of intra frames. A sliding window approach is implemented to avoid excessive adjustment of non-intra frames located near the end of a group of pictures. A measurement of “power” based on a sum of absolute values of pixel values is used. The “power” measurement is used to adjust a global complexity value, which is used to adjust the sizes of frames. The global complexity value responds to scene changes. An embodiment of the invention calculates and uses L1 distances and pixel block complexities to provide rate control. An embodiment of the invention implements a number of bit predictor block. Predictions may be performed at a group-of-pictures level, at a picture level, and at a pixel block level. An embodiment of the invention resets a global complexity parameter when a scene change occurs.