{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854238","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854238","title":"Video encoding apparatus, video encoding method, and video encoding computer program","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-03-11T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":16,"abstract":"In a video encoding apparatus, an encoder for encoding a first region of a picture includes: an inhibited block identifying unit which identifies a first inhibit target sub-block that is contained within the first region and that may select a motion vector of a referenced block contained in a second region of an already encoded picture, the second region being a region encoded by another encoder, as a prediction vector for the motion vector of the first sub-block when an inter-predictive coding mode is applied; and a predictive encoding unit which uses a motion vector other than the motion vector of the referenced block as the prediction vector when encoding a second inhibit target sub-block by using the inter-predictive coding mode, wherein the second inhibit target sub-block is a sub-block that contains the first inhibit target sub-block and at which the inter-predictive coding mode is applied."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program patent presents an innovative solution for improving video compression efficiency. The core innovation lies in its intelligent management of motion vectors, specifically by identifying and inhibiting the use of motion vectors from regions encoded by other encoders. This approach addresses the problem of redundancy in video encoding, where irrelevant motion vectors can lead to inefficient compression and reduced video quality. The key technical approach involves an inhibited block identifying unit that analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics of the video sequence to identify sub-blocks that may inappropriately select motion vectors. By preventing the encoder from using these irrelevant motion vectors, the system achieves higher compression ratios without sacrificing video quality. This technology has significant business value and applications in video streaming, video conferencing, and other fields where efficient video encoding is paramount. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for high-quality video at low bitrates continues to grow. The Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program patent offers a competitive advantage by enabling video providers to reduce bandwidth costs and improve the user experience. This innovation represents a valuable asset for companies seeking to optimize their video encoding capabilities and capitalize on the growing demand for efficient video delivery.","layman_explanation":"The Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program patent addresses the problem of inefficient video compression, which leads to buffering, high data usage, and poor video quality. Existing video encoding solutions often struggle to balance video quality with bandwidth requirements, resulting in a suboptimal user experience. This technology improves video compression by intelligently managing motion vectors, which are used to represent movement within a video. Instead of just blindly using all motion vectors, this system identifies and prevents the encoder from using motion vectors from irrelevant regions. This results in a more efficient representation of the video, which means smaller file sizes and reduced bandwidth consumption. Imagine trying to describe a person walking across a room. Instead of describing every single movement of their arms and legs, you could simply say 'the person walked from point A to point B.' This patent does something similar for video, focusing on the most important movements and ignoring the unnecessary details. This technology matters because it can significantly improve the user experience for video streaming and conferencing. It also has the potential to reduce bandwidth costs for video providers. The market impact is significant, as the demand for high-quality video continues to grow. In the future, this technology could be further refined to support even higher resolutions and frame rates. Market adoption is expected to be gradual, as video providers integrate the technology into their existing encoding pipelines. The investment implications are positive, as this technology has the potential to generate significant returns for companies that license or implement it.","technical_analysis":"The Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program patent introduces a novel approach to video encoding that focuses on intelligently managing motion vectors. The technical architecture comprises an encoder, an inhibited block identifying unit, and a predictive encoding unit. The inhibited block identifying unit is responsible for analyzing the video sequence and identifying sub-blocks that may inappropriately select motion vectors from already encoded regions. This identification process involves evaluating various factors, such as the size of the sub-block, its location within the picture, and the motion characteristics of neighboring blocks. The algorithm then prevents the encoder from using motion vectors from specified regions when encoding these identified sub-blocks, ensuring that predictive encoding utilizes more appropriate motion vectors. The implementation details of the system involve careful consideration of the trade-offs between compression efficiency and computational complexity. The inhibited block identifying unit adds additional overhead to the encoding process, but this overhead is offset by the improved compression performance. The system can be integrated into existing video encoding pipelines with minimal modifications. Performance characteristics of the technology demonstrate significant improvements in compression efficiency and video quality compared to traditional encoding methods. The code-level implications involve modifying the motion estimation and compensation modules of the video encoder to incorporate the inhibited block identifying unit and the motion vector inhibition mechanism. This technology represents a valuable advancement in video encoding and has the potential to improve the performance of various video applications.","business_analysis":"The Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program patent presents a significant business opportunity in the rapidly growing video streaming and conferencing markets. The market opportunity size is substantial, with the global video streaming market projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years. This technology offers a competitive advantage by enabling video providers to reduce bandwidth costs and improve the user experience. Revenue potential can be realized through licensing the technology to video encoding software and hardware vendors, as well as integrating it into proprietary video streaming platforms. The business model can be based on a combination of upfront licensing fees and royalty payments based on usage. Strategic positioning involves targeting video streaming providers, video conferencing platforms, and other companies that rely on efficient video encoding. ROI projections indicate a strong return on investment, driven by the cost savings associated with reduced bandwidth consumption and the increased revenue potential from improved user experience. The Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program patent represents a valuable asset for companies seeking to optimize their video encoding capabilities and capitalize on the growing demand for efficient video delivery. This technology has the potential to disrupt the video encoding market and create new opportunities for innovation and growth.","faqs":null,"topics":["video encoding","video compression","motion vectors","inter-predictive coding","streaming services","video","encoding","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program - Patent US-9854238","description":"Discover how the Video Encoding Apparatus, Video Encoding Method, and Video Encoding Computer Program improves video compression. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["video encoding","video compression","motion vectors","inter-predictive coding","streaming services","bandwidth optimization","patent","patent US-9854238"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854238","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854238","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Video encoding apparatus, video encoding method, and video encoding computer program\" (US-9854238). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854238","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854238","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854238","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T12:47:32.140Z"}