Fast variable-size block motion estimation using merging procedure with an adaptive threshold
ICME '03 Proceedings of the 2003 International Conference on Multimedia and Expo - Volume 1
Highly efficient predictive zonal algorithms for fast block-matching motion estimation
IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology
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Many intra and inter prediction modes for macroblock are supported in the latest video compression standard H.264. Using the powerful Lagrangian minimization tool such as rate-distortion optimization, the mode with the optimal rate-distortion performance is determined. This achieves highest possible coding efficiency, but total calculation of cost for all candidate modes results in much higher computational complexity. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical framework for fast macroblock prediction mode decision in H.264 encoders. It is based on hierarchical mode classification method which assists fast mode decision by pre-selecting the class for macroblock using the extracted spatial and temporal features of macroblock. Since tests for many modes of non-selected classes will be skipped, much computation of rate-distortion optimization can be saved. Experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the execution time of mode decision by 85% on the average without perceivable loss in coding rate and quality.