Zero-block mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC

IEEE Trans Image Process. 2009 Mar;18(3):524-33. doi: 10.1109/TIP.2008.2009858. Epub 2009 Jan 9.

Abstract

In the previous paper , we proposed a zero-block intermode decision algorithm for H.264 video coding based upon the number of zero-blocks of 4 x 4 DCT coefficients between the current macroblock and the co-located macroblock. The proposed algorithm can achieve significant improvement in computation, but the computation performance is limited for high bit-rate coding. To improve computation efficiency, in this paper, we suggest an enhanced zero-block decision algorithm, which uses an early zero-block detection method to compute the number of zero-blocks instead of direct DCT and quantization (DCT/Q) calculation and incorporates two adequate decision methods into semi-stationary and nonstationary regions of a video sequence. In addition, the zero-block decision algorithm is also applied to the intramode prediction in the P frame. The enhanced zero-block decision algorithm brings out a reduction of average 27% of total encoding time compared to the zero-block decision algorithm.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Computer Communication Networks*
  • Data Compression / methods*
  • Data Compression / standards
  • Decision Support Techniques*
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Internationality
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Video Recording / methods*
  • Video Recording / standards