Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
  • Publication
    Pareto-Optimal Macroblock Classification for Fast Mode Decision in H.264
    This paper presents a novel fast mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC based on a Pareto-optimal macroblock classification strategy. Previously published H.264 low complexity schemes mostly concentrated on improving class decision metrics, but did not justify the choice of MD classes. Herein, we use Pareto analysis to derive the optimal set of MD classes and to define efficient class decision metrics. For each MD class only rate-distortion optimal complexity settings are used. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms previously published algorithms, providing a 57-73% reduction in total computational complexity with some reduction in bit rate and acceptable visual quality.
      364
  • Publication
    Real-Time H.264 Video Encoding in Software with Fast Mode Decision and Dynamic Complexity Control
    (Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2010-02) ;
    This paper presents a novel real-time algorithm for reducing and dynamically controlling the computational complexity of an H.264 video encoder implemented in software. A fast Mode Decision algorithm, based on a Pareto optimal MacroBlock classification scheme, is combined with a Dynamic Complexity Control algorithm that adjusts the MB Class decisions such that a constant frame rate is achieved. The average coding efficiency of the proposed algorithm was found to be similar to that of conventional encoding operating at half the frame rate. The proposed algorithm was found to provide lower average bit rate and distortion than Static Complexity Scaling.
    Scopus© Citations 21  387
  • Publication
    Dynamic Complexity Scaling for Real-Time H.264/AVC Video Encoding
    (Association for Computing Machinery, 2007-09-28) ;
    The H.264 video encoding standard can achieve high coding efficiency at the expense of high computational complexity. Typically, real-time software implementation requires omission of most optional encoding tools leading to significantly reduced coding efficiency. This paper proposes a novel method for real-time H.264 encoding based on dynamic control of the encoding parameters to meet real-time constraints while minimizing coding efficiency loss. Experimental results show that the method provides up to 19% lower bit rate than conventional real-time encoding using fixed parameters with the same visual quality. The method allows real-time 30fps QCIF encoding on a Pentium IV with similar coding efficiency to full search baseline profile encoding.
    Scopus© Citations 11  377
  • Publication
    Fast Mode Decision With Early Termination For H.264/AVC Video Coding
    (The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), 2006-10-28) ;
    In this paper a fast mode decision algorithm based on an early termination procedure is proposed for H.264/AVC video encoding. Unlike previous methods, the termination decision is based on the rate distortion cost function. A statistical analysis of the spatio-temporal characteristics of the rate distortion cost function and of the probability of mode transition is given for test sequences. Experimental results show that the new algorithm provides a 38% reduction in total computational complexity with a negligible increase in the bit rate and negligible reduction in visual quality when compared to conventional encoding.
      286
  • Publication
    Survey and Pareto Analysis Method for Coding Efficiency Assessment of Low Complexity H.264 Algorithms
    A large number of algorithms have been proposed by researchers to reduce H.264computational complexity. Currently there is no method for reliably comparing theeffectiveness of these algorithms. This paper proposes a method that allows direct comparison of the results obtained for various previously published low complexity H.264 encoding algorithms. The method is based on a new coding efficiency metric for unified bit rate and quality assessment. Pareto analysis is used to derive an optimal reference efficiency complexity curve using standard H.264 encoding tools and parameters. The paper demonstrates application of the method to the assessment of recently published low-complexity algorithms. The method shows that some published low complexity algorithms can be outperformed by simply adjusting the standard video encoder parameters.
      129
  • Publication
    Skip Prediction and Early Termination for Fast Mode Decision in H.264/AVC
    This paper proposes a fast mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC based on skip prediction and early termination techniques. The skip decision is based on a partially computed Sum of Absolute Differences metric combined with utilization of the Lagrangian Rate- Distortion cost function from the previous frame. A statistical analysis of the spatio-temporal characteristics of the Rate Distortion cost function and SAD metric for skip decisions is provided. Experimental results show that the new algorithm outperforms existing ones in performance providing a 55% reduction in total computational complexity, a slight reduction in bit rate and negligible impact on visual quality.
    Scopus© Citations 10  343
  • Publication
    Adaptive Lagrange Multiplier for Low Bit Rates in H.264
    This paper describes a novel adaptive Lagrange multiplier algorithm based on the general Rate-Distortion model with dynamic lambda calculation for H.264 video coding. When experimentally tested with the JM 8.1a encoder on QCIF video sequences the algorithm provides 2.8% average bit rate saving with insignificant PSNR loss (around 0.13%) without computational complexity increase. Experiments indicate that the algorithm may also be adopted for higher bit rates.
      152