Fast Intra-Mode Prediction Algorithm in H.264/AVC Video Coding

Abstract

A fast intra-mode decision algorithm is proposed on the basis of an inter-mode block type for inter-frames (P-slices). Each macroblock (MB) type has its own intra prediction modes (I16MB and 8×8 chroma: 4 modes, I4MB and I8MB: 9 modes). This procedure creates a large computational complexity in addition to the inter mode decision procedure. In most cases, there is a high correlation between the best intermode block type and the direction of the texture edge or object boundary. Therefore, only a small number of intra-prediction modes are chosen to determine the best intra mode based on this correlation. We experimentally verify that the proposed scheme can significantly improve the speed of the overall encoding time with a negligible loss of image quality and a minimal bit increase. The average loss in PSNR was -0.012∼0.036dB and the bit increment was approximately -0.194∼0.751%.