Fast block mode decision algorithm in H.264/AVC using a filter bank of Kalman filters for high definition encoding

In this paper, we propose a fast mode decision algorithm using a filter bank of Kalman filters for H.264/ AVC. For the highest coding efficiency in H.264/AVC, a macroblock can be coded with seven different block sizes for motion compensation in an inter mode and various spatial prediction modes in an intra mode. The conventional encoder employs a complex technique for mode decision based on a rate-distortion (RD) cost of all possible modes. Hence, for the purpose of selecting the best block mode with the minimum RD cost, the conventional procedure requires much computational burden and a very complex encoding structure. In order to reduce the complexity, we propose a fast algorithm for mode decision based on Kalman filtering to estimate RD cost of a specific block mode. Furthermore, we propose an optimized structure of H.264/AVC encoder to implement the proposed algorithm. Without considerable performance degradation, using SIMD technology, the computer simulation shows that the proposed methods are dramatically faster than the original JM 9.6 encoder.

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