Texture complexity based fast and efficient intra block mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC

The H.264 video coding standard can greatly outperform other previous coding standards in both PSNR and visual quality. This efficiency is achieved by using several powerful coding techniques. One important technique is the variable block-size mode prediction. However, this feature results in extremely high computational complexity when the rate distortion optimization (RDO) technique is used. In this paper, we propose an improved fast block size decision method for H.264/AVC intra coding. Prior to intraprediction, the amplitude of the proposed vector of the macroblock (MB) is computed. Based on the amplitude value of this proposed vector, only a small part of intraprediction modes are chosen for RDO calculation. Experimental results reveal the significant computational savings achieved with slight bitrate increase and quality degradation.