A complexity reduction algorithm for an H.264 encoder is proposed. Computational savings are achieved by identifying, prior to motion estimation, macroblocks (MBs) that are likely to be skipped and hence saving further computational processing of these MBs. This early prediction is made by estimating a Lagrangian rate-distortion cost function which incorporates an adaptive model for the Lagrange multiplier parameter based on local sequence statistics. Simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm can achieve computational savings of 19%-67% (depending on the source sequence) with no significant loss of rate-distortion performance.

No abstract

A computational complexity control algorithm is proposed for an H.264 encoder running on a processor/power constrained platform. This new computational complexity control algorithm is based on a macroblock mode prediction algorithm that employs a Bayesian framework for accurate early skip decision. Complexity control is achieved by relaxing the Bayesian maximum-likelihood (ML) criterion in order to match the mode decision threshold to a target complexity level. A feedback algorithm is used to maintain the performance of the algorithm with respect to achieving an average target complexity level, reducing frame by frame complexity variance and optimizing rate-distortion performance. Experimental results show that this algorithm can effectively control the encoding computational complexity while maintaining a good rate-distortion performance at a range of target complexity levels.Index Terms-Bayes decision theory, computational complexity control, H.264.

No abstract

A complexity reduction algorithm for an H.264 encoder is proposed. Computational savings are achieved by identifying, prior to motion estimation, macroblocks that are likely to be skipped and hence saving further computational processing of these macroblocks. This early prediction is made by estimating a Lagrangian rate-distortion cost function which incorporates an adaptive model for the Lagrange multiplier parameter based on local sequence statistics. Simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm can achieve computational savings of 19-65% (depending on the source sequence) with no significant loss of rate-distortion performance.