Improving computation of zero-blocks for zero-block mode decision using prediction motion vector

Abstract

In the previous work [8], we suggest a zero-block inter/intra mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC video coding based upon the number of zero-blocks of 4x4 DCT coefficients between the current macroblock (MB) and the co-located macroblock (MB) (i.e., using zero motion vector (MV)). The proposed algorithm can achieve significant improvement in computation, while maintaining high-coding efficiency. In this paper, we improve its computation to a great extent using the prediction MVs to compute the number of 4×4 zero-blocks, instead of zero MV. Experimental result shows that another reduction of 1∼3% of total encoding time can be accomplished, while preserving good coding performance compared to the method using zero MV. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.