Fast inter mode decision based on textural segmentation and correlations for multiview video coding

Multiview video coding (MVC) plays a critical role in reducing the ultra high data bandwidth of 3-D video. However, the heavy computational complexity of MVC slows down its applications. In this paper, a fast Inter mode decision based on textural segmentation and correlations is presented: Firstly, each frame is segmented into three textural regions based on the correlation between textural complexities and Intra mode Rate-Distortion (RD) costs, and the correlation of Intra mode RD costs between views. Then, by using textural region types and the correlation of Skip mode RD costs between views, an early decision of Skip mode is introduced. Thirdly, by utilizing Inter16×16 mode prediction results and textural region types, the disparity estimation of other Inter modes is selected. Finally, the estimation of Inter8×8 mode can be reduced according to textural region types and motion activity. As compared to the full mode decision in MVC reference software, experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce 55~70% of the computational time, while maintaining high RD performance.