Optimal Frame Selection for H.264/AVC FMO Coding

In this paper, an algorithm is proposed to improve the efficiency of flexible macroblock ordering (FMO) coding in H.264/AVC by optimal frame selection. More specifically, through a distortion-rate analysis, the algorithm selects the best frames to be coded with FMO, with the constraint of a reduced total bit rate. With the algorithm, the error resilience capability provided by the original FMO is maximally retained despite the bit rate reduction. This effectively results in a bit rate saving which can be used for other purposes. The algorithm can be combined with other error resilience techniques. From the experimental results, up to 70% reduction of the extra bit rate has been observed.