GOP-level bit allocation using reverse dynamic programming

An efficient adaptive group of pictures (GOP)-level bit allocation algorithm was developed based on reverse dynamic programming (RDP). The algorithm gives the initial delay and sequence distortion curve with just one iteration of the algorithm. A simple GOP-level rate and distortion model was then developed for two-level constant quality rate control. The initial delay values and the corresponding optimal GOP-level bit allocation scheme can be obtained for video streaming along with the proper initial delay for various distortion tolerance levels. Simulations show that the algorithm provides an efficient solution for delay and buffer constrained GOP-level rate control for video streaming.