An efficient inter-coding algorithm for H.264

An efficient inter-coding algorithm for H.264 video coding standard is presented that gives a simultaneous improvement of encoding time and bit rate without a loss in SNR. This is an extension of 3DRS algorithm for variable block sizes which was previously known for fixed block sizes. We use central difference to find boundaries in a consistent motion vector field to make macroblock partition decision. In comparison to Full Search (FS) algorithm the proposed algorithm on average takes 66.65% less computational time, producing 2.9% less number of bits with an average SNR gain of 0.053 dB. The proposed algorithm, on average, saves 6.31% of computational time and 1.5% number of bits as compared to Fast Motion Estimation (FME) reference algorithm with a gain of 0.072 dB of SNR. Experimental results using six different sequences are presented to demonstrate the advantage of using the proposed algorithm.