FAST DEPTH MODELING MODE SELECTION FOR 3D HEVC DEPTH INTRA CODING

This paper proposes a fast mode decision algorithm for 3D High Efficiency Video Coding (3D-HEVC) depth intra coding. In the current 3D-HEVC design, it is observed that for most the cases, Depth Modeling Modes (DMM) full-RD search could be skipped since the coding units (CUs) of depth map are usually very flat or smooth and DMMs are designed for CUs with edge or sharp transition. Using Most Probable Mode (MPM) as the indicator, we propose a fast DMM selection algorithm to speed up the encoding process. The test result for the proposed fast algorithm reports 27.8% encoding time saving with 0.31% bitrate increasing in coded and synthesized view for All-Intra test case.