Pixel-based fast CU depth decision algorithm with edge strength for HEVC

Abstract

In this paper, an optimal coding unit (CU) depth decision algorithm are proposed to efficiently reduce the computational complexity for inter coding in HEVC. The optimal CU depth is calculated by the characteristics analysis of the texture using sobel-filter. Moreover, the combinational method of CU depth based on texture analysis is implemented for the optimal CU depth decision. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm will induce PSNR loss 0.060dB with only 2.49% bitrate increase, compared to HM10.0. Because our proposed algorithm can decide the optimal CU depth before encoding process, our pixel-based fast CU decision algorithm greatly contributes to the reduction of hardware area and the power consumption. Additionally, by using our proposed algorithm, the highly parallel processing can be implemented.