Rate-distortion-model-based rate control algorithm for real-time VBR video encoding

Abstract

Rate Control is an important component in a video encoder for date storage or real-time visual communication. In this paper, we will discuss the rate control in MPEG encoder for real-time video communication over Variable Bit Rate (VBR) channel. In interactive video communication, the video transmission is subject to both channel rate constraints and end-to-end delay constraints. Our goal in this paper is to modify the rate control in MPEG-2 encoder and satisfy the rate constraints, and study how to improve the video quality in the scenario of VBR transmission. Here, we employ Leaky- Bucket to describe the traffic parameters and monitor the encoder's output. Depending on the Rate-distortion models developed by us, we present a rate control algorithm to achieve almost uniform distortion both within a frame and between frames in a scene. With adaptive rate-distortion models and additional function of scene detecting, our method can robustly deal with scenes of different statistical characteristics. Comparing to MPEG2 TM5, in real time video communication, we could keep the constant buffer delay while maintain the decoded image quality stable. Furthermore, the bit allocation in our algorithm is more reasonable and controllable. Therefore, our method realized the advantages that advanced by VBR video communication, such as small end-to-end delay, consistent image quality and high channel efficiency.