Joint Rate Control Algorithm Research Articles

A Novel Rate Control Technique for Multiview Video Plus Depth Based 3D Video Coding

This paper presents a novel rate control technique for multiview video plus depth (MVD) based 3D video coding. In the proposed rate control technique, an image-stitching method is first utilized to simultaneously encode video and depth, and then a joint rate control algorithm for MVD is presented. The joint rate control algorithm is performed on three levels, namely view level, video/depth level and frame level. In the view level, different proportions of rates are allocated for different types of views according to the pre-statistical rate allocation. In the video/depth level, the target rates for video and depth are discriminatorily assigned to guarantee the high quality of video for the backward-compatible display. In the frame level, the hierarchical rate allocation is used to regulate the target bits for each frame. In addition to the above mentioned rate control strategies, according to the special characteristics of multiview hypothetical reference decoder (HRD), the buffer-related rate control is also considered to prevent the decoder buffer from overflow or underflow even outputting multiple views. Experimental results show that the proposed rate control technique can accurately control the bit-rate to satisfy the requirements of 3D video systems.

Joint rate control with look-ahead for multi-program video coding

In this paper, we present a new joint rate control algorithm for a multi-program video compression system using MPEG-2 compatible video encoders. The proposed joint rate control is based on both the feedback and look-ahead approaches. It dynamically distributes the channel bandwidth among the program encoders according to the relative complexities of the programs using picture and coding statistics. As opposed to previous works in this area, our algorithm does not restrict the encoders to operate with identical group of pictures (GOP) structures, i.e. the GOP boundaries need not be synchronized among the different encoders. The proposed algorithm allows adaptive distribution of the channel bandwidth among the programs, even at the start of encoding. Furthermore, it assures quick reaction to scene changes, where a feedback approach requires an unavoidable delay. Experimental results show that the proposed joint rate control with look-ahead results in improved picture quality in comparison with a pure feedback approach.

Statistical multiplexing using MPEG-2 video encoders

This paper presents a system for statistical multiplexing of several compressed video programs using MPEG-2-compatible video encoders. We propose a new external joint rate control algorithm to dynamically distribute the channel bandwidth among the program encoders such that the video quality is approximately equal in all programs. In our algorithm, the bit rate of each encoder is updated on the basis of the relative complexities of the programs measured at boundaries of groups of pictures (GOPs) and whenever scene changes are detected. The proposed algorithm requires no external preprocessing of the input video sources. Furthermore, as compared with previous work in this area, our algorithm is not restricted to operate only with encoders having the same GOP structure. Thus, the GOP boundaries at the different encoders need not be synchronized. Bit rate changes take place only at GOP boundaries, allowing the encoders to operate at a constant bit rate within GOPs. Overall, this results in a piecewise variable bit rate compression for each of the encoders. We also describe a strategy for decreasing the reaction delay of the system for scene changes. Experimental results show that the proposed multiprogram video compression system results in good picture quality with no external preprocessing, despite its relative simplicity.

Joint rate control for VBR MPEG video on PVC ATM links

A joint rate control algorithm for variable bit rate(VBR) MPEG-compressed digital video on point-to-point permanent virtual circuit (PVC) ATM links is proposed.The algorithm controls the encoding mode of a numberof video encoders that operate either on VBR or constantbit rate (CBR) mode. The algorithm selects the encodingmode based on the buffer occupancy of a multiplexer co-located with the encoders that interfaces them to the PVClink. VBR encoding is the predominant encoding mode usedduring congestion-free periods. CBR mode is used only during congested periods. When CBR is selected, new bit ratesare jointly assigned to the encoders based on their relativeencoding complexities. The bit rate assigned to the encodersare enforced by a CBR rate control local to each encoder.The performance of the joint rate control algorithm is evaluated through simulation of a packet multiplexer, where anumber of connections are multiplexed onto a fixed-capacity channel. The performance is compared to that of multiplexing conventional CBR and open-loop VBR from the videoquality and bandwidth efficiency points of view. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm improves performance over multiplexed conventional CBR or open-loop VBR MPEG video, without significantly increasing implementation complexity. The application of the algorithm, tovideo-on-demand over ATM is discussed.

Multichannel joint rate control of VBR MPEG encoded video for DBS applications

A method to transmit multiplexed digital video that potentially allows for video quality and capacity gains over conventional constant bit-rate (CBR) transmission is described. The method uses a joint rate control algorithm that regulates the encoders during buffer congestion periods using bandwidth re-allocation and source rate control. A multichannel joint rate control algorithm is described and its performance simulated for MPEG encoded video on broadcast satellite (DBS) application. Results indicate significant capacity and/or quality gains over conventional CBR transmission methods. >