Bit allocation for dependent quantization with applications to MPEG video coders

The problem of efficient bit allocation in a dependent coding environment is addressed. Techniques of optimal bit allocation for independently coded signal blocks are extended to the more general dependent coding scenarios. Of particular interest is the topical MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) video coder. It is shown how a certain monotonicity property of dependent operational rate-distortion (R-D) curves, verified through MPEG simulations, can be exploited in formulating fast ways to obtain optimal and near-optimal solutions (in the R-D sense) for the MPEG bit allocation problem.<>