Complexity Allocation and Control Algorithm for H.264 Inter Coding Based on Mobile Devices

In order to control the high complexity of H.264 encoder, a novel complexity allocation and control (CAC) algorithm for H.264 inter coding is proposed in this paper, based on the reorder of candidate inter modes with priorities and the new complexity-rate-distortion (C-R-D) cost functions. This algorithm can be performed both at the frame level and the macroblock (MB) level, so as to achieve a more efficient complexity control. Experimental results show that our proposed algorithm can adaptively control the complexity of inter coding at any appropriate levels according to the current energy condition of a mobile device while maximizing the video quality, so as to prolong the operational lifetime of batteries.