Joint Rate-Distortion model for H.264/AVC rate control

This paper presents a novel rate control algorithm for H.264/AVC video coding. Pertinent to the algorithm, the paper introduces a joint R-D model, a coding bit estimation approach, a picture complexity measurement, and a model update method. Specifically, the proposed picture complexity measurement employs a harmonic mean based approach to predict the coding complexity of a frame. These techniques collectively enhance the overall rate control performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms JVT-W042 in providing robust buffer control, reducing frame skipping, and improving coding quality.