Coding of depth signals for 3D video using wedgelet block segmentation with residual adaptation

This paper presents a new approach for the depth coding part of a 3D video coding extension based on the Multiview Video plus Depth (MVD) representation. Our approach targets a higher coding efficiency for the depth component and is motivated by the fact that depth signals have specific characteristics that differ from video. For this purpose we apply the method of wedgelet segmentation with residual adaptation for depth blocks by implementing a new set of coding and prediction modes and by optimizing the algorithms for efficient processing and signaling. The results show that a bit rate reduction of up to 6% is achieved for the depth component, using a 3D video codec based on the high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) technology. Apart from the depth coding gains, wedgelets lead to a considerably better rendered view quality.