Classification based fast mode decision for stereo video coding

We propose a classification based fast mode decision scheme in stereo video coding. By treating mode decision as a classification problem, our scheme employs a decision tree classifier to separate out SKIP mode, which is the major and most computationally efficient mode in stereo video coding. Thus, we can pre-decide whether the current macroblock is coded as SKIP mode without going through the exhaustive mode decision process. Experimental results show that this scheme provides 30~75% of time saving over a wide range of quantization parameter values.