Laplacian-based H.264 intra-prediction mode decision

Compared with the conventional video coding standards, H.264 provide new coding techniques, such as Multi-picture inter-picture prediction, Variable block-size, Quarter-pixel precision for motion compensation, intra prediction, Context-adaptive variable-length coding and Context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding. Intra coding is used for reducing the spatial redundancy in video coding. H.264 supports several MB (Macroblock) predictions for Intra coding such as luma block four 16×16 modes, nine 4×4 modes and chroma block four modes, which significantly improve Intra coding efficiency, but increase the encoding complexity. This paper presents an approach to the intra mode decision problem. Based on Laplacian, this approach detects edges and then selects the best mode for the block. This method can shorten the time to choose a mode and reduce the encoding time as well.