Depth Map Enhanced Macroblock Partitioning For H.264 Video Coding Of Computer Graphics Content

In this paper, we present a method to speed up video encoding of GPU rendered scenes. Modern video codecs, like H.264/AVC, are based on motion compensation and support partitioning of macroblocks, e.g. 16x16, 16x8, 8x8, 8x4 etc. In general, encoders use expensive search methods to determine suitable motion vectors and compare the rate-distortion score for possible macroblock partitionings, which results in high computational encoder load. We present a method to accelerate this process for the case of streaming graphical output of unmodified commercially available 3D games which use a Skybox or Skydome rendering technique. For rendered images, usually additional information from the render context of OpenGL resp. DirectX is available which helps in the encoding process. By incorporating the depth map from the graphics board, such regions can be uniquely identified. By adapting the macroblock partitioning accordingly, the computationally expensive search methods can often be avoided. Fu...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: ICIP
• Keywords: Coding Of Computer, ICIP 2009, Image Processing