Efficient Depth Map Coding Algorithm for 3D Video System using HEVC

In this paper, we propose algorithms for the efficient depth map sequence coding in the high efficiency video coding (HEVC). The proposed algorithm is designed to prevent the inefficiency during inloop filter process and implement the intra prediction precisely. The unique characteristic of depth map sequence is that most regions have smooth depth values and abrupt changes are occurred in boundary regions. Moreover, In HM 3.0, 16 filter coefficient sets are utilized to compensate the error. However, 16 coefficients sets can be overhead when a coefficient set is enough to depth map sequence coding efficiently. We utilize these characteristics to improve the conventional inloop structure and the intra prediction method in the HEVC. In order to evaluate the proposed algorithm, we have implemented the proposed algorithm into the HEVC test model (HM) 3.0. Experimental results show that our proposed algorithm provide higher coding performance than HM 3.0. In terms of BDBR and BDPSNR, our algorithms reduce bitrate and increase PSNR by 0.4% and 0.02 dB, respectively.