JND assisted fast mode decision for multiview video coding

Multiview video coding (MVC) improves coding efficiency mainly due to exhaustive variable size mode decision and multiple reference frames. However, it leads to relatively high coding complexity. In this paper, we propose a fast inter mode decision method based on just noticeable distortion (JND) profile for MVC. Firstly, we investigate the prediction mode distribution in different region classified by JND threshold, and then devise an algorithm to selectively early terminate mode decision. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can reduce 61~67% of the encoding time compared to the full mode decision for MVC, with negligible loss of coding efficiency.