Minmax optimal shape coding using skeleton decomposition

In this paper, we consider the rate-distortion optimal encoding of shape information using a skeleton decomposition and the minimum maximum (minmax) distortion criterion. For bit budget constrained video communication applications, whose goal is to achieve as low as possible but almost constant distortion, the minmax criterion is the natural choice. We propose a 4D DAG (directed acyclic graph) shortest path algorithm implemented by dynamic programming to solve the minimum rate problem, and also provide a solution for the dual minimum distortion problem. Experimental results indicate that our algorithm has an outstanding performance compared with existing methods.