Mode decision simplification for intra prediction

Abstract

In general, techniques are described for reducing the complexity of mode selection when selecting from multiple, different prediction modes. A video coding device comprising a processor may perform the techniques. The processor may compute approximate costs for a pre-defined set of intra-prediction modes identified in a current set. The current set of intra-prediction modes may include fewer modes than a total number of intra-prediction modes. The processor may compare approximate costs computed for one or more most probable intra-prediction modes to a threshold and replace one or more of the intra-prediction modes of the current set with one or more most probable intra-prediction modes. The processor may perform rate distortion analysis with respect to each intra-prediction mode identified in the current set and perform intra-prediction coding with respect to the current block using a mode of the current set.