Parameter optimization of robust low-bit-rate video coders

Most standards provide a generalized syntax and semantics framework for video coders, leaving the selection and optimization of the right parameter set (and lookup tables) to the implementation. The choice of the right parameter set that is suitable for a rich enough class of input sequences is, however, quite difficult. This difficulty is particularly amplified in the low-bit-rate video coding arena, where robust parameter sets are very important. We propose that robust parameter estimation, using the Taguchi methods, when applied to low-bit-rate video coding allows effective (near optimal) performance over a wide variety of input data streams. A number of experimental results confirm the improvement (via robustness) vis-a-vis conventional parameter estimation methods, and these methods promise a solution to the design of efficient parameter sets that support standards.