Piecewise DC prediction in HEVC

In this paper, we propose an improved DC prediction method for high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) intra coding. The technique involves the application of pixel-wise predictors rather than block-based predictor in the DC mode. In HEVC, the pixels of neighboring reconstructed blocks are used to support multiple directional spatial prediction modes and reduce spatial redundancy. For lossless coding, pixel-by-pixel differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) is applied to directional predictions. Consequently, residuals are reduced and coding efficiency is improved. Since DC prediction still employs block-based coding, pixel-wise DC prediction is needed for better coding efficiency. When compared to HEVC lossless intra coding, the proposed algorithm reduces the bit rate by 5.95%. Furthermore, with pixel-by-pixel DPCM, the average bit rate reduction is 10.64% when compared to HEVC lossless intra coding.