Patent ID: 8279927

Claim:
A method for communicating a spatial pixel prediction mode for a target block in an image, said method comprising a. storing an ordered set of pixel prediction modes, wherein said prediction modes are ordered in order of decreasing probability of producing a lesser prediction error and wherein said order is not based on characteristics of said image; b. determining a first adjacent mode actually used for predicting a first adjacent block, which is adjacent to a target block, wherein said first adjacent mode is selected based on an actual prediction error and said first adjacent mode is in said ordered set; c. determining a second adjacent mode actually used for predicting a second adjacent block, which is adjacent to said target block, wherein said second adjacent mode is selected based on an actual prediction error and said second adjacent mode is in said ordered set; d. selecting one of said first adjacent mode and said second adjacent mode as an estimated mode for said target block, wherein said selecting is based on the order of said ordered set; e. determining an actual prediction mode for said target block by determining which mode in said ordered set results in the least prediction error; f. sending a first signal indicating to use said estimated mode to predict said target block when said actual prediction mode is substantially similar to said estimated mode; g. eliminating said estimated mode from said ordered set thereby creating a reduced ordered set when said actual prediction mode is not substantially similar to said estimated mode; and h. sending a second signal indicating which prediction mode to use when said first signal indicates not to use said estimated mode.