Method and apparatus of depth prediction mode selection

An apparatus, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

• obtain an ordered list of coding modes, wherein the ordered list of coding modes comprises a plurality of coding modes each of which is capable of being used for coding of a block of a depth map;
• obtain a plurality of depth modeling modes (DMMs) each of which is capable of being used for coding of the block;
• and
• determine whether a DMM of the plurality of DMMs is to be added into the ordered list of coding modes in accordance with a decision condition.

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for obtaining an ordered list of coding modes, wherein the ordered list of coding modes comprises a plurality of coding modes each of which is capable of being used for coding of a block of a depth map;
• means for obtaining a plurality of depth modeling modes (DMMs) each of which is capable of being used for coding of the block;
• and
• means for determining whether a DMM of the plurality of DMMs is to be added into the ordered list of coding modes in accordance with a decision condition.