Patent ID: 7953153
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A motion estimation method utilizing a modified rhombus pattern search for a succession of frames in a digital coding system, comprising: a) with reference to a first block in a first frame, searching within at least a portion of a second frame for a second block that corresponds to the first block; and b) estimating a motion vector of the first block with respect to the second block in the second frame; wherein step a) includes: a1) forming a first initial search range including a virtual rhombus-shaped pattern substantially centered at a pre-determined block, and a2) expanding progressively outward a second initial search range based on the virtual rhombus-shaped pattern, and wherein the first initial search range in step a1) is formed by a candidate origin block and a predetermined number of candidate blocks neighboring the candidate origin block.