Patent ID: 6137837
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for performing motion estimation of a current video image using a search window of another video image, said current video image having a first defined number of pixels, and said search window encompassing a search region which can accommodate a second defined number of pixels, at most, comprising the steps of:retrieving a reduced number of pixels from said search region to form said search window according to a search window pattern, said reduced number being less than said second defined number; andcomparing a reduced number of pixels of said current video image which is less than said first defined number to different comparison regions of said search window according to a current image pattern to obtain corresponding error values; wherein:said current image pattern corresponds to said search window pattern;said current image pattern is alternated between first and second patterns for successive comparison regions while said search window pattern is fixed;said second pattern is an inverse image of said first pattern;said first pattern correlates with a first comparison region of said search window and alternate comparison regions thereafter; andsaid second pattern correlates with a second comparison region in said search window which immediately follows said first comparison region, and alternate comparison regions thereafter.