Patent ID: 6414992
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for optimizing the video encoding process for a macroblock in a block-based video encoder wherein a plurality of candidate motion vectors, mode information related to each of the motion vectors, and quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients based on the macroblock and the candidate motion vectors are provided, the method comprising:(a) estimating the length of a bit stream that would be required to encode the quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients, the motion vectors, and the mode information; (b) generating a bit-rate term based on the estimated length of the bit stream; (c) determining a measure of distortion based on the quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients; (d) determining a motion estimation signal based on the measure of distortion and the bit-rate term; (e) repeating (a) through (d) for each candidate motion vector; and (f) selecting the motion vector having the minimum motion estimation signal.