Patent ID: 6212237
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for searching for a motion vector in a moving-video image about a template to be evaluated, by evaluating motion by a predetermined operation between the template and a group of pixel blocks of the same size as the template, comprising:a first step for assuming a first area having a size of more than one pixel block, and for performing a motion vector searching operation between pixel values of pixels consisting of the first area and pixel values of pixels consisting of said template; anda second step, if the operational result satisfying a predetermined condition, for obtaining a motion vector from the operational result, if the operation result not satisfying said predetermined condition, for assuming a second area of a size completely to cover said first area, and for performing a motion vector searching operation between pixel values of pixels consisting of the second area, and pixel values of pixels consisting of said template, to obtain a motion vector,wherein said predetermined condition is that one of a sum of absolute difference values and a sum of square difference values, being calculated in said motion vector searching operation, is below a predetermined values, and when assuming that said motion vector is detected by said motion vector searching operation, the pixel block defined by the motion vector does not exist in a circumference section of said first area.