Patent ID: 6687299
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: G06T,H04N

Abstract:
A motion estimation method, comprising the steps of:sequentially selecting one of blocks to be searched in a search range; sequentially calculating differences between corresponding sample values of a first reference block and said one of blocks to be searched for accumulating absolute values of differences; comparing an intermediate result of the accumulated value and a prescribed threshold value for a prescribed number of samples and interrupting said step of accumulating said absolute values of differences when said intermediate result exceeds said prescribed threshold value; and making said one of blocks to be searched having a minimum final result of said accumulated value correspond to said reference block, wherein the prescribed threshold value is dependent on one of the following values, 1) an intra evaluation value of said first reference block, which is a sum obtained by accumulating absolute values of sample data in said first reference block, 2) an absolute difference sum calculated for a second reference block in a preceding frame at the same position as the first reference block in a current frame, and 3) an absolute difference sum calculated for a second reference block different from said first reference block in a same frame.