Patent ID: 7236634
Filing Date: 2007-06-26
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An encoding method of moving pictures which generates a predictive picture for a current picture based on a reference picture and a motion vector, comprising the steps of: dividing a macroblock into a plurality of subblocks smaller than the macroblock; setting an initial value of the motion vector for the plurality of subblocks; calculating in each of the plurality of subblocks an evaluated value E on a difference between the current picture and the reference picture,  wherein TB evaluating in each of the plurality of subblocks the value E at a plurality of pixel positions in a direction having the steepest downward gradient derived from the differential coefficients to determine the minimum evaluated value; expanding each of the plurality of subblocks to a macroblock by supplementing defective portions; and selecting the smallest value among the minimum evaluated values obtained on the plurality of subblocks to determine the motion vector based on the pixel position of the smallest value.