Patent ID: 6122317
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A motion vector detector for obtaining a motion vector employed for motion-compensated predictive coding through block matching of a current screen image and a reference screen image, said motion vector detector comprising:evaluation value computing means for obtaining evaluation values indicating similarity between a current image block of a prescribed size to be subjected to motion vector detection in the current screen and respective ones of a plurality of reference image blocks in a search area in the reference screen related to said current image block in accordance with respective ones of a plurality of predetermined predictive modes for the respective reference image blocks, evaluation values for a reference image block of the reference image blocks being decided for the respective predetermined predictive modes concurrently, andoptimum vector decision means coupled to receive said evaluation values in respective ones of said plurality of predetermined predictive modes for the respective reference image blocks from said evaluation value computing means, for deciding optimum vectors for the respective predictive modes in parallel with each other on a reference image block basis,said optimum vector decision means including:priority assignment means for assigning priority to the reference image block positions in said search area for the respective predictive modes, andcandidate optimum vector decision means for evaluating supplied evaluation values and deciding candidate optimum vectors for said current image block with respect to the respective predictive modes in accordance with said priority.