Patent ID: 6418168
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A motion vector detection apparatus for detecting a motion vector of image data between a plurality of frames, comprising:a motion detection circuit specifying image data of a first block matching or almost matching image data of a first block within a first frame in a before area designated within a second frame located after the first frame in time and detecting a motion vector from a positional relationship between the first block of the first frame and the specified first block in the search area of the second frame; a first control circuit specifying the search area by using motion vector of image data found in units of said first blocks between a plurality of frames located before said second frame in time; a simplified motion vector detection circuit detecting a simplified motion vector indicating motion of an image in units of second blocks larger than said first block by using said first frame, said second frame, and a frame located between said first frame and said second frame; a second control circuit specifying said search area by using said simplified motion vector; and a third control circuit judging whether or not a change of motion between said first frame and said second frame is larger than a predetermined standard, designating a search area specified by said second control circuit in said motion detection circuit when the change of motion is larger than the predetermined standard, and designating a search area specified by said first control circuit in said motion detection circuit when the change of motion is not larger than the predetermined standard.