For example, algorithms for video compression require that the processor split out the intensity information from the color information and store it in a planar format. This is done because the eye is less sensitive to color change than to changes in intensity, so the color information can be stored at a lower resolution than the intensity information. Next, it relies on the pixel add and multiplication commands to separate the data into intensity and color information. Motion estimation takes advantage of the minimal changes in the position of images from one frame to the next. The error is calculated by summing the differences for each pixel in the region between a reference frame and a newer frame.
Motion estimation is also relevant to other pattern matching or character recognition applications.
The process for eight pixels requires eight subtractions, eight absolute values, eight additions, a load of 8 pixels, an align of eight pixels and one final addition. These commands even support smooth animation without expensive buffering circuitry for video displays. Moreover, it eliminates the need for expensive external video circuitry and dedicated memory for double buffering. The pack instruction scales, clips and truncates expanded pixel data back to an 8-bit format for storage. All rights reserved.