An efficient three-step search algorithm for block motion estimation

Xuan Jing, Lap Pui Chau

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

167 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The three-step search algorithm has been widely used in block matching motion estimation due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The sparsely distributed checking points pattern in the first step is very suitable for searching large motion. However, for stationary or quasistationary blocks it will easily lead the search to be trapped into a local minimum. In this paper we propose a modification on the three-step search algorithm which employs a small diamond pattern in the first step, and the unrestricted search step is used to search the center area. Experimental results show that the new efficient three-step search performs better than new three-step search in terms of MSE and requires less computation by up to 15% on average.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)435-438
Number of pages4
JournalIEEE Transactions on Multimedia
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Block matching
  • Motion estimation
  • Video coding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Signal Processing
  • Media Technology
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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