A parametric window design for OBMC with variable block size motion estimates

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of adapting overlapped block motion compensation (OBMC) windows for use with variable blocksize motion estimates. We tackle the problem by using a parametric window design, which expresses, based on a statistical motion model, the optimal weights as a function of the distances between the predicted pixel and its nearby block centers. The formula enables both prediction weights and prediction order to be adapted on a pixelbypixel basis. Extensive experiments have been conducted using JM 12.4. Compared with conventional block motion compensation, our scheme shows a bitrate saving of 18% (5% on average) while maintaining the same or even higher PSNR (0.1dB). It also provides a competitive advantage to variable block size motion compensation. Additionally, a hybrid of the two techniques achieves a further bitrate reduction of 13%. The result, nevertheless, provides only a lower bound on what is achievable since both motion estimation and mode decision were accomplished without considering OBMC. Further improvement is expected by incorporating iterative methods.