All-layer search algorithm using mean inequality and improved checkerboard partial distortion search for fast motion estimation

Abstract

Block-matching motion estimation algorithm is used in many video compression coding systems because it could greatly reduce the temporal redundancy between the consequent video sequences. In this paper, an all-layer search algorithm using mean inequality and improved checkerboard partial distortion search scheme for fast block-matching motion estimation is proposed. A layer in the proposed method refers to a processed image which is derived from the reference frame or the adjacent lower layer. Firstly, the proposed algorithm constructs all layers from the reference frame or the adjacent lower layer by summing up all pixels over a sub-block. Then, a new mean inequality elimination method is introduced to reject a lot of unnecessary candidate search points on the top layers before calculating the real block matching distortion. Finally, the proposed algorithm utilizes an improved checkerboard partial distortion search scheme in the process of the real block distortion calculation on the following layers to further reduce the amount of computation. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the computational complexity of motion estimation meanwhile guarantee the matching quality compared to other motion estimation algorithms. Compared to the full search algorithm, the proposed algorithm can reduce 97.30 % computational complexity with a negligible degradation of the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR). Compared to the diamond search algorithm, directional gradient descent search algorithm, partial distortion search algorithm, transform-domain successive elimination algorithm and two-layer motion estimation algorithm, the proposed algorithm can also save 63.56 %, 52.73 %, 92.87 %, 85.77 % and 33.96 % computational complexity, respectively.