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Low bit depth representation motion estimation algorithms: a comparative study

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Abstract

A comparative study of low complexity motion estimation algorithms is presented. The algorithms included in the study are the 1-bit transform, the 2-bit transform, the constrained 1-bit transform and the multiplication free 1-bit transform which are using different motion estimation strategies compared to standard exhaustive search algorithm-mean absolute difference or similar combinations. These techniques provide better performance in terms of computational load compared to traditional algorithms. Although the accuracy of motion compensation is only slightly lower comparing to the other techniques, results in terms of objective quality (peak signal-to-noise ratio) and entropy are comparable. This fact, nominates them as suitable candidates for inclusion in embedded devices applications where lower complexity translates to lower power consumption and consequently improved device autonomy.

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Abbreviations

1BT:

1-bit transform

2BT:

2-bit transform

C-1BT:

Constrained 1-bit transform

ESA:

Exhaustive search algorithm

MAD:

Mean absolute difference

MSE:

Mean square error

MF-1BT:

Multiplication free 1-bit transform

PSNR:

Peak signal-to-noise ratio

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the European Union—European Social Fund (75%), the Greek Government—Ministry of Development—General Secretariat of Research and Technology (25%) and the Private Sector in the frames of the European Competitiveness Programme (Third Community Support Framework, Measure 8.3, programme ÐÅÍÅÄ, contract no. 03ÅÄ832).

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Correspondence to Athanasios Vlachos.

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Vlachos, A., Fotopoulos, V. & Skodras, A.N. Low bit depth representation motion estimation algorithms: a comparative study. J Real-Time Image Proc 5, 141–148 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11554-009-0130-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11554-009-0130-4

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