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An adaptive fast search algorithm for block motion estimation in H.264

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Abstract

Motion estimation is an important issue in H.264 video coding systems because it occupies a large amount of encoding time. In this paper, a novel search algorithm which utilizes an adaptive hexagon and small diamond search (AHSDS) is proposed to enhance search speed. The search pattern is chosen according to the motion strength of the current block. When the block is in active motion, the hexagon search provides an efficient search means; when the block is inactive, the small diamond search is adopted. Simulation results showed that our approach can speed up the search process with little effect on distortion performance compared with other adaptive approaches.

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Correspondence to Cong-dao Han.

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Project (Nos. 60505017 and 60534070) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China

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Han, Cd., Liu, Jl. & Xiang, Zy. An adaptive fast search algorithm for block motion estimation in H.264. J. Zhejiang Univ. - Sci. C 11, 637–644 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.C0910561

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.C0910561

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