Motion Estimation Apparatus Parallel Processing Variable Block Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion estimation methods, particularly block matching algorithms, face inefficiencies in processing multiple blocks in parallel and adapting to variable block sizes, leading to increased computation and errors in image compression due to sequential processing limitations.
Innovation Solution
A motion estimation apparatus and method that utilize a controller, shifter, selector, and process element group (PEG) array to process multiple blocks in parallel based on detection modes, enabling efficient operation by shifting, selecting, and comparing data across different block sizes, thereby generating optimal motion vectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If block matching algorithm is used to estimate motion, then motion vectors can be obtained, but all pixels in the block are assumed to make the same motion which causes error values between pixels and deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a macro block into multiple sub-blocks (e.g., 4×4 sub-blocks within a 16×16 macro block). Each sub-block independently performs motion estimation to generate its own motion vector. This segmentation allows different regions of the macro block to have different motion characteristics, reducing intra-block motion error and improving image quality while maintaining computational feasibility.
2Measurement precision
If smaller blocks are used for motion estimation, then motion estimation accuracy improves, but the total number of motion vectors increases leading to excessive computation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the macro block into multiple sub-blocks that can be processed in parallel. The motion estimation apparatus includes multiple process elements (PEs) that simultaneously compute motion vectors for different sub-blocks. This parallel processing approach maintains high accuracy through fine-grained sub-block analysis while avoiding excessive computation time by utilizing parallel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to motion estimation by dividing the macro block into multiple sub-blocks arranged in a grid pattern. This dimensional segmentation allows independent motion analysis of each sub-block region, enabling accurate representation of complex motion patterns within the macro block without requiring exhaustive computation across the entire block.
3Device complexity
If 2D SAD operator processes sequential points in horizontal direction, then operation is simplified, but it cannot efficiently process detection patterns spanning wide regions requiring multiple commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the macro block into multiple sub-blocks that can be processed in parallel. The motion estimation apparatus includes multiple process elements (PEs) that simultaneously compute motion vectors for different sub-blocks. This parallel processing approach maintains high accuracy through fine-grained sub-block analysis while avoiding excessive computation time by utilizing parallel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple simple 2D SAD operators into a unified parallel processing architecture. Each process element contains a 2D SAD operator, and multiple PEs operate simultaneously on different sub-blocks. This merging of simple operators into a parallel system achieves both structural simplicity at the operator level and high productivity through concurrent execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a motion estimation method and a motion estimation apparatus. The motion estimation apparatus includes a first register storing information on whether to detect first detection positions, a second register storing information on distances and number information of valid distance information, a controller receiving a command, a shifter, in response to the shift-enable signal, shifting and outputting reference data in a detection region of a reference frame and outputting the received reference data as it is, a selector, in response to the selection signal, selecting and outputting a part of output data of the shifter or outputting the whole output data, a process element (PE) array receiving current data of a current frame, and a comparator generating operation results for respective block sizes using operation results of the plurality of the PEGs.