Motion Vector Estimation for Multimedia Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion estimation and compensation techniques face challenges in accurately estimating motion vectors, particularly when objects move near the edges of frames, leading to reduced estimation accuracy and deteriorated frame interpolation quality.

Innovation Solution

A multimedia device and method that utilize a motion vector obtaining unit, validity verifying unit, and motion vector determining unit to generate applicable motion vectors by obtaining and verifying candidate motion vectors across multiple reference frames, ensuring validity and accuracy through different block identification algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If motion estimation is performed using conventional methods, then processing speed is maintained, but motion vector accuracy deteriorates when objects are near frame edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of motion estimation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing validity verification on candidate motion vectors before final selection. The system预先 checks whether reference blocks pointed to by candidate motion vectors are within valid frame ranges, eliminating invalid vectors before they can degrade the final motion estimation accuracy. This preliminary filtering step ensures that only valid motion vectors are considered, solving the edge-case accuracy problem without requiring complete redesign of the motion estimation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validity verification mechanism that acts as a mediator between candidate motion vector generation and final motion vector selection. This intermediary layer checks the validity of reference block positions and filters out invalid candidate vectors, thereby improving the overall motion vector accuracy without directly modifying the core motion estimation algorithms. The intermediary verification step resolves the contradiction by adding a targeted validation layer rather than complicating the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If motion vectors are generated for blocks near frame edges, then frame coverage is improved, but estimation accuracy deteriorates due to invalid reference blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe coverage areaVSAvoidmotion vector estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of frame edges (which cause invalid reference blocks) into a benefit by implementing explicit validity verification. Instead of allowing edge cases to degrade accuracy, the system proactively identifies and handles edge cases through validity checks. The harm of frame boundaries is transformed into a structured verification process that ensures only valid motion vectors are selected, thereby maintaining high accuracy across the entire frame coverage area including edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing position-dependent validity verification. The system checks whether reference blocks pointed to by candidate motion vectors are within valid frame ranges, applying different validation rules based on the spatial location of blocks. This localized validation approach ensures that edge blocks receive appropriate validity checks while maintaining the same motion estimation process for all blocks, thereby improving edge case accuracy without compromising overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If multiple candidate motion vectors are verified, then motion vector accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing selective validity verification only for candidate motion vectors that are necessary to evaluate. Rather than verifying all possible candidate vectors exhaustively, the system performs verification on a subset of candidates that are most likely to be valid based on their spatial relationships. This partial verification approach maintains high motion vector accuracy while avoiding the time penalty of exhaustive checking of all possible candidates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If reference blocks are obtained from multiple reference frames, then motion vector reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion vector reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of reference block management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a unified validity verification mechanism that handles reference blocks from multiple reference frames through a common validation process. The same validity check logic is applied regardless of which reference frame a candidate motion vector points to, creating a universal validation approach. This multi-functional verification system maintains motion vector reliability across different reference frames without requiring separate complex management mechanisms for each frame, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9894367B2Multimedia device and motion estimation method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.02.13 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US9894367B2 patent drawing
  • US9894367B2 patent drawing
  • US9894367B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motion estimation method is provided for generating a motion vector of a to-be-generated frame between two continuous reference frames. The method includes the following steps. A candidate motion vector is obtained according to the position of a to-be-generated block of a to-be-generated frame. Two first reference blocks are obtained from the two reference frames by extending the candidate motion vector from the to-be-generated block to the two reference frames, respectively. Two second reference blocks are obtained from the two reference frames by extending the candidate motion vector from one reference frame to another reference frame. Whether the candidate motion vector is valid is determined according to the positions of the two reference blocks obtained in each obtaining step. The corresponding motion vector of the to-be-generated block is determined according to the valid candidate motion vector.