Object tracking using momentum and acceleration vectors in a motion estimation system

摘要

There is provided a method and apparatus for motion estimation in a sequence of video images. The method comprises a) subdividing each field or frame of a sequence of video images into a plurality of blocks, b) assigning to each block in each video field or frame a respective set of candidate motion vectors, c) determining for each block in a current video field or frame, which of its respective candidate motion vectors produces a best match to a block in a previous video field or frame, d) forming a motion vector field for the current video field or frame using the thus determined best match vectors for each block, and e) forming a further motion vector field by storing a candidate motion vector derived from the best match vector at a block location offset by a distance derived from the candidate motion vector. Finally, steps a) to e) are repeated for a video field or frame following the current video field or frame. The set of candidate motion vectors assigned at step b) to a block in the following video field or frame includes the candidates stored at that block location at step e) during the current video field or frame The method enables a block or tile based motion estimator to improve its accuracy by introducing true motion vector candidates derived from the physical behaviour of real world objects.

主权项

1. A method for motion estimation in a sequence of video images, comprising:
selecting a best match motion vector for a block in a current video field or frame from a set of candidate motion vectors based on a best match of a candidate motion vector to a block in a previous video field or frame; storing in memory a prediction candidate vector equal to the best match vector at a position corresponding to a block in a next video field or frame determined by applying the best match vector to the block in the current video field or frame; and using the stored prediction candidate vector to perform motion estimation in said next video field or frame.