Image storage device for motion estimation and method of storing image data

摘要

Provided are an image data storage device included in a motion estimation device to store image data of a reference frame required for motion estimation and a method of storing image data. The image data storage device includes a data storing unit storing search area data of the reference frame used for motion estimation of a macroblock and a controller performing controlling to store the search area data in or read the search area data from the data storing unit. The data storing unit includes at least one internal memory capable of storing a plurality of data units. Each of the data units is search area data of the reference frame having a size corresponding to a difference between search area data used for motion estimation of an i^th (i is an integer) macroblock and search area data used for motion estimation of an (i+1)^th macroblock.