Motion vector estimation at image borders

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved estimation of motion vectors, especially for use in motion compensated interpolation for rate up-converters. As conventional motion estimation algorithms fail to provide accurate estimations for those blocks positioned at the borders of the active image, the present invention determines those blocks which may suffer from defected motion vectors and replaces these vectors by a column or a line motion vector determined based on the previous image. In this manner, a reliable motion estimation is enabled for all blocks of an image, and a degradation of interpolation algorithms at the borders of the active image can efficiently be prevented.