Method and apparatus for motion estimation using variable block size of hierarchy structure

摘要

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a motion estimation using a variable block size of a hierarchy structure. The method includes: calculating each of a motion vector of a desired minimum unit variable block; determining a similarity of the calculated motion vectors between the minimum unit variable blocks in a higher hierarchy including the minimum unit variable block; establishing a mode of the variable block according to the determined similarity; and deciding a motion vector with respect to the mode established variable block. The complexity of the method of compressing a motion picture of a hierarchy structure having a plurality of block sizes can be reduced by selecting a mode of the optimal block size on the basis of a motion vector with respect to the minimum unit and the cost occurred at that time without performing the motion estimation with respect to each mode each time.