Abstract
This paper presents a robust true motion estimation algorithm, designated
as MPMVP (Multi-pass and Motion Vector Propagation), to enhance the accuracy
of the motion vector fields in frame rate up-conversion applications. The
MPMVP uses a multi-pass scheme to progressively refine approximate motion
vectors to true motion vectors based upon the motion information acquired
in previous passes. The multi-pass motion estimation process uses a large
block size to detect the motion vectors within the objects themselves and
small block sizes to detect the motion vectors along the object boundaries.
Actually, the block size is progressively reduced during the search process.
When the motion vector of a block is considered to be sufficiently accurate
for motion estimation purposes, the block is said to be converged and the
local motion vector search process terminates. A novel technique, referred
to as motion vector propagation, is then applied to propagate the motion vector
of the converged block to its neighboring blocks. This technique not only
ensures that neighboring motion vectors within the same object have a high
degree of spatial correlation, but also accelerates the convergence of the
motion vectors in the neighboring blocks and therefore reduces the overall
computational time and expense of the multi-pass motion vector search procedure.
A novel distortion criterion is proposed to enhance the tolerance of the traditional
sum-of-absolute-difference measurement technique applied in the motion estimation
scheme to noise and shadow effects. The experimental results demonstrate that
the proposed true motion estimation algorithm outperforms the traditional
full search, 3DRS and TCSBP algorithms in terms of both the smoothness of
the generated motion vector fields and the visual quality of the up-converted
frames.
© 2008 IEEE
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