Fast motion estimation algorithm for H.264
Shiqiang Yang · Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology) · 2005
The new H.264 video-coding standard has a significant performance benefit versus former standards. Unfortunately, the advanced coding features including variable block-size motion compensation and multiple reference frames incur a considerable increase in encoder complexity especially when using the straightforward full search algorithm, mainly in regards to motion estimation and mode decision. This paper describes a new motion estimation algorithm for fast H.264 coding based on the generalized motion vector predictors, the hybrid unsymmetrical-cross multi-resolution grid search (UCMRGS). The algorithm takes advantage of the correlations among variable blocks to considerably reduce the computational cost at the encoder while at the same time giving similar, and in some cases better, visual quality compared with the brute force full search algorithm. The algorithm mainly relies upon very robust and reliable predictive techniques with parameters adapted to the local characteristics combined with UCMRGS.