Graphics Hardware for Gradient Based Motion Estimation

Abstract

Motion estimation and compensation is a key component in video procesing. Motion estimation is necessary for high quality compression. It is also a key component in archive video restoration and motion picture post-production. Very accurate motion vectors are usually required in the latter two applications. More accurate motion vectors can also lead to greater coding efficiency. Real-time, accurate motion estimation is currently not attainable on standard desktop PCs. It usually requires some kind of dedicated hardware such as on video coding chips. Gradient based motion estimation is one which gives good accuracy for reasonable computational cost. This paper uses the Wiener based motion estimator as a vehicle to explore the acceleration of gradient based motion estimation on the PC