Low Discrepancy Sequences Applied in Block Matching Motion Estimation Algorithms

This work presents a fast method for motion estimation by using low discrepancy sequences. The basic idea in this proposal is one based on the reduction of the computational effort involved in the matching of a given block with the reference block. Instead of using a metric that employs all corresponding pixels in both blocks, it uses one that selects a subset of pixels for which the coordinates are determined by the so called low discrepancy sequences. The proposed method is applied to the New Three Step Search (NTSS), typically used as a technique for motion estimation in video applications. The results show a reduction in computational complexity of about 80% with regard to the NTSS, with little degradation in the recovered frame. The block matching of this present method can couple nicely with virtually any motion estimation technique, requiring very little change.