Motion estimation using prediction guided decimated search

A computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer instructions for execution on a computer system, the instructions, when executed, performing a method for motion estimation in a video sequence, comprising:

• generating a predicted seed motion vector encoded using a predicted seed motion vector encoding cost;
• generating a hierarchical seed motion vector encoded using a hierarchical seed motion vector encoding cost;
• selecting said predicted seed motion vector, said hierarchical seed motion vector, or both, based on a comparison of said predicted seed motion vector encoding cost and said hierarchical seed motion vector encoding cost for a full-pixel search;
• performing said full-pixel search on each said selected seed motion vector to select a full-pixel motion vector based on an encoding cost of said full-pixel motion vector;
• and
• performing a fractional pixel search using said selected full-pixel motion vector to estimate a final motion vector.

An apparatus comprising a processor and a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions for execution on the processor to provide a method for a motion estimation in a video sequence, comprising:

• generating a predicted seed motion vector encoded using a predicted seed motion vector encoding cost;
• generating a hierarchical seed motion vector encoded using a hierarchical seed motion vector encoding cost;
• selecting said predicted seed motion vector, said hierarchical seed motion vector, or both, based on a comparison of said predicted seed motion vector encoding cost and said hierarchical seed motion vector encoding cost for a full-pixel search;
• performing said full-pixel search on each said selected seed motion vector to select a full-pixel motion vector based on an encoding cost of said full-pixel motion vector;
• and
• performing a fractional pixel search using said selected full-pixel motion vector to estimate a final motion vector.