Motion estimation through machine learning

Apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor;
• at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform a method comprising:
• receiving one or more input pictures of video data;
• identifying, using a hierarchical algorithm, one or more reference elements in one or more reference pictures of video data that are similar to one or more input elements in the one or more input pictures of video data;
• determining an estimated motion vector relating the identified one or more reference elements to the one or more input elements;
• and
• outputting an estimated motion vector.

A computer readable medium having computer readable code stored thereon, the computer readable code, when executed by at least one processor, causing the performance of a method comprising:

• receiving one or more input pictures of video data;
• identifying, using a hierarchical algorithm, one or more reference elements in one or more reference pictures of video data that are similar to one or more input elements in the one or more input pictures of video data;
• determining an estimated motion vector relating the identified one or more reference elements to the one or more input elements;
• and
• outputting an estimated motion vector.