Video image motion compensation using an algorithm involving at least two fields

A method of video signal motion compensation for use in a video signal motion compensation system comprising the steps of

• deriving, for each input field, a set of motion vectors from a comparison of that field with preceding and succeeding fields,
• assigning respective ones of the vectors to individual elemental areas of the input field,
• deriving an output field between two input fields by assigning vectors from at least one of the input fields to elemental areas of the output field,
• wherein certain elemental areas of the output field have at least two vectors assigned to them, and
• in which one of the assigned vectors is associated with a first image portion and a second of the assigned vectors is associated with a second image portion moving differently from the first, the corresponding output image portion being formed of a combination of the resultant of the two vectors on the respective input image portions, to give the appearance of blurring at the edge of a moving object.

An apparatus for video motion compensation for use in a motion compensated interpolation system, comprising:

• vector deriving means for deriving a plurality of motion vectors, for each of a plurality of blocks of each input field, from a comparison of the input field with preceding and succeeding input fields;
• vector assignment means for assigning respective ones of the vectors to individual pixels of the input field;
• and
• means for deriving a n interpolated synthesized-image output field by assigning vectors from at least one of the input fields to pixels of the output field;
• wherein certain pixels have at least two valid vectors assigned to them.