Variable-size block matching algorithm for motion estimation using a perceptual-based splitting criterion

A variable-size block matching technique for motion estimation under the framework of perceptual coding is presented. It is well-known that fixed size block matching can be improved by using a multiresolution approach. It is shown that further improvement is possible both in terms of compactness and robustness of the predicted motion field if a perceptual criterion is used. This scheme is compared against other variable- and fixed-size block matching algorithms both from the point of view of final complexity of motion description and its robustness.