Motion estimation algorithm for images of vital signs monitors using Block Matching

The present article describes the design of an algorithm that allows the motion estimation in images using the Block Matching strategy. The search criteria used to design the algorithm is called the sum of absolute differences (SAD). For research development, a VGA reference image of 640×480 pixels, divided into 8×8 macroblocks, is taken. The algorithm has been validated through different simulation scenarios. Among the main results are obtained processing times per frame of 18 ms (without parallelization) and 8.7 ms (with a first level of parallelization); what is useful for video compression systems for transmission. These times were obtained with images of telemedicine tests, particularly in the transmission of video on vital signs monitors.