The Motion Estimator Implementation with Efficient Structure for Full Search Algorithm of Variable Block Size

The motion estimation in video encoding system occupies the biggest part. So, we require the motion estimator with efficient structure for real-time operation. And for motion estimator's implementation, it is desired to design hardware module of an exclusive use that perform the encoding process at high speed. This paper proposes motion estimation detection block(MED), 41 SADs(Sum of Absolute Difference) calculation block, minimum SAD calculation and motion vector generation block based on parallel processing. The parallel processing can reduce effectively the amount of the operation. The minimum SAD calculation and MED block uses the pre-computation technique for reducing switching activity of the input signal. It results in high-speed operation. The MED and 41 SADs calculation blocks are composed of adder tree which causes the problem of critical path. So, the structure of adder tree has changed the most commonly used ripple carry adder(RCA) with carry skip adder(CSA). It enables adder tree to operate at high speed. In addition, as we enabled to easily control key variables such as control signal of search range from the outside, the efficiency of hardware structure increased. Simulation and FPGA verification results show that the delay of MED block generating the critical path at the motion estimator is reduced about 19.89% than the conventional strukcture.