Hierarchical block matching motion estimation on a hypercube multiprocessor

Abstract

Block matching motion estimation algorithms are widely used in video coding schemes. In this paper, we design an efficient hierarchical block matching motion estimation (HBMME) algorithm on a hypercube multiprocessor. Unlike systolic array designs, this solution is not tied down to specific values of algorithm parameters and thus offers increased flexibility. Moreover, the hypercube network can efficiently handle the non regular data flow of the HBMME algorithm. We also assume that our multiprocessor is fine grained in contrast to most programmable architectures used in video coding where processors usually have a large local memory. Apart from its practicality, the constraint of limited local memory makes the algorithm design more challenging and thus more theoretically interesting.