An improved algorithm for fast motion estimation based on the block matching algorithm (BMA) is presented for use in a block-based video coding system. To achieve enhanced motion estimation performance, we propose an adaptive search pattern length for each iteration for the current macro block (MB). In addition, search points that must be checked are determined by means of directional information from the error surface, thus reducing intermediate searches. The proposed algorithm is tested with several sequences and excellent performance is verified.

We propose a new technique that is able to extract the small-signal equivalent-circuit elements of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) without causing any gate degradation. For the determination of extrinsic resistance values, unlike other conventional techniques, the proposed technique does not require an additional relationship for the resistances. For the extraction of extrinsic inductance values, the technique uses the R-estimate, which is known to be more robust relative to the measurement errors than the commonly used least-squares regression. Additionally, we suggest an improved cold HEMT model that seems to be more general than conventional cold HEMT models. With the use of the improved cold HEMT model, the proposed technique extracts the extrinsic resistance and inductance values.

A novel thresholding algorithm for change detection in video sequences is proposed. The method is based on image differencing and the intensity distribution of a difference image. With a difference image between two consecutive images, we prepare a new image model for the distribution of stationary pixels. The distribution of moving pixels is then separated by extracting the distribution of stationary pixels from the overall distribution of the difference image. Pixels that exhibit a significant change in intensity are classified using a likelihood criterion. The proposed algorithm is tested on the standard MPEG sequences and verified to have reliable performance.

A fast intra-mode decision algorithm is proposed on the basis of an inter-mode block type for inter-frames (P-slices). Each macroblock (MB) type has its own intra prediction modes (I16MB and 88 chroma: 4 modes, I4MB and I8MB: 9 modes). This procedure creates a large computational complexity in addition to the inter mode decision procedure. In most cases, there is a high correlation between the best inter-mode block type and the direction of the texture edge or object boundary. Therefore, only a small number of intra-prediction modes are chosen to determine the best intra mode based on this correlation. We experimentally verify that the proposed scheme can significantly improve the speed of the overall encoding time with a negligible loss of image quality and a minimal bit increase. The average loss in PSNR was -0.0120.036 dB and the bit increment was approximately -0.1940.751%.