Abstract: A device and method for encoding a picture sequence including a group of pictures (GOP) having a base layer and a hierarchical layer. The device includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is configured to perform an inter-prediction operation on first unit blocks of a first picture in the base layer with reference to first reference picture in the base layer using a first search range, and to obtain first optimum motion vectors corresponding to the first unit blocks of the first picture. The second unit is configured to determine a second search range using the first optimum motion vectors. The first unit is configured to perform the inter-prediction operation on second unit blocks of a second picture in the hierarchical layer using the second search range.

Abstract: A method of encoding image data, an encoder, and an application processor including the encoder are provided. The encoder includes a correlation measure block configured to compare macroblocks of a first frame with macroblocks of a second frame and to generate block correlation information for the macroblocks; and an encoding module configured to determine whether to perform inter prediction on an input macroblock of the second frame, based on a reference frame obtained by encoding and decoding the first frame and the second frame according to the block correlation information.

Abstract: A device and method for encoding a picture sequence including a group of pictures (GOP) having a base layer and a hierarchical layer. The device includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is configured to perform an inter-prediction operation on first unit blocks of a first picture in the base layer with reference to first reference picture in the base layer using a first search range, and to obtain first optimum motion vectors corresponding to the first unit blocks of the first picture. The second unit is configured to determine a second search range using the first optimum motion vectors. The first unit is configured to perform the inter-prediction operation on second unit blocks of a second picture in the hierarchical layer using the second search range.

Abstract: A video encoder is configured to encode video data in units of macroblocks based on a group of pictures (GOP), the GOP being determined by assigning intra pictures and inter pictures, each intra picture being encoded without reference to other pictures, and each inter picture being encoded with reference to other pictures. The method of controlling the video controller includes determining an encoding mode of each macroblock by performing an intra-picture prediction and an inter-picture prediction, detecting whether each unit of a picture is a scene change based on a result of the intra-picture prediction and the inter-picture prediction for determining the encoding mode of each macroblock, and adaptively setting a size of the GOP based on a result of detecting whether each unit of a picture is the scene change.

Abstract: Motion estimation methods using multiple reference frames are provided. In the methods, motion estimation is performed on a current block using a single reference frame selected from the multiple reference frames or using the multiple reference frames in order of probability that each reference frame is an optimal reference frame for the current block. Accordingly, faster motion estimation is performed.

Abstract: Motion estimation methods using multiple reference frames are provided. In the methods, motion estimation is performed on a current block using a single reference frame selected from the multiple reference frames or using the multiple reference frames in order of probability that each reference frame is an optimal reference frame for the current block. Accordingly, faster motion estimation is performed.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for converting the frame rate of an image signal in a display system without an external memory, the display system and method are capable of down converting the frame rate of an image signal using a frame rate conversion unit without an external memory. The system and method can be used even in the case where the frequencies of input and output synchronization signals are locked to the same frame rate. The frame rate conversion unit disable-masks portions of the frames of a data enable signal or a vertical synchronization signal, thus canceling the portions of the frames, and outputs the masked data enable signal or the masked vertical synchronization signal to an LCD driving circuit unit, thereby down converting the frame rate of the image signal.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for converting the frame rate of an image signal in a display system without an external memory, the display system and method are capable of down converting the frame rate of an image signal using a frame rate conversion unit without an external memory. The system and method can be used even in the case where the frequencies of input and output synchronization signals are locked to the same frame rate. The frame rate conversion unit disable-masks portions of the frames of a data enable signal or a vertical synchronization signal, thus canceling the portions of the frames, and outputs the masked data enable signal or the masked vertical synchronization signal to an LCD driving circuit unit, thereby down converting the frame rate of the image signal.