Abstract: A method for reconstructing damaged areas in a single frame of digital motion pictures, where damaged pixels in a current frame (C) are reconstructed using motion compensation based on a motion estimator. The motion estimator comprises a motion vector selection using a combined measure for evaluating linear motion over three frames, going from a previous frame (P) to a next frame (N) through the current frame (C). Compared to a virtual frame motion estimator, the method according to the invention achieves better stability and confidence in the motion search. Compared to the use of a standard motion estimators, the method according to the invention has a better way of finding the correct motion for the damaged areas whether unknown or known, while still being able to find the correct motion for those parts which are not damaged.

Abstract: A method for motion validation in a virtual frame motion estimator includes selecting motion vectors for a virtual frame C, located at a temporal position between a previous frame P and a subsequent frame N, and computation of an extended error function based on the error for a vector V passing from frame P, through a reference block in the virtual frame C, to frame N, and using additional validation measures computed from vectors ?V and +V starting from co-located blocks in P and N respectively, thereby reducing the risk for selecting erroneous vectors for said reference blocks in the virtual frame C.