Abstract: Provided are a coded block pattern (CBP) estimating method which is performed using an average value and a dispersion value between blocks of CBPs in a moving picture encoder for IP-TVs (Internet Protocol-Televisions), and a block mode decision method, which can determine all block modes with only the first 16×16 block. Accordingly, since an additional operation for mode determination is not necessary, an amount of calculation and thus a calculation time can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A motion vector estimation method and continuous discrete image generation method based on a convexity property of a sub-pixel are provided. The method of estimating a motion vector includes: generating an objective function for a differential definition of a sub-pixel system composed of a chain of arbitrary n-tap filters with respect to an arbitrary k-th order sub-pixel, based on the relation between an integer pixel and a sub-pixel generated through linear FIR filtering; and estimating a motion vector of a sub-pixel by applying a conjugated quadratic algorithm to the objective function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a half-pel motion estimation method. The calculation object half-pel, which is in the block of the previous or next reference frame, is not estimated additionally for each block of the current frame divided into blocks of a predetermined size. The present invention suggests an algorithm that can perform half-pel search only with a SAD value used in integer-pel search and a random variable for correcting errors. Since the present invention does not have to generate half-pel for motion estimation, the calculation amount is amazingly reduced and the calculation time is reduced.