Abstract: A method for block matching includes performing a first search for a matching block in a frame using a search pattern centered at a first center point and determining a best point that produces a close match. If the best point does not produce a match satisfying a criterion, the method further includes storing the first center point in an array, setting the best point as a second center point, and performing a second search using the search pattern centered at the second center point. Performing the second search includes (1) at least approximating distances between (a) points in the search pattern centered at the second center point and (b) center points stored in the array; (2) excluding any point that has at least one distance less than a threshold; and (3) performing the second search for remaining points in the search pattern centered at the second center point.