New frame rate up-conversion using bi-directional motion estimation

We propose a new frame rate up-conversion algorithm for high quality video. In the proposed scheme, bi-directional motion estimation (ME) is performed to construct the motion vector (MV) field for the frame to be interpolated. Unlike conventional motion-compensated interpolation (MCI) algorithms, the proposed technique does not produce any overlapped pixel and hole region in the interpolated frame, and thus can utilize the overlapped block motion compensation technique to reduce the blocking artifacts. The proposed algorithm is very simple to implement on consumer products when compared to conventional MCI methods. Computer simulation shows a high visual performance of the proposed frame rate up-conversion algorithm.