Motion estimation and motion compensation using an overcomplete discrete wavelet transform

In this paper we introduce a new coding method for image sequences, based on the concept of the "overcomplete discrete wavelet transform" (ODWT). Our main contribution can be stated as: "The translated function with any integer multiple of the sampling period is completely represented in the wavelet space by one of the ODWT members". Based on this important result we derive a new structure for motion estimation and motion compensation (MEMC) working in the wavelet transform space. By performing the MEMC in the wavelet domain, a major reduction of the computational burden is achieved. The method is theoretically described, and the experiments performed on standard image sequences demonstrate high quality and low bit rate performances.