A new fast and efficient search algorithm for block motion estimation is presented in this paper

The new algorithm can reduce the computational complexity of the fast motion estimation and improve the efficiency of video compression code. The algorithm accepts a multi-step search strategy

using motion vectors of the adjacent block to predict starting search point

using gradient descent method to optimize the search to reduce computation resource. For the area where optimal points located

a Diamond-Square Mask was used to carry out the refined search. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce computational complexity efficiently

and at the same time while

ensuring the search accuracy.