Motion Estimation Algorithms: Comparison of Seven Block Matching Methods with MATLAB Implementation

This article presents a comparative analysis of seven different block-based motion estimation algorithms implemented in MATLAB. We provide extensively detailed source code with comprehensive implementation notes to benefit researchers and developers working on motion estimation. The content serves both as an educational resource for understanding motion estimation fundamentals and as a practical guide for implementing these algorithms in real-world projects. Each algorithm is thoroughly examined with discussions on their respective advantages, limitations, and optimal application scenarios. The implementation details include explanations of key MATLAB functions such as block processing techniques, search window configurations, and matching criteria calculations. We provide annotated code examples and step-by-step explanations covering algorithm initialization, block matching procedures, motion vector derivation, and computational optimization techniques. This resource aims to be a valuable reference for understanding and applying motion estimation algorithms in computer vision and video processing applications.