An efficient, similarity-based error concealment method for block-based coded images

We propose an efficient, similarity-based error concealment method for block-based coded images. In a hierarchical matching procedure, the image is first searched at a lower resolution to find the best match of a layer of pixels around a missing block. Then, the search is performed on the full resolution image. A fast search algorithm which follows a diamond-shaped search area is employed in both resolutions. The missing block is replaced with the block connected to the layer that yields the best match. Moreover, the proposed matching criterion takes into account the geometrical structure extracted from the surrounding pixels of a lost block. The fast search matching method needs significantly less number of computations required by a full search matching method and achieves almost the same reconstruction quality