Method and apparatus for restricted long-distance motion vector prediction

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to encoding and decoding of video images. Motion vectors are used as predictors for prediction of an image for a current coding unit CU, which is within a current coding tree unit CTU. The motion vectors are taken from a list of motion vector candidates MVCs. The list is generated for the current CU using a pattern of positions of allowed motion vectors, and in dependence on the positions of the pattern relative to the current CU, and on the position of the current CU within the current CTU. From the pattern, a subset of positions is selected and positions are restricted to positions within the current CTU, while other pattern positions not available or not stored in a buffer are excluded. Other excluded pattern positions may be substituted and/or adjusted to as to become available and/or are being stored in the buffer.