Adaptive De-interlacing Apparatus for Video Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current graphics processors are inefficient in performing de-interlacing, weaving, and scaling for television encoding, leading to artifacts like 'Comb Tearing' and flicker, especially when handling motion in video sequences, and require additional hardware which increases cost.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for image rendering that includes a motion map updater, grain information generator, spatially interpolated field generator, and missing video data generator, utilizing multiple loopback passes and scaling passes to effectively de-interlace and scale video frames, addressing motion detection and interpolation inaccuracies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the 'weave' method is used for de-interlacing, then image detail for non-moving objects is improved, but artifacts like 'Comb Tearing' and double images appear in moving objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage detailVSAvoidartifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies motion detection to dynamically select between different de-interlacing methods (weave for static areas, bob for moving areas). The system analyzes motion vectors and pixel differences to identify moving regions, then adaptively applies the appropriate algorithm to each region, resolving the contradiction between preserving detail and avoiding artifacts in different parts of the image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements spatially adaptive de-interlacing where different processing qualities are applied to different spatial regions. Static regions receive the higher-quality weave treatment while moving regions receive the bob treatment, ensuring each region gets the optimal processing for its characteristics, thus eliminating artifacts in moving objects while preserving detail in static areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the 'bob' method is used for de-interlacing, then motion artifacts are reduced, but image detail is lost and flicker occurs in static scenes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion artifactsVSAvoidimage detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between bob and weave methods based on detected motion characteristics. In static or low-motion areas, it applies the weave method to preserve image detail and eliminate flicker. In high-motion areas, it applies the bob method to avoid motion artifacts, thus resolving the contradiction between preserving detail and reducing artifacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different de-interlacing qualities to different spatial and temporal regions. Static regions receive weave processing for maximum detail preservation, while moving regions receive bob processing to prevent artifacts. This local adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching the processing method to the local content characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If separate de-interlacers and motion detection hardware are used, then de-interlacing quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvede-interlacing qualityVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines motion detection, de-interlacing, and image rendering functions into a single integrated apparatus. The motion detection capabilities are merged with the de-interlacing engine, eliminating the need for separate hardware components. This integration maintains high de-interlacing quality while reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional apparatus that performs motion detection, de-interlacing, and image rendering within a single system. This universal device can handle multiple video processing tasks without requiring separate specialized hardware for each function, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining processing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional graphics processors are used for television encoding, then existing hardware can be utilized, but efficiency in performing de-interlacing, weaving, and scaling is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the graphics processor by configuring specific registers and control parameters for television encoding operations. It sets up the processor to handle de-interlacing, weaving, and scaling operations with optimized parameter settings, thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing hardware architectures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of the graphics processor by setting up motion detection parameters, de-interlacing algorithms, and rendering pipelines before actual video processing begins. This preliminary setup enables the processor to efficiently handle television encoding operations without requiring complex runtime reconfiguration, thus improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7633549B2Apparatus and method for image rendering
Publication Date: 2009.12.15 ATI TECHNOLOGIES ULC
  • US7633549B2 patent drawing
  • US7633549B2 patent drawing
  • US7633549B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for image rendering includes a first buffer operative to receive first video data. A motion mad updater receives video data from the first buffer and updates a motion map using the first video data. A grain information generator is coupled to the first buffer and receives the first video data to generate slope information based on the first video data. A grain information filter receives the slope information and filters the slope information to generate filtered slope information. A spatially interpolated field generator receives the filtered slope information and generates a spatially interpolated field. A maximum difference value generator generates a maximum difference value based on the update motion map. A base value generator receives the first video data and the spatially interpolated field and generates a base value therefrom. A missing video data generator generates missing first video data.