Digital Remastering System for Motion Picture Resolution Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion picture technologies face challenges in enhancing spatial and temporal resolution effectively, particularly for cinematic applications, due to limitations in frame rate conversion methods and spatial resolution enhancement, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased production and exhibition costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and systems for digitally re-mastering motion pictures using a combination of motion-based and learning-based spatial resolution enhancement techniques, along with accurate motion estimation and frame interpolation, to increase both spatial and temporal resolution, enabling higher frame rates and improved image quality with reduced human intervention and artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If frame rate conversion methods are used to enhance temporal resolution, then motion smoothness is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to artifacts and insufficient processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple passes: a first pass performs motion estimation and compensation to generate intermediate frames, while a second pass refines the results with additional motion analysis and artifact repair. This multi-stage segmentation allows each pass to focus on specific quality aspects, resolving the contradiction between speed and image quality by distributing computational tasks across time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary motion estimation and compensation in the first pass before final image generation. By pre-calculating motion vectors and intermediate frame positions, the system prepares data structures and motion information in advance, enabling faster final rendering while maintaining high image quality through refined processing in the second pass.
2Manufacturing precision
If spatial resolution enhancement is applied to improve perceived image quality, then visual clarity is enhanced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing where motion estimation, compensation, and spatial resolution enhancement operations proceed in an integrated pipeline rather than discrete batch operations. The system maintains continuous data flow between processing stages, eliminating idle time and ensuring that each enhancement operation builds upon previous results without interruption, thus reducing total processing time while maintaining high spatial resolution.
3Speed
If higher frame rate formats are used to improve temporal resolution, then motion artifacts are reduced, but production and exhibition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies and synthesized versions of original film frames through motion estimation and interpolation algorithms. Instead of requiring physical film shooting at higher frame rates, the system generates synthetic intermediate frames that replicate the appearance of high-frame-rate capture, thereby achieving the benefits of high frame rate (reduced motion artifacts, improved smoothness) without the exponential increase in production and exhibition infrastructure costs.
4Measurement precision
If motion vector analysis is used to improve frame rate conversion, then temporal interpolation accuracy is enhanced, but artifact repair capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the results of motion estimation and compensation are continuously evaluated against original frames and intermediate results. Artifact detection algorithms analyze the generated frames for inconsistencies, and the system feeds this information back to adjust motion vectors and re-process problematic regions. This closed-loop feedback ensures that high measurement precision in motion estimation translates to effective artifact repair in the final output.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and systems for the exhibition of a motion picture with enhanced perceived resolution and visual quality. The enhancement of perceived resolution is achieved both spatially and temporally. Spatial resolution enhancement creates image details using both temporal-based methods and learning-based methods. Temporal resolution enhancement creates synthesized new image frames that enable a motion picture to be displayed at a higher frame rate. The digitally enhanced motion picture is to be exhibited using a projection system or a display device that supports a higher frame rate and/or a higher display resolution than what is required for the original motion picture.