Asynchronous Frame Buffer I/P Conversion Pulldown Pattern Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame rate conversion methods for video signals, such as 3:2 pulldown processes, often result in pulldown sequence collapse during I/P conversion, leading to progressive pictures with fields of different capturing times, causing degradation and difficulty in generating complete progressive signals.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a frame buffer that loads video signals asynchronously and performs I/P conversion, using pulldown determination and control means to manage skipping or repeating patterns, ensuring compatibility with supported pulldown patterns at the I/P conversion side, thereby minimizing picture degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frame rate conversion is performed by skipping or repeating frames without considering I/P conversion, then frame rate conversion is achieved, but pulldown sequence collapses and fields with different capturing times are mixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the pulldown pattern of the input video signal before performing frame rate conversion. The system identifies whether the signal uses 3:2 pulldown, 2:2 pulldown, or other patterns, and pre-configures the skip/repeat operation accordingly. This ensures that the I/P conversion can properly reconstruct the progressive signal without sequence collapse, as the pulldown determination is made in advance of the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the output of the I/P conversion unit to inform subsequent frame rate conversion operations. The system continuously monitors the converted signal characteristics and adjusts the skip/repeat pattern selection based on the actual pulldown pattern detected in the input signal. This closed-loop approach ensures that the frame rate conversion maintains synchronization with the original pulldown sequence.
2Productivity
If frames are skipped or repeated for frame rate conversion, then the target frame rate is achieved, but the converted progressive picture includes fields with different capturing times causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the skip/repeat operation parameters based on the detected pulldown pattern. When 3:2 pulldown is detected, the system applies specific skip/repeat patterns that preserve the interlaced-to-progressive conversion integrity. When 2:2 pulldown or other patterns are detected, different parameters are used. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures high-quality progressive output while achieving the desired frame rate conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/P conversion is performed on signals with collapsed pulldown sequences, then interlaced to progressive conversion is achieved, but complete progressive picture generation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the pulldown pattern before I/P conversion and configuring the skip/repeat operations accordingly. This pre-configuration ensures that the pulldown sequence remains intact through the conversion process, allowing the I/P conversion unit to generate complete progressive pictures without mixing fields from different capturing times.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that has a frame buffer that stores an input video signal, that loads a video signal at an asynchronous timing with the video signal input from the frame buffer and then that I/P-converts the loaded video signal from an interlaced signal into a progressive signal includes: pulldown determination means that determines whether the input video signal is subjected to a process of skipping or repeating a source video signal through a pulldown process; and control means that, when it is determined that the input video signal is subjected to the process of skipping or repeating, controls a process of skipping or repeating the loaded video signal to obtain a pulldown pattern supported at an I/P conversion side at which the I/P-conversion is performed, when the loaded video signal is converted from an interlaced signal into a progressive signal.