Frame Rate Interpolation via Forward-Backward Motion Trajectory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for improving frame rates in images suffer from inaccurate motion vector estimation due to limitations in motion estimating algorithms and lack of frame information, leading to deterioration in image quality, especially in high-speed motion videos displayed on LCD devices with limited response speed.

Innovation Solution

A frame rate improving apparatus and method that determines forward feature point trajectory information, performs block-based backward motion estimation, and generates intermediate frames using motion vectors, with additional feature point extraction in cases of scene changes or insufficient feature points, and detects occlusion areas using Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) to prevent image quality deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional motion vector estimation is used to generate intermediate frames, then frame rate is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to inaccurate motion vector estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidmotion vector estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the frame into multiple blocks and performs motion estimation on each block separately. It also segments the motion estimation process into forward estimation (from reference frame to current frame) and backward estimation (from current frame to previous frame), allowing more precise local motion analysis and improving both frame rate and motion vector accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds temporal dimension by utilizing both forward and backward motion estimation across multiple frames. By tracing feature points through time in both directions and combining this information, the system achieves more accurate motion vectors while maintaining high frame rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If feature points are traced forward through multiple frames to determine trajectory information, then motion information confidence is enhanced, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion information confidenceVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs forward feature point tracing and trajectory determination as a preliminary step before backward motion estimation. By pre-computing the forward trajectories and storing this information, the subsequent backward estimation can proceed more efficiently, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining high motion information confidence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the forward trajectory information to guide and constrain the backward motion estimation process. The pre-computed trajectories serve as self-generated reference data that simplifies the backward estimation, reducing the computational burden while enhancing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2180695B1Apparatus and method for improving frame rate using motion trajectory
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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  • EP2180695B1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

A frame rate improving apparatus and method use a motion trajectory. The frame rate improving apparatus determines forward feature point trajectory information through a feature point, and generates a new intermediate frame by performing backward motion estimation through the feature point trajectory information, thereby generating an interpolated image with high quality.