Graphics Scaling Grid Alignment Integer Pixel Multiplication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for scaling graphics between layers of different resolutions with non-integer scaling factors often result in image distortions and artefacts, particularly when the output layer resolution is not an integer multiple of the primary layer resolution.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that determines a grid size for scaling, aligns the updated area to the grid, and expands it to eliminate distortions by ensuring integer pixel multiplication, thereby reducing image distortions during the scaling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a blitter circuit is used to scale and copy graphics from primary layer to output layer, then the copying speed is improved, but image distortions and artefacts occur when the scaling factor is non-integer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecopying speedVSAvoidimage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scaling process into multiple stages: calculating scaling factors for each pixel position, determining source pixel positions, and copying pixel values. This segmentation allows the system to handle non-integer scaling factors by processing each pixel position independently with precise calculations, thereby maintaining image accuracy while using a blitter circuit for efficient copying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from using fixed integer scaling factors to calculating dynamic non-integer scaling factors for each pixel position. By computing the exact source pixel coordinates based on the ratio of output dimensions to primary dimensions, the system achieves accurate scaling without the distortions that would result from simple integer rounding or truncation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If integer rounding is applied to non-integer scaling factors, then the copying process is simplified, but image distortions increase especially at block edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing complexityVSAvoidimage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculations of the exact scaling factors and source pixel positions before the actual copying operation. By pre-computing the precise mapping between output and primary layer pixel positions, the system avoids the need for complex rounding decisions during the copying process itself, thereby maintaining both simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rounding operation with a mathematical calculation system that computes exact source pixel positions using floating-point arithmetic. This substitution allows the blitter circuit to copy pixel values with precise positioning rather than relying on integer truncation or rounding, eliminating edge distortions while keeping the overall system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2988269B1A system and method for scaling and copying graphics

Publication Date: 2018.06.13 ADVANCED DIGITAL BROADCAST

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AI summary

A computer-implemented method for scaling and copying a primary graphics area (211, 311) from a primary layer (210, 310) having a primary layer resolution to an output layer (220, 320) having an output layer resolution different than the primary layer resolution; the method comprising expanding (403, 404) the primary graphics area (211, 311) before copying and scaling the graphics.