Image Decoder Dynamic Interpolation Mixture Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image decoding techniques fail to achieve optimal resolution conversion from interlaced to progressive images due to reliance on motion vectors that do not accurately represent intra-field and inter-field pixel correlations, leading to suboptimal mixture ratios and resolution deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An image decoder and transformation circuit that dynamically adjust the mixture ratio of intra-field and inter-field interpolation signals based on prediction modes used in motion compensation inter-frame predictive encoding, generating interpolated pixels using both intra-field and inter-field pixels, and employing a weighted averaging module to optimize image quality, while avoiding resolution loss by interpolating from reference image data before motion compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motion vectors are used to control the mixture ratio of intra-field and inter-field interpolation signals, then the transformation processing can be performed, but the image quality deteriorates because motion vectors do not accurately represent intra-field and inter-field pixel correlations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from motion vector magnitude to prediction mode type (field prediction mode or frame prediction mode). This parameter change allows the mixture ratio to be controlled based on the encoding characteristics that accurately reflect pixel correlations, thereby improving image quality while maintaining transformation processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using motion vector magnitude (a continuous physical quantity) with a discrete classification approach based on prediction modes. This substitution allows the system to leverage the semantic information already embedded in the encoded stream's prediction mode selection, which directly reflects the correlation characteristics between pixels
2Productivity
If decoded pixels from motion compensation are used to generate interpolation signals, then the processing can be completed, but resolution deteriorates due to decimal vector motion compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs interpolation processing on the reference image data before motion compensation is applied. By conducting the interpolation operation preliminarily on the high-resolution reference data, the system avoids the resolution loss that would occur if interpolation were performed on already-decoded pixels with decimal vector artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional processing sequence by performing interpolation before motion compensation rather than after. This reversal allows the interpolation to operate on pristine reference image data with full resolution, and the results are then used in the motion-compensated prediction, thereby preserving resolution while completing the processing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image decoder which decodes a stream encoded with standard resolution and transforms it into a high-definition image with a better image quality. An intra-field pixel interpolation module generates an interpolated pixel using pixels in a field. An inter-field pixel interpolation module generates an interpolated pixel using pixels from another field. A weighted averaging module refers to the prediction mode used in predictive encoding for the coded stream. If the prediction mode is a field prediction mode, it increases the mixture ratio of interpolated pixels generated by the intra-field pixel interpolation module, and if the prediction mode is a frame prediction mode, increases the mixture ratio of interpolated pixels generated by the inter-field pixel interpolation module.