Image Interpolation Control for Fade Transition Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in accurately interpolating image signals when objects undergo fade-in or fade-out, leading to inaccurate motion vector detection and subsequent deterioration of image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that detects motion vectors and determines if an input image signal meets specific conditions regarding level changes and pixel counts, interpolating intermediate signals only when necessary to prevent inaccurate interpolation and maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motion vector-based interpolation is performed on all image signals, then frame rate enhancement is achieved, but image quality deteriorates when objects undergo fade-in or fade-out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of interpolation application by introducing a determination step that evaluates specific conditions (pixel count at reference levels, level changes between frames) before performing motion vector-based interpolation. When conditions indicate fade-in or fade-out transitions, interpolation is skipped or modified, preventing quality deterioration while maintaining frame rate enhancement for normal scenes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the interpolation process dynamic by adaptively adjusting whether to apply interpolation based on real-time analysis of image signal characteristics. The system dynamically switches between interpolation and non-interpolation modes depending on detected fade transitions, optimizing both frame rate enhancement and image quality preservation
2Measurement precision
If motion vector detection is performed using block matching method, then rigid body motion is accurately detected, but motion vectors become inaccurate when level and pixel count vary over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of image signal characteristics (pixel count at reference levels, level changes between consecutive frames) before executing motion vector detection. This preliminary action identifies fade-in or fade-out transitions, allowing the system to prevent unreliable motion vector detection from occurring in the first place during problematic transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary determination step that acts as a gatekeeper between raw image signals and motion vector-based interpolation. This intermediary evaluates whether conditions are suitable for reliable motion vector detection and controls whether interpolation should proceed, preventing propagation of inaccurate motion vectors
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a detecting unit configured to detect a motion vector from an input image signal acting as the image signal for each of chronologically input pixels; a determining unit configured to determine whether the input image signal in terms of a level meets a predetermined condition; and an interpolating unit configured such that if the input image signal is not found to meet the predetermined condition, then the interpolating unit interpolates and outputs an input image signal intermediate signal interposed at a predetermined point in time between the input image signal and a preceding input image signal that precedes the input image signal, in accordance with the motion vector, and if the input image signal is found to meet the predetermined condition, then the interpolating unit allows the input image signal to be output unchanged as the input image signal intermediate signal.