Image Interpolation Device Using Point-Symmetrical Pixel Pairs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image interpolation methods for frame rate conversion in image display devices suffer from motion judder, blurriness, and complex circuit configurations due to inaccurate motion vector detection and double after-image disturbances, especially when dealing with dynamic images.
Innovation Solution
An image interpolation device that calculates differential pixel pairs and uses interpolation pixel vectors to generate accurate interpolation frames by considering point-symmetrical pixel pairs and edge information, simplifying the circuit configuration and improving frame rate conversion accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion compensation processing with pattern matching over the entire search area is used, then motion vector accuracy is improved, but device complexity and arithmetic operations increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the search area into multiple regions and performs pattern matching only in necessary areas rather than the entire search area. This segmentation reduces the number of arithmetic operations while maintaining motion vector accuracy for the current frame and reference frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs pattern matching selectively - only for pixels that require interpolation and only in relevant search areas. This partial action approach avoids unnecessary arithmetic operations on pixels that will not be used in the interpolation frame, reducing overall computational complexity.
2Device complexity
If zeroth-order hold method is used for frame interpolation, then circuit configuration is simplified, but motion judder and unnatural motion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motion vectors as an intermediary element that bridges the simple zeroth-order hold method with improved motion accuracy. By using motion vectors to guide the selection and weighting of reference pixels, the system achieves more natural motion without requiring complex interpolation circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used in interpolation from simple spatial averaging to motion-compensated pixel selection and weighting. By incorporating motion vector information into the interpolation process, the system maintains circuit simplicity while improving motion naturalness through parameter optimization.
3Device complexity
If linear interpolation method is used, then circuit configuration is simplified, but double after-image disturbance and blurriness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interpolation parameters from uniform linear weighting to motion-compensated selective weighting. By using motion vectors to determine which reference pixels contribute to each interpolation pixel and assigning appropriate weights, the system maintains simple circuitry while avoiding the blurriness and double after-image effects of conventional linear interpolation.
4Productivity
If conventional motion compensation processing is used, then frame rate conversion is achieved, but arithmetic operations become very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame rate conversion process into distinct stages: motion vector calculation for current and reference frames, selective pattern matching in defined search areas, and interpolation frame generation. This segmentation reduces redundant arithmetic operations while maintaining conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary motion vector calculation and search area definition before the actual interpolation process. By pre-identifying relevant pixels and search regions, the system reduces the arithmetic operations required during the main interpolation phase, improving overall processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
More accurate frame-rate conversion is carried out in a simpler circuit configuration. Search areas SA+1 and SA−1 in each of which the pixel facing the interpolation position P0 of a pixel in an interpolation frame is taken as a central pixel are set in the current frame and immediately previous frame of an image signal, a set of pixels point-symmetrical to the interpolation position P0 in each of the search areas SA+1 and SA−1 are defined as pixel pairs, and differential luminance values between the individual pixels in the pixel pairs are calculated for each pixel pair. Of all these pixel pairs, only that having the minimum absolute differential value is selected as interpolation pixel pair, an interpolation frame is generated from the current frame and the immediately previous frame on the basis of the interpolation pixel vector of that interpolation pixel pair.