Image Interpolation via Pixel Region Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image interpolation techniques often result in unintended errors and distortions, leading to a blurred image due to the difference between pixel values and the average value of interpolation data in each pixel region, especially when enlarging digital images.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that integrates pixel values sequentially, interpolates them using a predetermined method, and performs differentiation to ensure the pixel value in each pixel region equals the average value of interpolation data, thereby reducing image blurring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional point-based interpolation techniques are used, then interpolation computation is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to blurring and distortions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidinterpolation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image into discrete pixel regions and processes each region separately through accumulative addition, interpolation, and accumulative subtraction operations. This segmentation approach allows precise control over each pixel region's contribution to the interpolated image, preventing the blurring that occurs in conventional point-based methods where all adjacent pixels are treated uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs accumulative addition of pixel values before interpolation, creating a preliminary integrated image that preserves the average brightness information of each pixel region. This preliminary action ensures that the interpolation process works with integrated region data rather than individual pixel points, preventing distortion and blurring in the final interpolated image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If image data is interpolated using conventional techniques, then processing speed is fast, but image accuracy deteriorates due to unintended errors and distortions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel value accuracyVSAvoidinterpolation processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a continuous processing pipeline where accumulative addition, interpolation, and accumulative subtraction operations are performed in sequence without interruption. This continuous action ensures that the average brightness information is preserved throughout the interpolation process, maintaining pixel value accuracy while achieving efficient processing through the streamlined three-step method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary integrated image as a intermediate representation between the original image and the final interpolated image. This intermediary contains accumulative pixel values that preserve average brightness information, serving as a mediator that prevents distortion and accuracy loss during the interpolation process while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If pixel-based integration is performed before interpolation, then image blurring is reduced, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharpnessVSAvoidprocessing unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the accumulative addition, interpolation, and accumulative subtraction operations into an integrated processing system that works together as a unified whole. By combining these operations in a coordinated manner, the system achieves image sharpness through pixel-based integration while managing computational complexity through the systematic integration of processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from point-based pixel values to region-based accumulative values, effectively changing the dimensional representation of pixel data. This dimensionality change from individual pixel points to integrated pixel regions preserves image sharpness by maintaining average brightness information, while the systematic three-step process manages the increased computational requirements.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7885488B2Image processing apparatus, method and medium
Publication Date: 2011.02.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US7885488B2 patent drawing
  • US7885488B2 patent drawing
  • US7885488B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are an image processing apparatus, method and medium, more particularly, an image processing apparatus, method and medium which perform interpolation such that a pixel value in each pixel region included in a digital image and an average value of interpolation data extracted using a predetermined interpolation method in the pixel region are equal. The image processing apparatus includes an accumulative addition unit to sequentially integrate values of pixels included in an image, an interpolation unit to interpolate the integrated pixel values, and an accumulative subtraction unit to perform differentiation at a predetermined position of the interpolated pixel values.