Image Resolution Conversion Circuit Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image resolution converting devices struggle to efficiently select and generate new pixel groups while maintaining scale size, particularly in converting image resolutions by arbitrary magnification ratios, leading to suboptimal interpolation calculations.

Innovation Solution

An image resolution converting device that includes a pixel value storage section, a region determining section, a pixel value read-out controlling section, and an interpolation-calculating section, which determines regions for new pixel disposition based on a resolution conversion ratio and calculates interpolation coefficients to generate new pixel values, utilizing interpolation coefficients stored in SRAMs and synchronizing signals for accurate pixel value output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional resolution converting devices use line memory and coefficient generators with look-up-tables to perform interpolation calculations, then image resolution can be converted by arbitrary magnification ratios, but the device complexity increases and circuit scale expands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearbitrary magnification ratio conversionVSAvoidcircuit scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing into distinct functional blocks: pixel value storage section, region determining section, pixel value read-out controlling section, and interpolation-calculating section. Each section handles a specific task, allowing independent optimization and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining arbitrary magnification ratio conversion capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The region determining section pre-calculates and determines the regions where newly generated pixels will be disposed before the interpolation calculation begins. This preliminary action organizes the pixel groups in advance, reducing the computational burden during the actual interpolation process and simplifying the circuit design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If pixel groups are selected and processed in accordance with determined regions to generate new pixels, then interpolation calculation accuracy improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterpolation calculation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous processing by having the pixel value read-out controlling section generate output-control signals that continuously output pixel values from the pixel groups corresponding to determined regions. The interpolation-calculating section continuously calculates new pixel values based on these outputted pixel values, maintaining a steady flow of processing without interruption or repositioning overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By determining all regions for new pixel disposition in advance and organizing the corresponding pixel groups before interpolation begins, the system eliminates the need for repeated region calculation during processing. This preliminary organization allows the interpolation stage to focus solely on calculation, improving both accuracy and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the device maintains scale size of circuits while converting resolutions, then manufacturing cost reduces, but the ability to handle arbitrary magnification ratios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit scale sizeVSAvoidmagnification ratio flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resolution conversion device that can handle arbitrary magnification ratios through a standardized architecture. The region determining section and pixel value read-out controlling section use general algorithms that work for any magnification ratio, while the interpolation-calculating section applies consistent interpolation methods. This multi-functional design achieves arbitrary ratio conversion without requiring multiple specialized circuits, maintaining compact scale while preserving flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7450784B2Image resolution converting device

Publication Date: 2008.11.11 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An image resolution converting device for converting an original image into an image of a predetermined resolution includes: a pixel value storage section for storing the pixel values of the pixels included in the original image; a region determining section for successively determining regions, disposed newly generated pixels in accordance with a raster-scanned disposition order of the newly generated pixels; a pixel value read-out controlling section for generating output-control signals serving for outputting the pixel values of the pixels; and an interpolation-calculating section for calculating interpolations of pixel values of the newly generated pixels in accordance with the interpolated pixel values. It is possible to provide an image resolution converting device which can select the pixel groups of the original image, used for generating the new pixels after the resolution conversion while realizing small-size circuits used in the device.