Mean Preserving Interpolation Circuit for Periodic Image Error Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pixel interpolation circuits experience increased error in interpolating missing pixels, particularly in highly periodic images when using linear interpolation or higher-degree functions.

Innovation Solution

A mean preserving interpolation calculation circuit that calculates interpolation data by ensuring the mean value of a pixel sequence including a missing pixel is equal to the mean value of a pixel sequence not including the missing pixel, using incomplete and complete summing circuits and a difference circuit to maintain equal mean values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If linear interpolation or higher-degree functions are used to calculate interpolation data for missing pixels, then the interpolation calculation can be performed, but increased error occurs in highly periodic images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterpolation calculation capabilityVSAvoidinterpolation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the interpolation approach from function-based (linear or higher-degree) to mean-value-based. By setting the mean value of the pixel sequence including the missing pixel equal to the mean value of the pixel sequence not including the missing pixel, the method achieves accurate interpolation for periodic images without the errors inherent in traditional function-based approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/mathematical system of function fitting (linear regression, quartic curves) with a statistical approach based on mean value equality. This substitution eliminates the need for complex function calculations and their associated errors in periodic patterns, providing a simpler and more accurate solution for the specific case of periodic image interpolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7738738B2Mean preserving interpolation calculation circuit, pixel interpolation circuit, mean preserving interpolation method, and pixel interpolation method

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

Missing-pixel interpolation data are obtained such that the mean value of a plurality of pixels constituting a group of pixels including a missing pixel is equal to the mean value of a plurality of pixels constituting a group of pixels not including the missing pixel. For example, missing-pixel interpolation data are obtained by (1) obtaining a sum (SL) of the values of pixels other than the missing pixel (L) in the k pixels constituting the group (LC) of pixels including the missing pixel, (2) obtaining a sum (SA) of the values of k pixels constituting a group (NA) of pixels not including the missing pixel, and (3) taking the difference between these sums. This makes it possible to reduce interpolation error when a highly periodic image with missing pixels is interpolated.