Multistage Frame Rate Conversion with Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multistage frame rate conversion in image display systems often results in judder artifacts due to frame rate mismatches between image sequences, which can be exacerbated by additional conversions, especially when dealing with interlaced images, leading to noticeable visual artifacts and loss of motion information.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for multistage frame rate conversion that includes determining fault conditions and using frame repeat control signals to decide whether to store or discard incoming frames, minimizing the dropping of non-repeated images and ensuring that repeated images are handled appropriately to reduce judder, with minimal additional hardware and software requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frame rate conversions are performed to handle overlay images with different frame rates, then the compatibility between image sequences and display devices is improved, but judder artifacts and visual quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rate compatibilityVSAvoidjudder artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing fault condition detection and frame repeat control during the first frame rate conversion stage. The system proactively identifies potential judder-causing fault conditions and controls frame repetition before the second conversion occurs, preventing the compounding of artifacts through multistage conversion while maintaining frame rate compatibility across overlay images and display devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through fault condition detection that monitors the frame rate conversion process. The system uses detected fault conditions to adjust frame repetition control dynamically, creating a closed-loop system that prevents judder artifacts from accumulating through multiple conversion stages while ensuring proper frame rate matching for overlay display

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If frame rate conversion is performed by dropping images to match frame rates, then the frame rate matching is achieved, but motion information is lost and judder increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rate matchingVSAvoidmotion information

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional frame rate conversion approach by using frame repetition instead of frame dropping. Rather than removing frames to match frame rates, the system repeats frames strategically based on fault condition detection, thereby maintaining all original motion information while achieving frame rate compatibility. This inversion eliminates the information loss inherent in traditional dropping-based conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically controlling frame repetition based on detected fault conditions. The system modifies the temporal parameter of frame display by repeating certain frames when fault conditions indicate potential judder, thereby adjusting the effective frame rate delivery without losing motion information. This parameter-based control achieves frame rate matching while preserving motion fidelity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If repeated images are retained and non-repeated images are dropped during frame rate conversion, then judder is reduced, but image sequence integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejudder reductionVSAvoidimage sequence integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback through fault condition detection to intelligently control which frames are repeated or dropped. The system monitors the image sequence and base image data to determine fault conditions, then uses this feedback to make informed decisions about frame repetition control. This feedback mechanism preserves image sequence integrity by only dropping frames when necessary and when it will not compromise the overall sequence coherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between frame repetition and frame dropping decisions. The fault condition detection and frame repeat control unit acts as an intermediary that analyzes the image sequence context and determines the optimal frame handling strategy, thereby reducing judder while maintaining image sequence integrity through intelligent, context-aware frame management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8094234B2System and method for multistage frame rate conversion

Publication Date: 2012.01.10 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

System and method for multistage frame rate conversion. A method comprises receiving an incoming frame at a first frame rate, and determining whether a fault condition exists. The method also includes if the fault condition does not exist, toggling a write buffer pointer from a first frame buffer to a second frame buffer, and storing the incoming frame in the second frame buffer. The method additionally includes if the fault condition exists, determining whether a previously received frame was repeated, discarding the incoming frame if the previously received incoming frame was not repeated, and storing the incoming frame in one of the frame buffers pointed to by the write buffer pointer if the previously received incoming frame was repeated.