Pixel Interpolation Circuit for Bicubic Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face challenges in reducing circuit size while maintaining high image quality for geometric distortion correction, particularly in bicubic interpolation, which requires large circuit size and multiple interpolation circuits for each color channel.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pixel interpolation circuit with a first linear interpolation unit and multiple second linear interpolation units to generate correction values, allowing for efficient cubic interpolation calculations that approximate bicubic interpolation with a reduced number of multipliers, using first-order and second-order parameters for interpolation calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bicubic interpolation is used for high-quality geometric distortion correction, then image quality is improved, but circuit size and calculation processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex bicubic interpolation calculation into multiple simpler linear interpolation stages. Specifically, it divides the interpolation into first linear interpolation calculations followed by second linear interpolation calculations with correction values, breaking down the high-order operation into manageable first-order steps that reduce circuit complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional complex bicubic interpolation mechanism with an alternative computational approach using multiple linear interpolation passes. This substitution uses a different calculation pathway (sequential linear interpolations with correction) instead of the conventional single-step bicubic method, achieving similar results with reduced hardware requirements
2Measurement precision
If multiple interpolation circuits are implemented for each color channel to maintain image quality, then interpolation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and circuit size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interpolation circuit design that handles multiple color channels (R, G, B) through a single standardized linear interpolation unit. This multi-functional approach allows the same circuit structure to be reused across different color channels, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each channel while maintaining consistent interpolation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interpolation operations for different color channels into a unified processing framework. By combining the linear interpolation units and correction value generation into a shared structure, it reduces the total number of circuits needed while preserving the ability to process each color channel with appropriate accuracy
3Measurement precision
If high-order polynomial interpolation is used to increase interpolation accuracy, then image quality is improved, but calculation processing and circuit size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-order polynomial interpolation into sequential first-order linear interpolation operations. By dividing the calculation into stages (first linear interpolation followed by second linear interpolation with corrections), it reduces the computational burden of each individual operation while achieving the same overall accuracy through cumulative refinement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary linear interpolation calculations to generate intermediate values that are then refined through correction steps. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, allowing subsequent correction operations to focus only on refining the result rather than computing from scratch, thereby reducing total calculation processing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention realizes, with a circuit size having a small number of multipliers, one-dimensional cubic interpolation, which is a primitive calculation of two-dimensional bicubic interpolation that is often used as high image quality interpolation processing of images. An image processing apparatus includes a first linear interpolation calculator that generates an interpolated pixel value at an interpolation position through linear interpolation, based on pixel values of a pair of pixels among a plurality of pixels, a plurality of second linear interpolation calculators that generate a plurality of correction values by respectively performing linear interpolation based on a pair of difference values among a plurality of difference values between pixel values of the plurality of pixels, and a calculator that generates a pixel value at the interpolation position based on the interpolated pixel value and the plurality of correction values.