Polyphase Filter Aspect Ratio Distortion Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from 4:3 aspect ratio displays to 16:9 widescreen displays results in aspect ratio distortion, where images are stretched, making objects appear shorter and wider, and current techniques require multiple filters and microprocessors, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a polyphase finite impulse response filter to minimize aspect ratio distortion by determining input positions and scale factors, reducing the need for multiple filters and microprocessors, and maintaining the original aspect ratio in the image center while allowing distortion towards the edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple filters and microprocessors are used to process aspect ratio conversion, then image processing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtering operations into a single polyphase finite impulse response filter that processes multiple input pixels simultaneously to generate multiple output pixels. This merging of filtering functions reduces the number of separate filters and microprocessors needed, directly resolving the contradiction between image processing capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The polyphase filter serves multiple functions: it performs scaling, filtering, and aspect ratio conversion in a single operation. By making the filter universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated filters and processing units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive image processing capability
2Ease of manufacture
If a polyphase finite impulse response filter is used to minimize aspect ratio distortion, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the number of multiplies per output increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter operation into polyphase components that process multiple pixels in parallel. By dividing the filtering operation into phases that can be executed simultaneously, the total number of multiplies per output pixel is reduced, addressing the productivity concern while maintaining the manufacturing cost benefits of the unified filter approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scaling factors that vary across different regions of the image (e.g., different scale factors for center vs. edge regions). This dynamic approach allows the filter to minimize distortion where it matters most while accepting more distortion at less critical areas, effectively reducing the computational burden and number of multiplies required
3Area of stationary object
If horizontal stretching is applied to fully utilize 16:9 display space, then display area utilization is improved, but image distortion increases making objects appear short and stocky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scaling factors to different regions of the image - maintaining aspect ratio in the center region where important content resides, while allowing more distortion at the edges to fill the display. This local quality approach ensures that objects in the center maintain their proper shape while still utilizing the display area effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic, position-dependent scale factors that vary across the horizontal axis of the image. By making the scaling dynamic rather than uniform, the system can preserve object shapes in critical areas while expanding the overall display area utilization, resolving the contradiction between display area and image distortion
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for aspect ratio distortion minimization. The method includes receiving input pixels from a video source. The method then determines an input position and scale factor for each input pixel. A count value determines that a pixel should be outputted. A polyphase finite impulse response filter is centered on a particular input pixel based on the count value. An output pixel is generated using the polyphase finite response filter on a particular input pixel based on the count value and output pixels are outputted.