Video Frame Rate Conversion via Motion-Based Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting frame rates, such as synchronization and interpolation, face challenges in combining these techniques without requiring complex control over individual methods, especially when dealing with filmic frame rates like 24 or 25 fps, where interpolation artifacts are visible and synchronization methods result in variable delays.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that divide video sequences into groups of frames, analyze motion to select between interpolation and synchronization modes, and switch between them group-by-group to convert frame rates, ensuring consistent timing and minimal control over interpolation methods, using a temporal synchronizer, motion analyzer, interpolator, and synchronizer to produce output frames with a different frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If interpolation method is used for frame rate conversion, then image quality is improved by avoiding jumps and smearing, but interpolation artifacts appear on blurry fast moving images from filmic frame rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between interpolation mode and synchronization mode based on motion analysis of the video content. When motion is detected to be low, interpolation mode is used to maintain image quality. When motion is high (as in fast moving filmic content), synchronization mode is used to avoid interpolation artifacts. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate method based on real-time content characteristics.
2Device complexity
If synchronization method is used for frame rate conversion, then variable delay is introduced, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video processing into distinct modes (interpolation mode and synchronization mode) that can be switched based on content requirements. By dividing the processing into these segments, the system can use the simpler synchronization method when appropriate (reducing complexity) while using interpolation when quality is prioritized, thus managing the delay-complexity trade-off through selective application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary switching between interpolation and synchronization methods is attempted, then flexibility is improved, but delay control becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs motion analysis as a feedback mechanism to determine when to switch between interpolation and synchronization modes. This feedback-based control ensures that switching occurs at appropriate points in the video sequence, maintaining delay control while achieving the flexibility to use the most suitable method for each segment of content.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frame rate conversion is performed for filmic frame rates (24 or 25 fps), then compatibility with digital video standards is improved, but interpolation artifacts become more visible due to fast moving images
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its processing method based on the characteristics of the source material. For filmic content at 24 or 25 fps, the motion analysis detects the fast moving nature of the images and automatically switches to synchronization mode, preventing interpolation artifacts while maintaining compatibility with digital video standards. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle different frame rate sources optimally.
Data Source
AI summary
A video frame rate converter has a temporal synchronization analyzer for dividing the input video sequence into successive groups of frames each of Nin consecutive frames and a motion analyzer for analyzing motion over the frames of each group to provide a group motion measure. The inverter includes both an interpolator for performing interpolation on a group of Nin input frames to provide Nout output frames, where Nin is different from Nout; and a synchronizer for deleting or repeating an identified frame from the group of Nin input frames to provide Nout output frames. A switcher then switches group-by-group in dependence upon the group motion measure between the interpolator and the synchronizer to form an output video sequence having an output frame rate different from the input frame rate.