US6009213A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image processing apparatus and method
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1997-04-23
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Granted: 1999-12-28
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Expires: 2017-04-23
Abstract
Abstract An image processing apparatus includes a window setting unit which sets a window for input low-resolution information, including a target pixel and pixels surrounding the target pixel. A detection unit detects MAX and MIN values from among the pixels within the window, and a quantization unit quantizes information relating to each pixel, having n values within the window, into a value smaller than n. A LUT (look-up table) determines a distribution ratio of the MAX and MIN values based on quantized values provided by the quantization unit within the window. A transformation unit synthesizes the MAX and MIN values based on the distribution ratio, and a forming unit forms high-resolution output information from the synthesized values. Thus, input low-resolution information is converted into high-resolution output information, at a high speed, to produce a high quality image.
Inventors
- 👤 Nobutaka Miyake
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:06
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T3/00; G06T3/40; G06T3/403
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
An image processing apparatus for transforming input low-resolution information into high-resolution information by increasing a number of pixels, said apparatus comprising: window setting means for setting a window including information relating to a low-resolution target pixel and pixels surrounding the target pixel; detection means for detecting a maximum value A and a minimum value B from among a plurality of pixels within the window; quantization means for quantizing information relating to each pixel having n values within the window into a value smaller than n; determination means for determining a distribution ratio a of the values A and B based on quantized values provided by said quantization means within the window; transformation means for calculating a transformation value F of the target pixel according to a formula, F=∝A+(1-∝) B; interpolation means for calculating an interpolation value based on the transformation value F by said transformation means; and formation means for forming high-resolution information based on the interpolation value and values A and B, wherein said determination means includes a memory for outputting the distribution ratio ∝ in accordance with patterns of the quantized values within the window.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
An image processing apparatus for transforming input low-resolution information into high-resolution information by increasing a number of pixels, said apparatus comprising: window setting means for setting a window including information relating to a low-resolution target pixel and pixels surrounding the target pixel; detection means for detecting a maximum value A and a minimum value B from among a plurality of pixels within the window; quantization means for quantizing information relating to each pixel having n values within the window into a value smaller than n; determination means for determining a distribution ratio a of the values A and B based on quantized values provided by said quantization means within the window; transformation means for calculating a transformation value F of the target pixel according to a formula, F=∝A+(1-∝) B; interpolation means for calculating an interpolation value based on the transformation value F by said transformation means; and formation means for forming high-resolution information based on the interpolation value and values A and B, wherein said determination means includes a memory for outputting the distribution ratio ∝ in accordance with patterns of the quantized values within the window.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
193 words
An image processing method of transforming input low-resolution information into high-resolution information by increasing a number of pixels, said apparatus comprising: a window setting step of setting a window including information relating to a low-resolution target pixel and pixels surrounding the target pixel; a detection step of detecting a maximum value A and a minimum value B from among a plurality of pixels within the window; a quantization step of quantizing information relating to each pixel having n values within the window into a value smaller than n; a determination step of determining a distribution ratio ∝ of the values A and B based on quantized values provided by said quantization step within the window; a transformation step of calculating a transformation value F of the target pixel according to a formula, F=∝A+(1-∝) B; an interpolation step of calculating an interpolation value based on the transformation value F by said transformation step; and a formation step of forming high-resolution information based on the interpolation value and values A and B, wherein said determination step outputs the distribution ratio ∝ from a memory in accordance with patterns of the quantized values within the window.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
193 words
An image processing method of transforming input low-resolution information into high-resolution information by increasing a number of pixels, said apparatus comprising: a window setting step of setting a window including information relating to a low-resolution target pixel and pixels surrounding the target pixel; a detection step of detecting a maximum value A and a minimum value B from among a plurality of pixels within the window; a quantization step of quantizing information relating to each pixel having n values within the window into a value smaller than n; a determination step of determining a distribution ratio ∝ of the values A and B based on quantized values provided by said quantization step within the window; a transformation step of calculating a transformation value F of the target pixel according to a formula, F=∝A+(1-∝) B; an interpolation step of calculating an interpolation value based on the transformation value F by said transformation step; and a formation step of forming high-resolution information based on the interpolation value and values A and B, wherein said determination step outputs the distribution ratio ∝ from a memory in accordance with patterns of the quantized values within the window.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said quantization means linearly quantizes values between the values A and B.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said quantization means makes a number of quantization levels for the target pixel greater than a number of quantization levels for pixels surrounding the target pixel within the window.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein said quantization step linearly quantizes values between the values A and B.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein said quantization step makes a number of quantization levels for the target pixel greater than a number of quantization levels for pixels surrounding the target pixel within the window.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-27 | 2003-06-28 | 2003-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-27 | 2007-06-28 | 2007-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-27 | 2011-06-28 | 2011-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |