JP2002158869A - Imaging apparatus and image display, imaging method and image displaying method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of sharpness deterioration at the outline part when an image is enlarged or undershoot or overshoot takes place when the sharpness is improved to cause deterioration of sharpness at the outline. SOLUTION: The image processor comprises a means for detecting the variation pattern of an image, and a pixel count converting means for converting the magnification of an image arbitrarily wherein new image data corresponding to a level variation part is generated by varying the conversion magnification depending on the variation pattern of the image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image display apparatus, and an image processing method for generating new image data from original image data, for example, for enlarging or reducing a digital image to an arbitrary magnification. And an image display method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a case where the number of pixels is tripled by a conventional pixel number conversion method. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal or vertical position of the image, and the vertical axis indicates
Indicates the level (brightness) of image data. Since the operations of converting the number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are the same, only the operation of converting the number of pixels in the horizontal direction will be described.

When the input image data is composed of a flat portion (h) and a level change (contour) portion (j, k) as shown in FIG. 14, the flat portion (h) also has a level change portion (j, k). Is also uniformly tripled, so that the level change part is j1, k
It is converted into a smooth level change like 1.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams for explaining the detailed operation of the conventional pixel number conversion method. In the figure, p
(N) and p (n + 1) are two pixels adjacent to the input image data, q (m) is one pixel of the output image data, and F (x) is an example of a response characteristic of a filter used for pixel number conversion.

When the distance between p (n) and p (n + 1) is 1,
When the output image q (m) is located at a distance r from p (n),
The output image q (m) is obtained by the following equation. q (m) = F (r) × p (n) + F (1-r) × p (n
+1)

[0006] As shown in FIG. 16, the number of pixels can be converted by performing the above operation for each pixel (q1 to q7) of the output image data.

In the above description, the case where the linear filter shown in FIG. 15 is used as the response characteristic of the filter has been described. However, by using the filter having the response characteristic as shown in FIG. 17, the contour part (j1, k1) is used. May improve the sharpness of the image.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-266531 discloses a method in which a plurality of filters having response characteristics are prepared as shown in FIG.

[0009]

Since the conventional image processing method is configured as described above, when the image is enlarged, a new underscore is required to reduce the sharpness of the outline portion and to improve the sharpness. Shooting (pre-shoot) and overshoot occur, and when the image is reduced, there is a problem that image quality of the contour portion is deteriorated such that a pixel of the contour portion is missing.

[0010] Further, there is another problem that the continuity of the image is lost at the portion where the filter is switched by switching the filter according to the image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. For example, in the case of changing the magnification to an arbitrary magnification when displaying an image, the sharpness of the image can be maintained without impairing the continuity of the image. (Especially, image quality degradation of the contour portion is suppressed).

[0012]

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a level change between original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen is detected. Image data comparing means for outputting polarity information between the original image data, and generating conditions for generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information output from the image data comparing means. It is characterized by comprising a generation condition generating means for generating, and an image data generating means for generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generation conditions output from the generation condition generating means.

Further, the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.

[0014] Further, the present invention is characterized in that generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data.

The plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. The second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data.

The image data comparing means further comprises a first
The third polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the pixel and preceding the first pixel and the original image data corresponding to the first pixel, and outputs the third polarity information. And comparing the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel subsequent to the third pixel with the level of original image data corresponding to the third pixel, and outputting fourth polarity information.

Further, the polarity information includes information on a level change amount.

The level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction. It is characterized by.

The level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. It is characterized by.

An image display device according to the present invention has a memory means for storing input original image data, and a plurality of pixels which are adjacent to each other among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen stored in the memory means. An image data comparing unit that detects a level change between original image data corresponding to pixels and outputs polarity information between the original image data, and the one direction based on the polarity information output from the image data comparing unit. Generating condition generating means for generating a generating condition when generating new image data, and generating an image for generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition output from the generating condition generating means. Data generating means, and display means for displaying a display image corresponding to new image data generated by the image data generating means. .

The total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.

[0022] The present invention is characterized in that generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data.

The plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. The second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data.

Further, the image data comparing means further comprises:
The third polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the pixel and preceding the first pixel and the original image data corresponding to the first pixel, and outputs the third polarity information. And comparing the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel subsequent to the third pixel with the level of original image data corresponding to the third pixel, and outputting fourth polarity information.

Further, the polarity information includes information on a level change amount.

The level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction. It is characterized by.

Further, the level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. It is characterized by.

According to the image processing method of the present invention, a level change between original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen is detected. An image data comparing step of obtaining polarity information in the above, a generating condition generating step of generating a generating condition when generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparing step, An image data generating step of generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition obtained in the generating condition generating step.

Further, the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.

[0030] Further, the present invention is characterized in that generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data.

The plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel that are continuous in one direction on the display screen. And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. The second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data.

In the image data comparing step, the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel which is continuous with the first pixel and precedes the first pixel is compared with the level of original image data corresponding to the first pixel. And outputs the third polarity information, and compares the levels of original image data corresponding to a pixel that is continuous with the third pixel and succeeds the third pixel and original image data corresponding to the third pixel. It is characterized by outputting fourth polarity information.

Further, the polarity information includes information on a level change amount.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction is output. It is characterized by.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction is output. It is characterized by.

In the image display method according to the present invention, a storage step of storing input original image data and a plurality of pixels adjacent to each other in a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on the display screen stored in the storage step are provided. An image data comparing step of detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to pixels and outputting polarity information between the original image data, and the one direction based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparing step A generating condition generating step for generating a generating condition when generating new image data, and image data for generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition obtained by the generating condition generating step And a display step of displaying a display image corresponding to the new image data generated by the image data generation step. .

Further, the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.

Further, the generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are independently given between the respective original image data.

Further, the plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of the first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. The second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data.

In the image data comparing step, the level of the original image data corresponding to the pixel which is continuous with the first pixel and precedes the first pixel is compared with the level of the original image data corresponding to the first pixel. And outputs the third polarity information, and compares the levels of original image data corresponding to a pixel that is continuous with the third pixel and succeeds the third pixel and original image data corresponding to the third pixel. It is characterized by outputting fourth polarity information.

Further, the polarity information includes information on a level change amount.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction is output. It is characterized by.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction is output. It is characterized by.

[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments described below have a change pattern detecting means for detecting a change pattern of an image and a pixel number converting means for converting an image to an arbitrary magnification. By controlling the conversion magnification in accordance with the change pattern of, new image data corresponding to the level change section is generated.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image processing method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal position or the vertical position of the image, and the vertical axis indicates the level (brightness) of the image data. The upper part of the drawing shows the case where the input image data is enlarged, and the lower part shows the case where the input image data is enlarged.

Next, the operation will be described. In the conversion of the number of pixels, the conversion of the number of vertical pixels and the conversion of the number of horizontal pixels are realized by similar operations. Therefore, the operation of converting the number of horizontal pixels will be described here.

A level change of the image is detected from the input image data, and a flat portion (period a) and a contour portion (periods b and c) corresponding to the level change portion are discriminated (hereinafter, the level change portion is referred to for simplicity). This will be described as a contour portion).

Further, the contour part determines the front part (period b) and the rear part (period c) where the level of the image changes (in this case, the input image data is the original image data, for example, in the horizontal or vertical direction). It corresponds to a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on the display screen, and detects a contour in the original image data from a level change between the original image data (level change detecting step). Part is divided into a plurality of regions).

As will be described in detail later, it is configured to detect the level change and also output the polarity information indicating the form of the level change (the image data comparing step up to the part where the operation up to this point is performed). .

The number of pixels of the determined flat portion a of the image is converted at a constant conversion factor n. Here, a constant conversion magnification n
Is an arbitrary magnification necessary for converting the format of an image or enlarging or reducing an image at an arbitrary magnification. As an example of image format conversion, one of output formats of a personal computer (PC) 640 is used.
When converting an image of 480 pixels x 768 lines into an image of 1024 pixels x 768 lines, the conversion magnification n is 1.6 times.

On the other hand, in the outline portion of the image (periods b and c), the conversion magnification is controlled in accordance with the amount of change in the image. That is, in a contour portion divided into a plurality of regions, generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each region (the generation conditions here are, for example, a conversion magnification).
Are different. More specifically, the front part b of the contour is a flat part a
The conversion is performed at a higher magnification, and the rear part c converts the number of pixels at a lower magnification than the flat part a (the level change (contour) from the original image data corresponding to the contour based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparison step) A generation condition generating step of generating a generation condition when generating new image data corresponding to the unit;
An image data generating step of generating new image data corresponding to the level change (contour) portion from original image data corresponding to the level change (contour) portion based on the generation condition).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a case where the input image data is reduced. The flat part a of the image is reduced at a constant conversion magnification, the front part b of the contour is converted at a higher magnification than the flat part a, and the rear part c of the outline is converted at a lower magnification than the flat part a (contour part). Are divided into a plurality of regions, and the generation conditions corresponding to each region are different, or the generation conditions are different). In this case, it is necessary that at least two adjacent regions among the plurality of regions are different.

By performing the above operation in the horizontal and vertical directions of the image, the number of pixels can be converted.

The conversion of the number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the conversion of the number of pixels in the vertical direction can be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

The horizontal conversion magnification and the vertical conversion magnification may be different from each other.

Although the above-described operation has been described in the horizontal direction on the display screen, image processing in the vertical direction can be realized by performing the same operation in the vertical direction.

The horizontal direction (vertical direction) on the display screen
When the contour portion is detected, new image data generation conditions in the horizontal direction (vertical direction when the contour portion is detected in the vertical direction) are output. 3) adjacent to each other corresponding to
When a level change between one or five pieces of original image data is detected, the processing is simplified, and the apparatus can be simplified.

Hereinafter, more detailed embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an input terminal for an image signal, 2 is an input terminal for a synchronization signal, 3 is an A / D converter, 4 is an image adjusting unit, 5 is a memory unit for storing input original image data, and 6 is a pixel. Numeral converter, 7 is image adjusting means, 8 is D / A converting means, 9 is display means, and 10 is control means.

An image signal and a synchronization signal are input to input terminals 1 and 2. The control means 10 generates a sampling clock having a predetermined frequency based on the synchronization signal input to the input terminal 2 and a clock and a timing signal for controlling the image adjustment means 4 and thereafter. The A / D conversion means 3 samples the image signal input to the input terminal 1 with the sampling clock output from the control means 10 and converts it into digital image data. The image data converted by the A / D converter 3 is
The image is input to the image adjustment unit 4 and desired image adjustment is performed.

Here, the desired image adjustment means, for example, when processing the memory means 5 and thereafter as data of three primary colors.
When a luminance signal and a chrominance signal are input or a composite signal is input as an input image signal, conversion of the luminance signal and the chrominance signal into data of three primary colors and conversion of a composite signal into data of three primary colors are performed. Or vice versa
When a signal of a primary color is input and processing is performed on the memory means 5 and thereafter using a luminance signal and a color signal, conversion from data of three primary colors to data in a format suitable for processing may be considered. Further, any image adjustment independent of the pixel number conversion, such as adjustment of brightness and contrast, may be performed.

The image data processed by the image adjusting means 4 is temporarily stored in the memory means 5 (storage step).
Here, the memory means 5 has a capacity (at least two lines or more) capable of storing pixels necessary for the subsequent pixel number conversion.

Next, under the control of the control means 10, the image data is read from the memory means 5 at a predetermined timing. However, the image data is not necessarily at the same timing as the sampling clock, and is necessary for controlling the display means 9. It can be read at any arbitrary frequency.

The image data Pi read from the memory means 5 is input to the pixel number converter 6, and as described above,
In the contour portion of the image, the number of pixels is converted while the conversion magnification is controlled in accordance with the amount of change in the level of the image, and the converted image data Po is output.

The image data output from the pixel number converter 6 is
The image is input to the image adjustment means 7 and desired image adjustment is performed. Here, the desired image adjustment includes various processes and corrections independent of pixel number conversion, such as adjustment of brightness, contrast, saturation, and gradation control, conversion of a signal format to be input to the display unit 9, and the like. Is included.

The image data processed by the image adjustment means 7 is input to the D / A conversion means 8 and converted into an analog image signal. The image signal converted by the D / A converter 8 is input to the display 9 and displayed at a predetermined timing under the control of the controller 10.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the D / A converter 8 converts the image signal into an analog image signal and inputs the analog image signal to the display unit 9. However, the display unit 9 directly inputs digital image data. If display is possible, the D / A conversion means 8 can be omitted (the operation of the display means 9 corresponds to a display step).

Next, a more detailed operation of the pixel number converter 6 will be described. Here, the pixel number converter 6 may be configured to perform the pixel number conversion independently in each of the horizontal and vertical directions. Here, the case where the pixel number conversion is performed in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction will be described. explain.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the pixel number converter 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a vertical pixel number conversion means, 12 is a vertical change pattern detection means, 13 is a vertical conversion magnification control means, 14 is a horizontal pixel number conversion means, 15 is a horizontal change pattern detection means, 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a horizontal conversion magnification control unit.

The vertical change pattern detecting means 12 detects a change pattern of the level of the original image data in the vertical direction of the image data Pi, and outputs a vertical change pattern detection result vd1. Here, the image data Pi is image data read from the memory unit 5 shown in FIG. 3, and is composed of a plurality of pixels required by the vertical pixel number conversion unit 11 and the vertical change pattern detection unit 12.

The vertical conversion magnification control means 13 obtains a vertical conversion magnification vc1 from the vertical change pattern detection result vd1 output from the vertical change pattern detection means 12 and outputs it to the vertical pixel number conversion means 11. Vertical pixel number conversion means 11
Converts the number of pixels in the input image in the vertical direction based on the conversion ratio vc1 in the vertical direction, and outputs a conversion result Pv.

Next, the horizontal change pattern detecting means 15
A horizontal change pattern of the image data Pv output by the vertical pixel number conversion means 11 is detected, and a horizontal change pattern detection result hd1 is output. Horizontal conversion magnification control means 16
Is the horizontal conversion magnification hc1 from the horizontal change pattern detection result hd1 output by the horizontal change pattern detection means 15.
And outputs it to the horizontal pixel number conversion means 14. The horizontal pixel number conversion means 14 converts the number of pixels of the input image in the horizontal direction based on the conversion ratio hc1 in the horizontal direction, and obtains the conversion result Po.
Is output.

In the above description, a configuration example in which the number of pixels is converted in both the vertical and horizontal directions has been described. The operation of converting the number of pixels will be described below. The operation of converting the number of pixels in the horizontal direction will be described for easy understanding.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the vertical change pattern detection means 12 and the horizontal change pattern detection means 15 function as contour detection means, and the vertical conversion magnification control means 13 and the horizontal conversion magnification control means 16 serve as generation condition generation means. Function, the vertical pixel number conversion means 11 and the horizontal pixel number conversion means 14
Functions as image data generating means (of course, in a configuration for either vertical or horizontal data processing, for example, in generating new image data in the vertical direction, the vertical change pattern detecting means 12, the vertical conversion magnification controlling means 13, an image processing system may be constituted only by the vertical pixel number conversion means 11, and the same applies to the horizontal direction.)

Note that the image data Pi output from the memory means 5 has been described with reference to the configuration shown in FIGS.
On the other hand, immediately before the vertical change pattern detecting means 12, a low-pass filter (low-pass filter: LPF) for removing noise is provided.
May be provided. In this case, the image data Pi is input as it is to the vertical pixel number conversion means 11, and the output of the LPF provided immediately before this is input to the vertical change pattern detection means 12. In this way, noise existing on the image data Pi is not processed as a contour, and only the contour can be accurately processed (in this case, the vertical change pattern detection unit 12 and the LPF perform the processing). Contour detection means is configured).

Needless to say, such an LPF can be arranged immediately before the horizontal change pattern detecting means 15, and the same effect as the data processing in the vertical direction can be obtained in the horizontal direction (in this case, The horizontal change pattern detecting means 15 and the LPF constitute an outline detecting means). Of course, one of the vertical and horizontal directions,
Alternatively, these configurations can be adopted in both directions.

In the above description, the vertical change pattern detecting means 12 in the vertical direction or L
Although a description has been given of the case where the PF is provided, the same effect can be expected even if the preceding stage of the vertical conversion magnification control means 13 is a band-pass filter (BPF).
The same effect can be obtained by adopting the same configuration in the horizontal direction.) In this case, the vertical change pattern detection means 12 and the BPF (or the horizontal change pattern detection means 15 and BPF) constitute an outline detection means.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the horizontal change pattern detecting means 15 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numerals 17 and 18 denote image data delay means for delaying image data by an image data unit (one pixel) corresponding to a horizontal direction, reference numerals 19 and 20 denote image data comparison means for comparing levels of two image data, Reference numeral 21 denotes an image data comparison result processing unit.

The image data delay means 17 delays the input image data Pv by an image data unit in the horizontal direction (here, one pixel in the horizontal direction) and outputs one-pixel delayed pixel data Pd1. The image data delay unit 18 delays the one-pixel delay pixel data Pd1 of the image data delay unit 17 by an image data unit in the horizontal direction (that is, by passing through the image data delay unit 17 and the image data delay unit 18, (This is a delay of two pixels in the horizontal direction.) Two-pixel delayed pixel data Pd2 is output.

Here, the input image data Pv is not delayed in units of image data in the horizontal direction, and is called 0 pixel delay pixel data Pd0 (Pd0 = Pv). Image data Pd
2, Pd1 and Pd0 are the first pixel (Pd2), the second pixel (Pd1), and the third pixel (Pd) of three adjacent original image data corresponding to each other in the horizontal direction on the display screen.
This corresponds to the input image data of 0).

The image data comparing means 19 outputs the first pixel (Pd2) and the second pixel (Pd1) of the three adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
Are input to the inputs (b) and (a) in the figure, respectively, and the levels of the image data between the first pixel and the second pixel (first section) are compared, and the comparison result hcomp1 is output.

The image data comparing means 20 outputs the second pixel (Pd1) and the third pixel (Pd0) of three adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
Are input to the inputs (b) and (a) in the figure, respectively, and the levels of the image data between the second pixel and the third pixel (second section) are compared, and a comparison result hcomp2 is output.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image data comparing means 19 and 20. 6, the horizontal axis represents the input (a) shown in each of the image data comparing means 19 and 20 shown in FIG. 5, and the vertical axis represents the image data comparing means 19 and 20 shown in FIG.
20 shows the level (value of image data) of the image data of the input (b) shown in each of FIGS. In the drawing, each input (a) and (b) has 8 bits (that is, 0 to 25 bits).
An example in which (5 gradations) input is performed is shown.

The image data comparing means 19 and 20 compare the levels of the inputs (a) and (b) and output the comparison results (+), (0) or (-) as shown in FIG. I do. That is, when the level of the input (b)> the level of the input (a) + d, the comparison result (+) is used as the level of the input (a) −
When d ≦ level of input (b) ≦ level of input (a) + d, the comparison result (0) is obtained, and level of input (b) <input (a)
The comparison result (-) is output when the level is -d. Here, d is a value that determines the width of the dead zone when comparing the levels of the image data, and even if there is a level difference between the image data of the inputs (a) and (b), the difference is From + d to-
In the range of d, the comparison result (0) is output (+
The range from d to -d is called a dead zone, and in the following description, ± d
May also be expressed).

In this case, the dead zone ± d is set so that, for example, when image data contains noise, the horizontal change pattern detecting means 15 does not detect the noise as a change in the pattern due to the noise.

Table 1 shows the change pattern comparison results hcomp1 and hcomp of the original image data for explaining the operation of the image data comparison result processing means 21 in the first embodiment.
2, output horizontal change pattern hd1 and horizontal conversion magnification hc1.

[0086]

[Table 1]

Here, the comparison result outputs hcomp1 and hcomp2 of the image data comparing means 19 and 20 are output between the first pixel and the second pixel of three adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen. This corresponds to detecting a state change (polarity change) between original image data corresponding to (first section) and between the second pixel and third pixel (second section).

Then, the image data comparison result processing means 21
Is a comparison result output hcomp1 (first polarity information) between the pixels in the first section and a comparison result output hcomp2 (second comparison information) between the pixels in the second section according to the change pattern between the original image data shown in Table 1. The horizontal change pattern hd1 is output in accordance with the combination of the polarity information).

As can be understood by referring to Table 1, there are basically nine change patterns of the original image data (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and J). Case).

A) When no level fluctuation occurs between the three pixels (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is A. n is given to the conversion magnification). b) A case where no level change occurs in the first section but a level increase occurs in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is B. The conversion magnification is given by n + α).

C) When no level change occurs in the first section but the level decreases in the second section (horizontal change pattern h
d1 is C. The conversion magnification is given by n + α). d) A case where the level increases in the first section and the level does not change in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is D. The conversion magnification is given by n-α).

E) When the level decreases in the first section and no level change occurs in the second section (horizontal change pattern hd1)
Is E. The conversion magnification is given by n-α). f) When a level increase occurs in the first section and the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is F. n is given to the conversion magnification).

G) When the level decreases in the first section and the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is G. The conversion magnification is given by n). h) When the level increases in the first section and decreases in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is H. The conversion magnification is given n).

I) In each of the cases where the level decreases in the first section and the level increases in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is J, and n is given to the conversion magnification).

Here, the comparison result outputs hcomp1, hc
omp2 is first and second polarity information, respectively, and the horizontal change patterns hd1 (A, B, C, D, E, F in the table) classified according to the combination of these comparison result outputs hcomp1, hcomp2 , G, H, and J), for example, code information may be generated and the subsequent processing may be performed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining in detail the operation of converting the number of horizontal pixels. Each change pattern ((a) in FIG. 7) of the original image data and the horizontal change pattern in accordance with the relationship shown in Table 1. hd1 ((b) in FIG. 7), horizontal conversion magnification ((c) in FIG. 7), and output image data ((d) in FIG. 7).

The horizontal conversion magnification controller 16 outputs the output horizontal change pattern detection result h of the horizontal change pattern detector 15.
Based on d1, a magnification change amount (here, + α or −α, where α is 0 <α <) with respect to the second pixel of three adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
n. The magnification change amount functions as a correction coefficient for the conversion magnification n. ) Is added (or subtracted) to an arbitrary conversion magnification n and output.

That is, in order to detect a level change based on the detection result of the change polarity in the first section and the second section and correct the conversion magnification n, the magnification change amount is used as a correction coefficient of the conversion magnification n in accordance with the change state. When a change in α is given, the final conversion magnification in a contour portion having an arbitrary characteristic can be freely controlled, and high-performance conversion can be realized.

As a result, in the period a, the conversion magnification n and the period b
Then, a magnification higher than n (the conversion magnification at this time is n + α),
In period c, a magnification lower than n (the conversion magnification at this time is n-
The number of pixels is converted by α). However, as shown by the following equation, the horizontal conversion magnification hc in one line
Since the average value of 1 is n, the conversion magnification of the image locally fluctuates, but the conversion magnification of the entire image is n. AVE (hc1) = n Here, AVE (x) indicates an average value of one line of the conversion magnification x.

In the vertical direction, the same operation as the above-described conversion of the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is performed. In this vertical direction, the average value of the number of pixels in the vertical direction is n (vertical conversion magnification). Is n. Of course, the horizontal and vertical conversion magnifications can be set independently of each other.)

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of converting the number of pixels in the outline portion of FIG. 7 in more detail.

Some of the pixels (p1, p
2, p3) are converted to q11 to q17 by the above operation. In the period b, the pixel density is higher than in the period a, and in the period c, the pixel density is lower than in the period a. The display means 9 displays the results (q11 to q17) as s
Since the images are displayed at equal intervals as shown in 11 to s17, a portion having a high pixel density is enlarged at a magnification higher than n, and a portion having a low pixel density is enlarged at a magnification lower than n.

To further state, the distance between q11 and q12 is
When the distance between p1 and p2 (the interval between pixels before processing) is 1, it is represented by the reciprocal of the conversion magnification in q12. Also,
The distance from q11 to q13 may be obtained by adding the reciprocal of the conversion magnification in q13 to the distance from q11 to q12. As described above, the position of each pixel is obtained by cumulatively adding the reciprocal of the conversion magnification hc1 output by the horizontal conversion magnification control unit 16 in the horizontal direction.

More specifically, based on the result of the cumulative addition, pixels necessary for processing (for example, addresses of memory means storing pixels such as p1, p2, and p3) and filter coefficients (filter coefficient numbers (filter coefficient numbers)) A number (address) when the filter coefficient is a look-up table and a filter coefficient itself) can be obtained.

By the above operation, some of the pixels (p1, p2, p3) of the image data Pv are converted as q11 to q17. In FIG. 8, the pixel density is higher in the period b than in the period a, and is lower in the period c than in the period a. More specifically, the results (q11 to q17) are displayed on the display unit 9 as s11 to s
As shown in FIG. 17, display is performed at equal intervals, so in a portion where the pixel density is high, a magnification higher than n (conversion magnification is n +
α), and the portion having a low pixel density is enlarged at a magnification lower than n (conversion magnification is n−α).

In the above description of the operation, the case where the image is enlarged has been described. However, the same applies to the case where the image is reduced. In the period b, the image is reduced at a magnification higher than n (not reduced below n), and in the period c. It is reduced at a magnification lower than n (reduced from n).

Therefore, when the arbitrary conversion magnification n is larger than 1, the image is enlarged without deteriorating the sharpness of the outline, and when it is smaller than 1, the image is reduced so that the lack of the image of the outline is reduced. Is done. That is, there is an effect that the outline information of the input image is stored in both the enlargement and the reduction.

Further, by taking a large magnification change amount α,
The sharpness of the outline of the input image can be increased, and the sharpness of the outline can be controlled by the magnification change amount α.

When the conversion magnification n is 1, the entire image is not enlarged or reduced, and only the sharpness of the outline is controlled.

Further, by setting the conversion magnification n and the magnification change amount α independently in the vertical and horizontal directions, the horizontal conversion magnification, the sharpness of the horizontal contour, and the vertical conversion magnification are obtained. And the sharpness of the contour in the vertical direction can be controlled independently.

For example, by setting the conversion ratio n in the vertical direction to 2 and the conversion ratio n in the horizontal direction to 1, conversion from an interlaced image to a non-interlaced image (scanning line interpolation) can be performed. , The horizontal and vertical contours can be independently controlled to the desired sharpness.

In the above description of the operation, the case of sequentially performing the vertical pixel number conversion operation and the horizontal pixel number conversion operation as the pixel number conversion operation has been described. The same effect can be obtained by converting the number of pixels in the vertical direction later.

The same effect can be obtained by simultaneously performing the vertical pixel number conversion and the horizontal pixel number conversion.

In the above description of the operation, a case where a linear filter is used as a filter for converting the number of pixels has been described. However, an arbitrary filter such as a non-linear filter can be used.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration in a case where the pixel number converter 6 simultaneously performs vertical and horizontal pixel number conversion. In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a pixel number conversion unit, 23 denotes a change pattern detection unit, and 24 denotes a conversion magnification control unit. The change pattern detection means 23 outputs vertical and horizontal change patterns vd1 and hd1 of the image data Pi.

The conversion magnification control means 24 determines the conversion magnification c1 based on the horizontal change pattern detection result hd1 and the vertical change pattern detection result vd1 and outputs it to the pixel number conversion means 17. The pixel number conversion means 22 converts the number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously and two-dimensionally based on the conversion magnification c1.

Note that the vertical change pattern detection result vd1,
The relationship between the horizontal change pattern detection result hd1 and the conversion magnification c1 is the same as the relationship shown in Table 1, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment,
Original image data between the first pixel and the second pixel (first section) and between the second pixel and the third pixel (second section) of three adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen The polarity of the change was detected, and the level change was detected by a combination of the detection results of the change polarities of the first section and the second section. In order to detect the level change by the combination of the change polarity and the change amount detection result of the section and the second section and correct the conversion magnification n, the magnification change amount α, as a correction coefficient of the conversion magnification n according to the change state, β (here, the magnification change amount α is given in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, and the magnification change amount β satisfies the condition of conversion magnification n−magnification change amount α−ABS (β)> 0. ABS (β) Given the absolute value.) Changes in power variation beta, will be able to freely control the final conversion ratio in the edge portion having an arbitrary characteristic, higher performance conversion can be realized.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the image data comparing means 19 and 20 according to the second embodiment. In the figure, similarly to FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the input (a) shown in each of the image data comparing means 19 and 20 shown in FIG. 5, and the vertical axis represents the image data comparing means 19 and 20 shown in FIG.
20 shows the level (value of image data) of the image data of the input (b) shown in each of FIGS. In the drawing, each input (a) and (b) has 8 bits (that is, 0 to 25 bits).
An example in which (5 gradations) input is performed is shown.

In the second embodiment, the image data comparing means 19 and 20 compare the levels of the image data of the inputs (a) and (b), and for example, as shown in FIG. ), (+), (0), (-) or (2)
-) Is output.

That is, when 2 * (a) + d <(b), the comparison result (2+) is calculated as (a) + d <(b) ≦ 2 * (a)
In the case of + d, the comparison result (+) is expressed as (a) −d ≦ (b) ≦
At the time of (a) + d, the comparison result (0) is calculated as 0.5 * (a) −
When d ≦ (b) <(a) −d, the comparison result (−) is
(B) The comparison result (2-) is output when <0.5 * (a) -d (this determines a predetermined change range described below).

Here, d is a value for determining the width of the dead zone when comparing the levels of the image data, as in the first embodiment, and is between the input (a) and (b) image data. Even if there is a level difference, when the difference is in the range from -d to + d, the comparison result (0) is output.

Tables 2 to 4 show the operation of the image data comparison result processing means 21 in the second embodiment.
Change pattern of original image data, comparison result hcomp1,
hcomp2, an output horizontal change pattern hd1, and a horizontal conversion magnification hc1.

[0124]

[Table 2]

[0125]

[Table 3]

[0126]

[Table 4]

Here, each of the comparison result outputs hcomp1 and hcomp2 of the image data comparing means 19 and 20 is provided between the first pixel and the second pixel of three adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen. This corresponds to detecting a state change (polarity change) and a change amount between original image data respectively corresponding to the (first section) and the second pixel and the third pixel (second section).

Then, the image data comparison result processing means 21
Indicates the horizontal change according to the combination of the comparison result output hcomp1 between the pixels in the first section and the comparison result output hcomp2 between the pixels in the second section according to the change patterns between the original image data shown in Tables 2 to 4. The pattern hd1 is output.

As can be understood by referring to Tables 2 to 4,
The change patterns of the original image data are the basic nine cases shown in Table 1 described in the first embodiment (horizontal change pattern h).
d1 is A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and J) and four cases considering the degree of level increase or level decrease (horizontal change pattern hd1 is B +, C
−, D + and E−), which is a total of 13 cases.

Note that the horizontal change pattern hd1 is A, B,
Table 2 for B +, C, C-, D, D +, E and E-
Table 3 shows F and G of the horizontal change pattern hd1, and Table 4 shows H and J of the horizontal change pattern hd1.

The above classification will be described below with reference to Tables 2 to 4. a) When no level fluctuation has occurred between the three pixels (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is A. The conversion magnification is given by n). b) When no level change occurs in the first section but the level increases to a predetermined change range in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is B. The conversion magnification is given by n + α).

C) When no level change occurs in the first section but the level increases beyond a predetermined change range in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is B +. The conversion magnification is n +
α + β). d) When no level change occurs in the first section, but the level decreases to a predetermined change range in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is C. The conversion magnification is given by n + α).

E) When no level change occurs in the first section but the level decreases beyond a predetermined change range in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is C-. The conversion magnification is n +
α + β). f) When the level increases to a predetermined change range in the first section and no level change occurs in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is D. The conversion magnification is given by n-α).

G) When the level increases beyond the predetermined change range in the first section and no level change occurs in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is D +. The conversion magnification is n-α
−β). h) When the level decreases to a predetermined change range in the first section and no level change occurs in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is E. The conversion magnification is given by n-α).

I) A case where the level decreases beyond a predetermined change range in the first section and no level change occurs in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is E-. The conversion magnification is n-α
−β). j) When the level increases to a predetermined change range in the first section and the second section, the level increases beyond the predetermined change range in the first section, and the level increases to the predetermined change range in the second section. If it occurs, the level increases to a predetermined change range in the first section, and the level increases beyond the predetermined change range in the second section, and exceeds the predetermined change range in the first section and the second section. When a level increase occurs (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is F. The conversion magnification is given n).

K) When the level decreases to the predetermined change range in the first section and the second section, the level decreases beyond the predetermined change range in the first section, and the level decreases to the predetermined change range in the second section. When the level decreases, the level decreases to a predetermined change range in the first section, and the level decreases beyond the predetermined change range in the second section, and when the level decreases in the first section and the second section. (Horizontal change pattern hd1 is G. n is given to the conversion magnification). 1) When the level increases to a predetermined change range in the first section and the level decreases to the predetermined change range in the second section, the level increases beyond the predetermined change range in the first section and the second section In the case where the level decreases to the predetermined change range, the level increases to the predetermined change range in the first section, and the level decreases beyond the predetermined change range in the second section, and the level decreases in the first section. (A horizontal change pattern hd1 is H, and n is given to the conversion magnification) in the second section when the level increases beyond the predetermined change range.

M) If the level decreases to a predetermined change range in the first section and the level increases to a predetermined change range in the second section, the level decreases beyond the predetermined change range in the first section. When the level increases to a predetermined change range in the second section, the level decreases to the predetermined change range in the first section, and when the level increases beyond the predetermined change range in the second section, and In each of the cases where the level decreases beyond the predetermined change range in the section and the level increases beyond the predetermined change range in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is J, and the conversion magnification is n). is there.

Here, the comparison result outputs hcomp1, hc
omp2 is first and second polarity information, respectively, and the horizontal change patterns hd1 (A, B, B +, C, C-, and-in the table) classified according to the combination of the comparison result outputs hcomp1 and hcomp2. D, D +, E, E-,
For example, code information corresponding to F, G, H, and J) may be generated, and the subsequent processing may be performed.

The magnification change amount β in the second embodiment
When the level change at the outline portion in the image obtained by the magnification change amount α described in the first embodiment is abrupt, the level change is made larger or conversely, the level change is made smaller. (However, as described above, the magnification change amount β is equal to the conversion magnification n−the magnification change amount α−
ABS (β)> 0 is satisfied. Note that the magnification change amount β can take any of positive and negative values. ).

For example, when the horizontal change pattern hd1 is B and B +, the comparison result output hcomp2
In that the level increases up to a predetermined change range or the level increases beyond the predetermined change range.

When the level of the horizontal change pattern hd1 exceeds a predetermined change range, such as B +, a positive magnification change amount β is converted to further emphasize the outline in the finally obtained image. Add to the magnification n + α (effectively,
(A given conversion magnification n + α + ABS (β)), and a negative magnification change β is added to the conversion magnification n + α in order to weaken the contour portion (substantially, the given conversion magnification n + α−ABS)
(Β)).

Such a method is similarly applied to the case where the horizontal change pattern hd1 is C-, D + and E-.

For example, when processing a digital image signal, as a simple configuration, the magnification change amounts α and β are stored as one value (data), respectively, and referred to (of course, more complicated). May be configured to store a plurality of magnification change amounts α, β, etc., and select them according to the level change state.)

When such a simple configuration is employed, the method described in the second embodiment is very effective, and when performing magnification conversion, the outline can be reliably expressed with the simple configuration.

In the second embodiment, the detection results output from the image data comparing means 19 and 20 are different from the change patterns output from the image data comparison result processing means 21, but the configuration and operation are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

Embodiment 3 In the first or second embodiment, a change pattern of an image is expressed by a first pixel and a second pixel (first section), and a second pixel and a third pixel of three adjacent original image data on a display screen. Although the change of the original image data corresponding to the (second section) was detected and the change pattern was output, the change pattern is output. Between the pixel preceding the pixel (preceding pixel) and the first pixel (preceding section), the first pixel and the second pixel (first section), the second pixel and the third pixel (second section), and the third pixel It is configured to detect the polarity of each original image data change of a succeeding pixel (following section) corresponding to a pixel subsequent to the third pixel and output a change pattern, and to output a change pattern in the first section to the fourth section. A level change is detected by combining the detection results of the change polarity. To correct the conversion ratio n, converted in accordance with the state of the fold change n
(Here, the magnification change amount α is given in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, and the magnification change amount γ is the conversion magnification n−the magnification change amount α).
−ABS (γ)> 0. ABS (γ) is the absolute value of the magnification change amount γ. ) Makes it possible to freely control the final conversion magnification in a contour portion having an arbitrary characteristic, thereby realizing higher-performance conversion while maintaining the simplicity of the overall configuration. become able to.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the horizontal change pattern detecting means 5 according to the third embodiment. In the figure, reference numerals 17, 18, 25 and 26 denote image data delay means for delaying image data in image data units corresponding to the horizontal direction, and reference numerals 19, 20, 27 and 28 denote image data for comparing the levels of two image data. The comparison means 29 is an image data comparison result processing means. Note that, in the figure, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 are portions performing the same operation.

The image data delay means 25 delays the input image data Pv by an image data unit (here, one pixel in the horizontal direction) in the horizontal direction, and outputs one-pixel delayed pixel data Pd1. The image data delay unit 17 delays the one-pixel delay pixel data Pd1 of the image data delay unit 25 by an image data unit in the horizontal direction, and outputs two-pixel delay pixel data Pd2. Image data delay means 18
Is the one-pixel delayed pixel data P of the image data delay unit 17
d2 is delayed by a unit of image data in the horizontal direction, and three-pixel delayed pixel data Pd3 is output. The image data delay unit 26 delays the one-pixel delay pixel data Pd3 of the image data delay unit 18 by an image data unit in the horizontal direction (that is, by passing through the image data delay units 25, 17, 18, and 26 at the maximum). (This is a delay of four pixels in the horizontal direction.) Four-pixel delayed pixel data Pd4 is output.

Here, since the input image data Pv is not delayed in units of image data in the horizontal direction, it is referred to as 0 pixel delayed pixel data Pd0 (Pd0 = Pv). One-pixel and zero-pixel delayed image data Pd4, Pd3, Pd2, Pd1, and Pd
0 is a preceding pixel (Pd4), a first pixel (Pd3), a second pixel (Pd2), and a third pixel (Pd1) of five adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
And the input image data of the succeeding pixel (Pd0).

The image data comparing means 19 outputs the first pixel (Pd3) and the second pixel (Pd2) of the five adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
Is compared, the levels of the image data between the first pixel and the second pixel (first section) are compared, and a comparison result hcomp1 is output as first polarity information.

The image data comparing means 20 outputs the second pixel (Pd2) and the third pixel (Pd1) of five adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
Is compared, the level of the image data between the second pixel and the third pixel (second section) is compared, and the comparison result hcomp2 as the second polarity information is output.

The image data comparing means 27 stores the preceding pixel (Pd4) and the first pixel (Pd3) among the five adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
Is compared, the level of the image data between the preceding pixel and the first pixel (the preceding section) is compared, and the comparison result hcomp0 as the third polarity information is output.

The image data comparing means 28 outputs the third pixel (Pd1) and the succeeding pixel (Pd0) of the five adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen.
, And compares the level of the image data between the third pixel and the succeeding pixel (subsequent section), and outputs a comparison result hcomp3 as fourth polarity information.

With the above configuration, the relationship between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments is as follows.

The first pixel, the second pixel, and the third pixel in the third embodiment correspond to the first pixel, the second pixel, and the third pixel in the first and second embodiments, respectively. Also,
The first section and the second section in the third embodiment correspond to the first section and the second section in the first and second embodiments.

Table 5 shows the change pattern of the original image data, the comparison results hcomp1, hc in order to explain the operation of the image data comparison result processing means 29 in the third embodiment.
5 shows omp2, hcomp0 and hcomp3, the output horizontal change pattern hd1 and the horizontal conversion magnification hc1.

[0157]

[Table 5]

Here, the image data comparing means 27, 19,
Each of the comparison result outputs hcomp0 and hco of 20 and 28
mp1, hcomp2, and hcomp3 are between the preceding pixel and the first pixel (preceding section), and the first pixel and the second pixel (first section) of five mutually adjacent original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen. , And the polarity of the state change (polarity change) between the original image data of the second pixel and the third pixel (second section) and the original image data of the third pixel and the subsequent pixel (subsequent section).

Then, the image data comparison result processing means 29
Is a comparison result output hcomp1 between the pixels of the first section, a comparison result output hcomp2 between the pixels of the second section, and a comparison result output between the pixels of the preceding section according to the change pattern between the original image data shown in Table 5. The horizontal change pattern hd1 is output according to the combination of hcomp0 and the comparison result output hcomp3 between the pixels in the subsequent section.

As can be understood by referring to Table 5, the change patterns of the original image data are the same as those in Table 1 described in the first embodiment.
9 (the horizontal change pattern hd1
Are the cases of A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and J) and these nine cases are further divided into four cases (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is BF , CG, DF and EG) 1
3 can be classified.

In this embodiment, the comparison result outputs hcomp1 and hcomp2 are regarded as basic change patterns as shown in Table 1 (ie, change patterns between three adjacent pixels), and the basic change patterns hcomp1 and hcomp2 are regarded as the basic change patterns. In response to the comparison result output hcomp0 representing the change before time and the comparison result output hcomp3 representing the change in time after the basic change pattern (that is, the change of two pixels before and after the previous three pixels). ) Set the horizontal conversion magnification hc1.

A) When no level change occurs in the first section and the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is A. In this case, the change pattern in the preceding section and the succeeding section is irrelevant. Given).

B) When no level change occurs in the first section, the level increases in the second section, and the level decreases or does not change in the subsequent section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is B). At this time, the change pattern in the preceding section is irrelevant, and the change magnification is given by n + α). c) When the level change does not occur in the first section, the level increases in the second section, and the level increases in the subsequent section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is BF. In this case, the change pattern in the preceding section is Irrelevant, fold change given n + α + γ).

D) In the case where no level change occurs in the first section, the level decreases in the second section, and the level decreases in the succeeding section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is CG. The change pattern is irrelevant, and the change magnification is given as n + α + γ). e) When the level change has not occurred in the first section, the level has decreased in the second section, and the level has not changed or increased in the subsequent section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is C. At this time, Is irrelevant to the change pattern in the preceding section; n + α is given to the change magnification).

F) When the level increases in the first section, no level change occurs in the second section, and the level decreases or does not change in the preceding section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is D). At this time, the change pattern in the subsequent section is irrelevant, and the change magnification is given by n-α). g) When the level increase occurs in the first section, the level does not change in the second section, and the level increases in the preceding section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is DF. In this case, the change pattern in the subsequent section is Irrelevant, fold change given n-α-γ).

H) When the level decreases in the first section, the level does not change in the second section, and the level decreases in the preceding section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is EG. The change pattern is irrelevant, and the change magnification is given by n-α-γ). i) When the level decreases in the first section, the level does not change in the second section, and the level does not change or the level increases in the preceding section (horizontal change pattern hd1 is E. At this time, Irrespective of the change pattern in the succeeding section, n-α is given to the change magnification).

J) When the level increases in each of the first section and the second section (horizontal change pattern h
d1 is F. At this time, the change patterns in the preceding section and the succeeding section are irrelevant. N is given to the change magnification). k) When the level decreases in each of the first section and the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is G. In this case, the change patterns in the preceding section and the succeeding section are irrelevant, and n is given to the change magnification). ).

1) When the level increases in the first section and the level decreases in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is H. In this case, the change patterns in the preceding section and the succeeding section are irrelevant. Is given n). m) When the level decreases in the first section and the level increases in the second section (the horizontal change pattern hd1 is J. In this case, the change patterns in the preceding section and the succeeding section are irrelevant. Given).

Here, the comparison result outputs hcomp1, hc
ocomp2, hcomp0 and hcomp3 are first, second, third and fourth polarity information, respectively, and these comparison result outputs hcomp1, hcomp2 and hcom
Horizontal change patterns hd1 (A, B, BF, C in the table) classified according to the combination of p0 and hcomp3
For example, code information corresponding to each of G, C, D, DF, EG, E, F, G, H, and J) may be generated, and the subsequent processing may be performed.

The magnification change amount β in the third embodiment.
When the level change at the outline portion in the image obtained by the magnification change amount α described in the first embodiment is abrupt, the level change is made larger or conversely, the level change is made smaller. (However, as described above, the magnification change amount γ is the conversion magnification n−the magnification change amount α−
ABS (γ)> 0 is satisfied. Note that the magnification change amount γ can take any of positive and negative values. ).

For example, when the horizontal change pattern hd1 is B and BF, the comparison result output hcomp3
, The difference is that the level increases in the subsequent section (or the level does not change) or that the level increases in the section.

When the horizontal change pattern hd1 has a level increase in the succeeding section like BF, a positive magnification change amount γ is added to the conversion magnification n + α in order to further emphasize the outline in the finally obtained image. (Substantially given conversion magnification n + α + ABS (γ)), and in order to weaken the contour, a negative magnification change γ is added to conversion magnification n + α (substantially given conversion magnification n + α−ABS (γ)).

Such a method is similarly applied to the case where the horizontal change pattern hd1 is CG, DF and EG.

For example, in the case of processing a digital image signal, as a simple configuration, the magnification change amounts α and γ are stored as one value (data) and referred to (of course, more complicated). May be configured such that a plurality of magnification change amounts α and γ are stored and selected according to the state of the level change.)

When such a simple configuration is adopted, the method described in the third embodiment is very effective, and when performing magnification conversion, the outline can be reliably expressed with the simple configuration.

The image data comparing means 27, 19, 2
Comparison result output hcomp output from 0 and 28
0, hcomp1, hcomp2 and hcomp3,
That is, a pixel (preceding pixel) which is continuous with the first pixel of five original image data corresponding to five pixels adjacent to each other corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen and preceding the first pixel (preceding pixel)
Between the first pixel (previous section), between the first pixel and the second pixel (first section), between the second pixel and the third pixel (second section), and between the third pixel and the pixel following the third pixel , The state change (polarity change) between the original image data corresponding to each of the subsequent pixels (subsequent section) corresponding to and the amount of the change are detected, and the comparison result output hcom between the pixels in the first section is detected.
p1, comparison result output hcom between pixels in the second section
p2, comparison result output hcom between pixels in the preceding section
Comparison result output hc between p0 and pixels in the succeeding section
The combination of omp3 is prepared in a look-up table or the like in advance, and the horizontal change pattern h corresponding to the comparison result output is referred to by referring to the prepared look-up table or the like.
It may be configured to output d1.

Although the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the horizontal change pattern detecting means 15, the other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. Detailed description is omitted.

In the classification based on the change pattern,
In addition to the examples shown in Table 5 used for describing the third embodiment, Tables 2 to 4 used for further describing the second embodiment
Needless to say, it is possible to set the horizontal conversion magnification hc1 given in consideration of the degree of level change in each section by applying the concept of the example shown in FIG.

Embodiment 4 In the first to third embodiments, the case where the input image signal is an analog signal is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and digital image data may be input.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image display device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, 30 is an input terminal for digital image data, 31 is a display means for directly inputting digital data for displaying output data from the image adjusting means 7, and 32 is a control means.

Next, the operation will be described. Digital image data is input to the input terminal 30, and the input terminal 30
Is input to the image adjustment means 4. Further, a synchronization signal is input to the input terminal 2, and the synchronization signal input to the input terminal 2 is input to the control means 32.

The image adjusting means 4, the memory means 5, the pixel number converter 6 and the image adjusting means 7 operate in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments based on the control signal output from the control means 32. Performs the conversion of the number of pixels and other image processing.

The image data output by the image adjusting means 7 is
The image is displayed at a predetermined timing based on a control signal directly input to the display means 31 and output from the control means 32. Other detailed operations are basically the same as the operations described in the first, second, and third embodiments, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

Although the operation in the fourth embodiment has been described using display means 31 to which digital image data can be directly input, the D / A conversion shown in the first embodiment is used instead of display means 31. It can also be configured using the means 8 and the display means 9.

In the above, the image processing of the image data in the horizontal direction has been mainly described in the first to fourth embodiments.
It is needless to explain that the present invention can be applied to image processing of image data in the vertical direction, and the same effect can be obtained in the vertical direction.

Embodiment 5 FIG. In the first to fourth embodiments, the configuration in which the number of pixels is converted by hardware has been described. However, the number of pixels can be converted by software. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (image processing method / image display method) of pixel number conversion by software processing (of course, software and hardware may be mixed).

Next, the operation will be described. Here, the pixel number conversion may be configured so that the pixel number conversion is performed independently in each of the horizontal and vertical directions. Here, the case where the pixel number conversion is performed in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is described. explain.

(Start of Data Generation Operation in Vertical Direction by Flow in A in FIG.) Referring to FIG. 4 for easy understanding, the vertical change pattern detecting means 12 is connected to a data extraction unit as described below and a vertical A change pattern detection unit. The data extraction unit extracts a plurality of pixel data necessary for detecting a vertical change pattern for a target pixel and performing a filter operation from image data (corresponding to Pi in FIG. 4) for which the number of pixels is converted.

The vertical change pattern detection unit 12 calculates a vertical change pattern detection result (corresponding to vd1 in FIG. 4) from the plurality of pixel data extracted by the data extraction unit (the above is the level change detection step). Equivalent to).

The vertical conversion magnification calculation section (corresponding to the vertical conversion magnification control means 13 in FIG. 4) calculates the change pattern detection result calculated by the vertical change pattern detection section and the conversion magnification of the entire image (corresponds to n in FIG. 7). Then, a vertical conversion ratio (corresponding to vc1 in FIG. 4) for the pixel of interest is calculated from (the generation condition generation step).

Filter operation unit (in reference to FIG. 4,
The vertical pixel number conversion means 11) performs a filter operation from the conversion magnification calculated by the vertical conversion magnification operation unit and the plurality of pixel data extracted by the data extraction unit, and stores the operation result (image data generation step). .

The above operation is repeated until the pixel of interest reaches the end of the image. Here, the end of the image indicates the right end of the image when the calculation is performed from the left side of the image.

When the pixel of interest reaches the end of the image, the pixel of interest is moved to the next line and the above calculation is performed. By performing this operation on all the pixels, the conversion of the number of pixels in the vertical direction is completed (the operation according to the flow A in the figure ends).

(Start of horizontal data generation operation according to flow B in the figure) To facilitate understanding, if FIG. 4 is referred to, the horizontal conversion pattern detecting means 15 is connected to a data extraction unit as described below. A change pattern detection unit. The next data extraction unit extracts a plurality of pieces of pixel data necessary for detecting a horizontal change pattern for a target pixel and performing a filter operation from the image data (corresponding to Pv in FIG. 4) in which the number of pixels in the vertical direction has been converted.

The horizontal change pattern detector calculates a horizontal change pattern detection result (corresponding to hd1 in FIG. 4) from the plurality of pixel data extracted by the data extractor. The horizontal conversion magnification calculator (corresponding to the horizontal conversion magnification controller 16 in FIG. 4) focuses on the horizontal change pattern detection result calculated by the horizontal change pattern detector and the conversion magnification of the entire image (corresponding to n in FIG. 5). A horizontal conversion magnification for the pixel (corresponding to hc1 in FIG. 4) is calculated.

In the filter operation section (corresponding to the horizontal pixel number conversion means 14 in FIG. 4), the conversion magnification calculated by the horizontal conversion magnification operation section (generation conditions for generating new image data)
And a filter operation is performed from the plurality of pixel data extracted by the data extraction unit, and the operation result is stored.

Next, the above operation is repeated until the pixel of interest reaches the end of the image.

When the pixel of interest reaches the end of the image, the pixel of interest is moved to the next line and the above operation is performed. By performing this operation for all the pixels of interest, the conversion of the number of pixels is completed (the operation according to the flow B in the figure is completed).

In the above description of the operation, the case where the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is converted after the number of pixels in the vertical direction is converted is described. However, the number of pixels in the vertical direction is converted after the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is converted. (That is, after the operation according to the flow B in the figure is performed first, the operation according to the flow A in the figure may be performed). Also, as mentioned earlier,
Either one of the operation according to the flow A in the drawing and the operation according to the flow B in the drawing may be performed.

In the above description of the operation, when converting the number of vertical and horizontal pixels, the pixel of interest is set from left to right of the image,
The case where the calculation is performed from the top to the bottom has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the same result can be obtained by performing the calculation from an arbitrary direction.

Incidentally, the average value n of one line corresponding to the above-mentioned conversion magnification (when the conversion magnification in either the vertical or horizontal direction is n. Of course, the conversion magnification in each of the vertical and horizontal directions is independent. Can be set in both vertical and horizontal directions (when the conversion magnification is n in both directions) or in one of the directions.

[0202]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a level change between original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen is detected, and Image data comparing means for outputting polarity information between them, and generating condition generating means for generating a generating condition when generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information output from the image data comparing means And an image data generating means for generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition output from the generating condition generating means. Generate new image data to conform to e.g., keep the sharpness of the image without losing continuity of the image when enlarging or reducing the image Door can be.

Also, since the total number of new image data is changed compared to the total number of original image data,
Enlargement and reduction of an image can be realized with a simple configuration.

Also, since the generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data, the continuity of the image is Does not impair.

The plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of the first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. Since the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data, new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels. Can be appropriately performed, and new image data can be generated with a simple configuration without deteriorating the continuity of images.

Further, the image data comparing means further comprises a first
The third polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the pixel and preceding the first pixel and the original image data corresponding to the first pixel, and outputs the third polarity information. And outputs the fourth polarity information by comparing the level of the original image data corresponding to the pixel subsequent to the third pixel with the level of the original image data corresponding to the third pixel. It is possible to generate new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels and a preceding pixel and a succeeding pixel, thereby further impairing image continuity. Therefore, new image data can be generated with a simple configuration.

Also, since the polarity information includes information on the amount of level change, new image data can be generated without further impairing the continuity of the image.

The level change detecting means detects a level change between the original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction. Because it is characterized by
New image data can be generated while securing the continuity of the image in the horizontal direction.

Further, the level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. Because it is characterized by
New image data can be generated while securing the continuity of the image in the vertical direction.

[0211] The image display device according to the present invention comprises a memory means for storing input original image data, and a plurality of pixels which are adjacent to each other among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on the display screen stored in the memory means. An image data comparing unit that detects a level change between original image data corresponding to pixels and outputs polarity information between the original image data, and the one direction based on the polarity information output from the image data comparing unit. Generating condition generating means for generating a generating condition when generating new image data, and generating an image for generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition output from the generating condition generating means. Data generating means, and display means for displaying a display image corresponding to new image data generated by the image data generating means. Since, it is possible to maintain the sharpness of the image without losing the image of continuity when generating new image data to conform to the level change of the original image data, for example, performs enlargement or reduction of an image.

Also, since the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data,
Enlargement and reduction of an image can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0213] Further, since the generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data, the continuity of the image is improved. Does not impair.

Further, the plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of the first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. Since the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data, new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels. Can be appropriately performed, and new image data can be generated with a simple configuration without deteriorating the continuity of images.

Further, the image data comparing means further comprises a first
The third polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the pixel and preceding the first pixel and the original image data corresponding to the first pixel, and outputs the third polarity information. And outputs the fourth polarity information by comparing the level of the original image data corresponding to the pixel subsequent to the third pixel with the level of the original image data corresponding to the third pixel. It is possible to generate new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels and a preceding pixel and a succeeding pixel, thereby further impairing image continuity. Therefore, new image data can be generated with a simple configuration.

Since the polarity information includes information on the amount of level change, new image data can be generated without further impairing the continuity of the image.

Further, the level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction. Because it is characterized by
New image data can be generated while securing the continuity of the image in the horizontal direction.

The level change detecting means detects a level change between the original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen, and the generating condition generating means outputs the new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. Because it is characterized by
New image data can be generated while securing the continuity of the image in the vertical direction.

The image processing method according to the present invention detects a level change between original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels consecutive in one direction on a display screen, and detects a level change between the original image data. An image data comparing step of obtaining polarity information in the above, a generating condition generating step of generating a generating condition when generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparing step, And an image data generating step of generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition obtained in the generating condition generating step. For example, when new image data is generated, for example, when the image is enlarged or reduced, the sharpness of the image can be maintained without impairing the continuity of the image.

Also, since the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data,
Enlargement and reduction of an image can be realized with a simple configuration.

Also, since the conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data, the continuity of the image is Does not impair.

The plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. In the image data comparing step, the first pixel data And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. Since the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data, new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels. Can be appropriately performed, and new image data can be generated with a simple configuration without deteriorating the continuity of images.

In the image data comparing step, the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel which is continuous with the first pixel and precedes the first pixel is compared with the level of original image data corresponding to the first pixel. And outputs the third polarity information, and compares the levels of original image data corresponding to a pixel that is continuous with the third pixel and succeeds the third pixel and original image data corresponding to the third pixel. Since the fourth polarity information is output, generation of new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels, a preceding pixel and a succeeding pixel. Can be performed, and generation of new image data can be realized with a simple configuration without further impairing the continuity of images.

Also, since the polarity information includes information on the amount of level change, new image data can be generated without further impairing the continuity of the image.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction is output. Therefore, it is possible to generate new image data while securing continuity of the image in the horizontal direction.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction is output. Therefore, new image data can be generated while ensuring continuity of images in the vertical direction.

According to the image display method of the present invention, a storage step of storing input original image data and a plurality of pixels adjacent to each other in a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen stored in the storage step are provided. An image data comparing step of detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to pixels and outputting polarity information between the original image data; and the one-way direction based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparing step. A generating condition generating step of generating a generating condition when generating new image data, and image data generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition obtained by the generating condition generating step. And a display step of displaying a display image corresponding to the new image data generated by the image data generation step. Since, it is possible to maintain the sharpness of the image without losing the image of continuity when generating new image data to conform to the level change of the original image data, for example, performs enlargement or reduction of an image.

Also, since the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data,
Enlargement and reduction of an image can be realized with a simple configuration.

Further, since the generation conditions for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data are given independently between the respective original image data, the continuity of the image is improved. Does not impair.

The plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of the first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on the display screen. In the image data comparing step, the first pixel data And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. Since the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data, new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels. Can be appropriately performed, and new image data can be generated with a simple configuration without deteriorating the continuity of images.

In the image data comparing step, the level of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the first pixel and precedes the first pixel is compared with the level of the original image data corresponding to the first pixel. And outputs the third polarity information, and compares the levels of original image data corresponding to a pixel that is continuous with the third pixel and succeeds the third pixel and original image data corresponding to the third pixel. Since the fourth polarity information is output, generation of new image data in one direction on the display screen based on a change pattern characterized by three pixels, a preceding pixel and a succeeding pixel. Can be performed, and generation of new image data can be realized with a simple configuration without further impairing the continuity of images.

Also, since the polarity information includes information on the amount of level change, new image data can be generated without further impairing the continuity of the image.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the horizontal direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction is output. Therefore, it is possible to generate new image data while securing continuity of the image in the horizontal direction.

In the level change detecting step, a level change between original image data corresponding to the vertical direction on the display screen is detected, and in the generating condition generating step, a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction is output. Therefore, new image data can be generated while ensuring continuity of images in the vertical direction.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an image processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an image processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another configuration of the image processing operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image processing operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an image processing operation according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a conventional image processing operation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a conventional image processing operation.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a conventional image processing operation.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a response characteristic of a conventional image processing unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a response characteristic of a conventional image processing unit.

[Description of Signs] 6 pixel number converter, 12 vertical change pattern detecting means,
13 vertical conversion magnification control means, 11 vertical pixel number conversion means, 15 horizontal change pattern detection means, 16 horizontal conversion magnification control means, 14 horizontal pixel number conversion means, 17, 18,
25, 26 delay means, 19, 20, 27, 28 image data comparison means, 22 pixel number conversion means, 23 change pattern detection means, 24 conversion magnification control means, 29 image data comparison result processing means, hcomp1, hcomp2
hcomp3, hcomp4 comparison result output, hd1 horizontal change pattern detection result, vd1 vertical change pattern detection result, hc1 horizontal conversion magnification, vc1 vertical conversion magnification.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Okuno 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (72) Hideki Yoshii 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Mitsubishi Electric Corporation F-term (reference) 5B057 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CD06 CH01 CH11 5C076 AA21 AA22 BA06 BB04 BB15 CA02 CB01 5C082 AA01 BA12 CA22 CA33 CA34 CA54 MM10

Claims (32)

[Claims] An image for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen and outputting polarity information between the original image data. Data comparison means, generation condition generation means for generating a generation condition when generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information output from the image data comparison means, An image processing apparatus comprising: an image data generating unit configured to generate the new image data from the original image data based on the output generation condition. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a generation condition for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data is given independently between the respective original image data. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. A plurality of original image data correspond to three pixels of a first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on a display screen, and the image data comparing means comprises a first image data comparing means.
The first polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel are output. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the original image data corresponding to. 5. The image data comparing means further compares the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel which is continuous with the first pixel and precedes the first pixel with original image data corresponding to the first pixel. And outputs the third polarity information, and compares the levels of original image data corresponding to a pixel that is continuous with the third pixel and succeeds the third pixel and original image data corresponding to the third pixel. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image processing apparatus outputs fourth polarity information. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the polarity information includes information on a level change amount. 7. A level change detecting means detects a level change between original image data corresponding to a horizontal direction on a display screen,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation condition generation unit outputs a generation condition of the new image data in the horizontal direction. 8. A level change detecting means for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a vertical direction on a display screen,
7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation condition generation unit outputs a new image data generation condition in the vertical direction. 9. A memory means for storing input original image data, and original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen stored in the memory means. Image data comparing means for detecting a level change between the original image data and outputting polarity information between the original image data, and generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information output from the image data comparing means Generating condition generating means for generating a generating condition at the time of generating, image data generating means for generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition output from the generating condition generating means, An image display device comprising: display means for displaying a display image corresponding to new image data generated by the data generation means. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.
An image display device according to claim 1. 11. A method according to claim 9, wherein a generation condition for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data is given independently between the respective original image data. The image display device as described in the above. 12. A plurality of original image data corresponding to three pixels of first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on a display screen, and wherein the image data comparing means comprises: And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. The image display device according to claim 9, wherein the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data. 13. The image data comparing means further compares the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel which is continuous with the first pixel and precedes the first pixel with original image data corresponding to the first pixel. To output the third polarity information,
Outputting the fourth polarity information by comparing the levels of original image data corresponding to a pixel that is continuous with the third pixel and subsequent to the third pixel and original image data corresponding to the third pixel; The image display device according to claim 12. 14. The image display device according to claim 12, wherein the polarity information includes information on a level change amount. 15. A level change detecting means for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a horizontal direction on a display screen, and a generation condition generating means for outputting a new image data generation condition in the horizontal direction. The image display device according to claim 9, wherein: 16. A level change detecting means for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a vertical direction on a display screen, and a generating condition generating means for outputting a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. The image display device according to claim 9, wherein: 17. Image data for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen and obtaining polarity information between the original image data. A comparison step; a generation condition generation step of generating generation conditions for generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparison step; and a generation condition generation step. An image data generating step of generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generation condition. 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.
8. The image processing method according to 7. 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein a generation condition for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data is given independently between the respective original image data. The image processing method described in the above. 20. A plurality of original image data corresponding to three pixels of first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on a display screen, and in the image data comparing step, the first pixel And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. 18. The image processing method according to claim 17, wherein the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data. 21. The image data comparing step, further comprising:
The third polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the pixel and preceding the first pixel and the original image data corresponding to the first pixel, and outputs the third polarity information. And comparing the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel subsequent to the third pixel with the level of original image data corresponding to the third pixel, and outputting fourth polarity information. 20. The image processing method according to 20. 22. The image processing method according to claim 20, wherein the polarity information includes information on a level change amount. 23. A level change detecting step for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a horizontal direction on a display screen, and a generating condition generating step for outputting a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction. The image processing method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein: 24. A level change detecting step for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a vertical direction on a display screen, and a generating condition generating step for outputting a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. The image processing method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein: 25. A storage step of storing input original image data, and original image data corresponding to mutually adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels continuous in one direction on a display screen stored in the storage step. An image data comparing step of detecting a level change between the original image data and outputting polarity information between the original image data; and generating new image data in the one direction based on the polarity information obtained in the image data comparing step. A generating condition generating step of generating a generating condition when the image data is generated; an image data generating step of generating the new image data from the original image data based on the generating condition obtained by the generating condition generating step; A display step of displaying a display image corresponding to the new image data generated in the generation step. 26. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the total number of new image data is changed as compared with the total number of original image data.
5. The image display method according to 5. 27. The method according to claim 25, wherein a generation condition for generating new image data corresponding to each of the original image data is given independently between the respective original image data. Image display method described. 28. A plurality of original image data corresponding to three pixels of first, second and third pixels which are continuous in one direction on a display screen, and in the image data comparing step, the first pixel And outputs the first polarity information by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the second pixel and the original image data corresponding to the second pixel, and outputs the first image data corresponding to the second pixel and the third pixel. 26. The image display method according to claim 25, wherein the second polarity information is output by comparing the level with the corresponding original image data. 29. The image data comparing step further comprises the first step
The third polarity information is output by comparing the levels of the original image data corresponding to the pixel that is continuous with the pixel and preceding the first pixel and the original image data corresponding to the first pixel, and outputs the third polarity information. And comparing the level of original image data corresponding to a pixel subsequent to the third pixel with the level of original image data corresponding to the third pixel, and outputting fourth polarity information. 29. The image display method according to 28. 30. The image display method according to claim 28, wherein the polarity information includes information on a level change amount. 31. A level change detecting step for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a horizontal direction on a display screen, and a generating condition generating step for outputting a new image data generating condition in the horizontal direction. 31. The image display method according to claim 25, wherein: 32. A level change detecting step for detecting a level change between original image data corresponding to a vertical direction on a display screen, and a generating condition generating step for outputting a new image data generating condition in the vertical direction. 31. The image display method according to claim 25, wherein: