JP2002300539A - Information signal processor, information signal processing method and information providing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arbitrarily adjust the image quality, and to effectively set a plurality of featured values for deciding the image quality. SOLUTION: A picture signal processing part 110 converts an SD signal into an HD signal. A memory bank 135 stores the coefficient master data of each class. A coefficient generating circuit 136 generates coefficient data, based on the coefficient master data and the values of a plurality of image quality adjustment parameters h and v inputted according to a user operation, and stores the coefficient data in a memory 134. An arithmetic circuit 127 calculates the target pixel data of the pixel of the HD signal, by using an estimation formula from data xi of a tap corresponding to the pixel of the HD signal extracted selectively from an SD signal by a tap-selecting circuit 121 and coefficient data Wi read, corresponding to a class code CL from the memory 134. At setting the values of the image quality adjustment parameters h and v, the set values of the parameters h and v are controlled within a recommended setting range according to the selection of the user. Thus, the user can prevent the setting of the parameters h and v which has significantly sharp deterioration of the image quality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information signal processing apparatus, an information signal processing method, and an information providing medium which are preferably applied when converting a video signal of a system into a high definition video signal. More specifically, the values of a plurality of parameters, which are used when converting the first information signal into the second information signal and indicate a plurality of feature amounts that determine the quality of the output obtained by the second information signal, are recommended settings. The present invention relates to an information signal processing device or the like in which a user can effectively set values of a plurality of parameters by being restricted within a range.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a format conversion for converting a 525i signal as an SD (Standard Definition) signal into a 1050i signal as an HD (High Definition) signal has been proposed. The 525i signal means an interlaced image signal having 525 lines, and the 1050i signal means an interlaced image signal having 1050 lines.

FIG. 24 shows a pixel positional relationship between the 525i signal and the 1050i signal. Here, a large dot is a pixel of the 525i signal, and a small dot is 1050i.
It is a pixel of the signal. The pixel positions of the odd fields are indicated by solid lines, and the pixel positions of the even fields are indicated by broken lines. When converting a 525i signal to a 1050i signal,
In each of the odd and even fields, 525i
It is necessary to obtain four pixels of the 1050i signal corresponding to one pixel of the signal.

Conventionally, in order to perform the format conversion as described above, 1050i is calculated from pixel data of a 525i signal.
When obtaining the pixel data of the signal, the coefficient data of the estimation formula corresponding to the phase of each pixel of the 1050i signal with respect to the pixel of the 525i signal is stored in the memory, and the pixel data of the 1050i signal is obtained by the estimation formula using the coefficient data. It has been proposed to seek data.

[0005]

As described above, when the pixel data of the 1050i signal is obtained by the estimation formula, the resolution of the image based on the 1050i signal is fixed, which is the same as the conventional adjustment of contrast and sharpness. In addition, the desired resolution cannot be obtained according to the image content and the like.

Therefore, in the present invention, for example, the user
It is an object of the present invention to provide an information signal processing device and the like that can arbitrarily adjust the image quality of an image and can effectively set a plurality of feature amounts that determine the image quality of the image.

[0007]

An information signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information signal processing apparatus for converting a first information signal including a plurality of information data into a second information signal including a plurality of information data. A feature amount setting means for setting a plurality of parameter values respectively indicating a plurality of feature amounts which determine the quality of the output obtained by the second information signal, and information on a recommended setting range of the plurality of parameter values are stored. Storage means to perform, a feature amount regulating means for regulating the values of a plurality of parameters set by the feature amount setting means within a recommended setting range,
Information data generating means for generating information data of a point of interest relating to the second information signal in accordance with the values of the plurality of parameters set by the feature amount setting means.

[0008] For example, the information data generating means corresponds to a plurality of parameter values set by the feature quantity setting means.
Coefficient data obtaining means for obtaining coefficient data of the estimation formula;
A data selection unit that selects a plurality of information data located around a point of interest according to the second information signal from the first information signal; and a coefficient data and a data selection unit that are selected by the coefficient data acquisition unit. And calculating means for calculating the information data of the noted point from the plurality of pieces of information data using the above estimation formula.

An information signal processing method according to the present invention is an information signal processing method for converting a first information signal including a plurality of information data into a second information signal including a plurality of information data. A first step of setting a plurality of parameter values respectively indicating a plurality of feature amounts that determine the quality of an output obtained by the second information signal, and a plurality of parameter values set in the first step are recommended. A second step of regulating the value within a set range, and a third step of generating information data of a point of interest according to the second information signal in accordance with the values of the plurality of parameters set in the first step. It is provided with.

Further, an information providing medium according to the present invention provides a computer program for executing each step of the above information signal processing method.

According to the present invention, the second
, A plurality of parameter values respectively indicating a plurality of feature amounts that determine the quality of the output obtained by the information signal are set. When the information signal is an image signal, the plurality of feature amounts are:
These are horizontal resolution and vertical resolution, resolution and noise suppression, horizontal resolution and vertical resolution, and noise removal. When the information signal is an audio signal, the plurality of feature amounts include a frequency band (resolution) and a distortion factor (noise suppression degree). The position in the variable range where the values of the plurality of parameters are located is displayed on, for example, a display element. The user can easily adjust the values of the plurality of parameters with reference to this display.

The values of a plurality of parameters set by the user are regulated within a recommended setting range set in advance. For example, depending on the combination of the values of the plurality of parameters, the quality of the output obtained by the second information signal is significantly deteriorated. For example, the recommended setting range is set to a range excluding such a combination.

When setting the values of a plurality of parameters, the user can specify whether or not to enjoy the recommended setting range described above. In this case, only when the user gives an instruction to enjoy the recommended setting range, the values of the plurality of parameters set by the user are restricted within the recommended setting range.

As described above, when the values of the plurality of parameters set by the user are restricted within the recommended setting range, the quality of the output obtained by the second information signal is significantly deteriorated. Instead, the user can effectively set the values of a plurality of parameters.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a television receiver 100 as an embodiment. The television receiver 100 obtains a 525i signal as an SD signal from a broadcast signal, converts the 525i signal into a 1050i signal as an HD signal, and displays an image based on the 1050i signal.

The television receiver 100 includes a microcomputer, and includes a system controller 101 for controlling the operation of the entire system, and a remote control signal receiving circuit 102 for receiving a remote control signal. The remote control signal receiving circuit 102 is connected to the system controller 101, receives a remote control signal RM output in response to a user operation from a remote control transmitter 200 including a microcomputer, and operates an operation signal corresponding to the signal RM. To the system controller 1
01 is supplied.

The television receiver 100 is supplied with a receiving antenna 105 and a broadcast signal (RF modulated signal) captured by the receiving antenna 105, and performs channel selection processing, intermediate frequency amplification processing, detection processing, and the like. A tuner 106 for obtaining an SD signal (525i signal) and a buffer memory 109 for temporarily storing the SD signal output from the tuner 106 are provided.

The television receiver 100 includes an image signal processing unit 110 for converting an SD signal (525i signal) temporarily stored in the buffer memory 109 into an HD signal (1050i signal), Display unit 1 for displaying an image based on the HD signal output from 110
11, an OSD (On Screen Display) circuit 112 for generating a display signal SCH for displaying characters and graphics on the screen of the display unit 111, and the display signal SCH by the image signal processing unit A synthesizing unit 113 for synthesizing with the HD signal output from 110 and supplying the HD signal to the display unit 111.

The display unit 111 is, for example, a CRT.
(Cathode-ray tube) display or LCD (l
It is composed of a flat panel display such as an iquid crystal display. The operation of generating the display signal SCH in the OSD circuit 112 is controlled by the system controller 101.

The operation of the television receiver 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The SD signal (525i signal) output from the tuner 106 is supplied to the buffer memory 109 and is temporarily stored. And this buffer memory 1
09 is temporarily stored in the image signal processing unit 1.
10 and converted into an HD signal (1050i signal). That is, the image signal processing unit 110 converts pixel data (hereinafter, referred to as “SD pixel data”) constituting an SD signal into pixel data (hereinafter, “H”) constituting an HD signal.
D pixel data ”). The HD signal output from the image signal processing unit 110 is supplied to the display unit 111 via the synthesizer 113, and an image based on the HD signal is displayed on the screen of the display unit 111.

In addition, the user can arbitrarily adjust the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the image displayed on the screen of the display unit 111 by operating the remote control transmitter 200, as described above. In the image signal processing unit 110, HD pixel data is calculated by an estimation formula, as described later. As the coefficient data of the estimation formula, data corresponding to the values of the parameters h and v indicating the horizontal and vertical resolutions set by the user in the setting mode are generated and used by the generation formula including these parameters h and v. You. Accordingly, the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the image based on the HD signal output from the image signal processing unit 110 correspond to the set values of the parameters h and v.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a user interface for setting the values of the parameters h and v. The remote control transmitter 200 includes a display unit 201 constituted by, for example, an LCD, a joystick 202, up / down / left / right movement keys 203, operation switches 204 used for setting values of parameters h and v, and other operations. Key group 20
5 is provided.

The system controller 101 proceeds with the operation of setting the values of the parameters h and v as follows when the operation switch 204 is depressed. This setting operation,
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the operation switch 204 is depressed for the first time, the mode shifts to the setting mode (step ST).
1). When the mode is shifted to the setting mode, the remote control transmitter 200
The setting display unit 115 for setting the values of the parameters h and v is displayed on the display unit 201 of the TV receiver 100 and the display unit 111 of the television receiver 100 (step ST2). On the setting display section 115, the existing setting values ho and vo are displayed as black circle icons 116. This existing setting value h
o and vo may be further displayed numerically. The range of the parameters h and v in the setting display section 115 in this state is 0 to 8 which is the maximum variable range.

When the operation switch 204 is pressed down for the second time (step ST3), the user enters a state of selecting whether or not to enjoy the recommended variable range (step S3).
T4). At this time, the display unit 20 of the remote control transmitter 200
1 and the display unit 111 of the television receiver 100
In addition to the setting display section 115, for example, "Recommended range: ON
A selection display section "OFF" is displayed. 5A-C
Indicates a display unit 201 of the remote control transmitter 200.

In this state, the user selects “ON” or “OFF” using the movement key 203. For example, the default is “OFF”. The selected side is
For example, it is in a state surrounded by a frame.

FIG. 5A shows a state in which “OFF” is selected. In this state, the ranges of the parameters h and v in the setting display section 115 are 0 to 8 which are the maximum variable ranges. FIG. 5B shows a state where “ON” is selected. In the setting display section 115 in this state, the range of h is the recommended setting range ax to bx, and the range of v is the recommended setting range ay. ~ By (step ST5,
7). Information on the recommended setting range can be found in the system controller 1
01 is stored in a memory (not shown) in advance. The information on the recommended setting range is stored in the remote control transmitter 200.
It is also stored in advance in a memory (not shown).

Even when "ON" is selected, as shown in FIG. 5C, the range of the parameters h and v in the setting display unit 115 is set to the maximum variable range of 0 to 8, and Alternatively, the recommended setting range 115a may be identifiably displayed by dividing the recommended setting range 115a by a boundary line or by changing the display color. This setting procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Here, the recommended setting range is set, for example, as follows. First, the parameters h and v are sequentially changed within the maximum variable range, HD signals are sequentially generated by the image signal processing unit 110 as shown in FIG. 1, and SN ratio data is obtained from the HD signals (step ST31). , FIG.
As shown in (3), a three-dimensional matrix showing a change in the SN ratio corresponding to each value of h and v is displayed (step ST32).
Here, the SN ratio draws a right-upward curve from strong to weak on both axes of the parameters h and v.

Next, the recommended SN ratio is limited (step ST).
33), the range of ax to bx corresponding to the recommended SN ratio
And the range ay-by of v is set as a recommended setting range (step ST34).

While the setting display section 115 is displayed, the user can operate the joystick 202 to set the values of the parameters h and v. In such a case, the setting display unit 115 changes with the change in the values of the parameters h and v.
The display position of the icon 116 changes. At this time, the values of the parameters h and v may be further displayed numerically. Thus, the user can accurately know the change in the values of the parameters h and v.

Here, the input signals x and y for changing the values of the parameters h and v by operating the joystick 202 are, for example, 8-bit digital signals, and represent numbers from 0 to 255.

If it is not selected to enjoy the recommended setting range, as shown in FIG.
55 correspond to the parameters h and v of 0 to 8, and are settable within the maximum variable range (step ST6). In this case, when the input signals x and y change by 1, the changes in the values of h and v are both 8/255. Therefore, in this case, the input signals x and y are linearly converted into h and v by the equations (a) and (b), respectively.

H = 8x / 255 (a) v = 8y / 255 (b)

When it is selected to enjoy the recommended setting range, as shown in FIG.
To 255 correspond to the parameters ax to bx and ay to by of the parameters h and v, and are settable within the recommended setting range (step ST8). In this case, the input signals x, y
Changes by 1 when the values of h and v are (bx-ax) / 255 and (by-ay) / 255, respectively.
Therefore, in this case, the input signals x and y are linearly converted into h and v by the equations (c) and (d), respectively.

H = (bx−ax) · x / 255 + ax (c) v = (by−ay) · y / 255 + ay (d)

As described above, when the input signals x and y change by 1 when the enjoyment of the recommended setting range is selected, the change of the values of h and v is selected to enjoy the recommended setting range. Is smaller than the change in the values of h and v when it is not performed, and therefore, when it is selected to enjoy the recommended setting range, compared to when it is not selected,
The values of h and v can be set finely.

When the operation switch 204 is pressed down for the third time (step ST9), the icon 1
16 are changed to new setting values hn, vn
(Step ST10). In this case, the existing setting value h is stored in the memory in the system controller 101.
In addition to o and vo, new set values hn and vn are also held.

When the operation switch 204 is depressed for the fourth time (step ST11), the image signal processing unit 1
10, the HD signal S corresponding to the existing set values ho and vo
HDo or HD signal S corresponding to new set values hn and vn
HDn is output.

At this time, the display unit 201 of the remote control transmitter 200 and the display unit 11 of the television receiver 100
For example, a selection display section of "image quality confirmation: previous new" is displayed in step 1 (step ST12). FIG. 9 shows the display unit 201 of the remote control transmitter 200.

The user uses the movement key 203 to
Select “Previous” or “New”. For example, the default is "new". The selected side is, for example, surrounded by a frame.

In a state in which “before” is selected, the image signal processing unit 110 sends an HD corresponding to the existing set values ho and vo.
The signal SHDo is output (steps ST13 and ST15). In this case, as the coefficient data of the estimation formula for calculating the HD pixel data, data generated using the existing set values ho and vo are used. The display unit 111 includes an HD signal S
HDo image is displayed.

In a state where “new” is selected, the image signal processing unit 110 outputs a HD corresponding to the new set values hn and vn.
The signal SHDn is output (steps ST13 and ST14). In this case, data generated using new set values hn and vn is used as coefficient data of the estimation formula for calculating HD pixel data. The display unit 111 includes an HD signal S
HDn image is displayed.

As described above, by selecting “previous” or “new”, the user can view the image based on the HD signal SHDo or the HD signal SHDn on the display unit 111 and can compare the image quality of both.

The image signal processing unit 110 does not output the HD signal SHDo or the HD signal SHHDn according to the user's selection.
D signal SHDo is output, and HD signal SHDn corresponding to the right half
May be output. In this case, an image based on the HD signal SHDo is displayed on the left half of the screen of the display unit 111, and an image based on the HD signal SHDn is displayed on the right half thereof. The user can compare the image qualities of both images on the same screen. it can.

When the operation switch 204 is depressed for the fifth time (step ST16), the user enters a state where the new set values hn and vn are set to the set values ho and vo. At this time, the display unit 201 of the remote control transmitter 200 and the display unit 1 of the television receiver 100
For example, a selection display section “Position record: OK NG” is displayed at 11 (step ST17). FIG. 10 shows the display unit 201 of the remote control transmitter 200.

The user uses the movement key 203 to
Select “OK” or “NG”. For example, the default is "NG". The selected side is, for example, surrounded by a frame.

When "NG" is selected, the set values ho and vo stored in the memory in the system controller 101 remain the same (steps ST18 and ST1).
9). On the other hand, when “OK” is selected, the existing setting value h is stored in the memory in the system controller 101.
New set values hn and vn are replaced with set values h and
o and vo (steps ST18 and ST20).

As described above, the existing set values ho, vo
In the case where new set values hn and vn are stored in the memory as set values ho and vo instead of
vo may be left as a history in the memory in the system controller 101. By leaving the history in this way, a fixed number of past set values ho and vo
Thus, the user can select and use arbitrary set values ho and vo.

When the operation switch 204 is depressed for the sixth time (step ST21), the setting mode is canceled and the operation returns to the original state (steps ST22 and ST23).

In the example of the user interface described above, the setting display unit 115 and various selection display units are displayed on both the display unit 201 of the remote control transmitter 200 and the display unit 111 of the television receiver 100. May be displayed on only one of them.

FIG. 11 shows another example of a user interface for setting the values of the parameters h and v. 11, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The remote control transmitter 200
Joystick 202 and up / down / left / right movement keys 203
And an operation switch 204 used for setting the values of the parameters h and v, and a group of other operation keys 205. The setting operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the operation switch 204 is pressed down for the first time, the system controller 101 shifts to the setting mode (step ST41). When the mode shifts to the setting mode, the display unit 111 of the television receiver 100
Next, a setting display section 115 and a menu display section 117 for setting the values of the parameters h and v are displayed (step ST42). On the setting display section 115, the existing setting values ho and vo are displayed as black circle icons 116. The existing setting values ho and vo may be further displayed numerically.

In the menu display section 117, "recommended range" is initially selected. The default is “OFF”. The selected side is, for example, surrounded by a frame.
The user selects “ON” or “OFF” using the movement key 203. The range of h and v in the setting display unit 115 in a state where “OFF” is selected is 0 to 8 which is the maximum variable range. The range of h and v in the setting display section 115 in the state where “ON” is selected is also the maximum variable range of 0 to 8, and is identified by dividing the recommended setting range 115a by a boundary line or changing the display color. It is displayed as possible (see FIG. 5C).

In this state, the user can operate the joystick 202 to set the values of the parameters h and v. In that case, with the change of the values of the parameters h and v,
The display position of the icon 116 on the setting display unit 115 changes. At this time, the values of the parameters h and v may be further displayed numerically. Thus, the user can accurately know the change in the values of the parameters h and v.

Here, the input signals x and y for changing the values of the parameters h and v by operating the joystick 202 are, for example, 8-bit digital signals, and represent numbers from 0 to 255. In this state,
The input signals x and y 0 to 255 correspond to h and v 0 to 8. In this case, when the input signals x and y change by 1, the changes in the values of h and v are both 8/25.
5 Therefore, in this case, the input signals x and y are linearly converted to h and v by the above-described equations (a) and (b) (see FIG. 8A).

When "OFF" is selected in the "recommended range", h and v can be set within the maximum variable range (steps ST43 and ST44). "O" in "Recommended range"
If "N" is selected, h and v can be set within the recommended setting range (steps ST43, ST4, ST4).
8). That is, h and v are ax ≦ h ≦ bx, ay ≦ h ≦ by
Is regulated in the range.

Next, the user operates the menu display section 117.
The case where the item of “maximize” is selected will be described.
In this state, the user uses the movement key 203 to
Select “ON” or “OFF”. For example, the default is “OFF”. The selected side is, for example, surrounded by a frame. The item of “maximization” affects only when “ON” is selected in the item of “recommended range” described above.

When “ON” is selected in the item of “recommended range” and “ON” is selected in “maximize”, the range of h in the setting display unit 115 is the recommended setting range ax to bx And the range of v is the recommended setting range ay to
by (steps ST45 and ST47). Even in this state, the user can operate the joystick 202 to set the values of the parameters h and v. In this case, 0 to 255 of the input signals x and y correspond to ax to bx and ay to by of h and v. In this case, the input signals x and y are 1
The changes in the values of the parameters h and v when they have only changed are (bx-ax) / 255 and (by-ay) / 255 (step ST48). Therefore, in this case, the input signals x and y are linearly converted into h and v by the above-described equations (c) and (d) (see FIG. 8B).

As described above, when “ON” is selected in “maximize”, the change in the values of the parameters h and v when the input signals x and y change by 1 is different from the case where “ON” is not selected. Is small, so that the values of the parameters h and v can be set finely. Also, in this case, the input signals x and y are 0-2.
Since the whole 55 corresponds to the recommended setting range,
There is no wasted part in the operation of the user with the joystick 202, for example, and the operability is improved.

Next, the user operates the menu display section 117.
The case where the item "position determination" is selected will be described. In this case, the values of the parameters h and v indicated by the icon 116 at that time are determined as new set values hn and vn (steps ST49 and ST50). In this case, the memory in the system controller 101 holds new set values hn and vn in addition to the existing set values ho and vo.

Next, the user operates the menu display section 117.
The case where the item "image quality check" is selected will be described. In this state, the user selects “previous” or “new” using the movement key 203. For example, the default is "new". The selected side is, for example, surrounded by a frame.

When “Previous” is selected, the image signal processing unit 110 thereafter outputs the existing set value h for a predetermined time.
An HD signal SHDo corresponding to o and vo is output (steps ST51 and ST55). In this case, as the coefficient data of the estimation formula for calculating the HD pixel data, data generated using the existing set values ho and vo are used. Display unit 1
The image 11 is displayed by the HD signal SHDo.

When "new" is selected,
The HD signal SHDn corresponding to the new set values hn and vn is output from the image signal processing unit 110 for a predetermined time (steps ST52 and ST54). In this case, a new set value hn,
Those generated using vn are used. The display unit 111 displays an image based on the HD signal SHDn.

As described above, by selecting “previous” or “new”, the user can see the image based on the HD signal SHDo or the HD signal SHDn on the display unit 111 and can compare the image quality of both. When displaying an image on the display unit 111 as described above, the setting display unit 115 and the menu display unit 11
The display of 7 is erased. Then, after a predetermined time when the display of the image ends, the setting display unit 115 and the menu display unit 1
The display of 17 is restored.

The image signal processing unit 110 does not output the HD signal SHDo or the HD signal SHHDn in accordance with the user's selection. , The HD signal SHDo may be output corresponding to the left half, and the HD signal SHHDn may be output corresponding to the right half. In this case, the display unit 1
An image based on the HD signal SHDo is displayed on the left half of the screen 11 and an image based on the HD signal SHDn is displayed on the right half thereof, so that the user can compare the image qualities of both images on the same screen.

Next, the user operates the menu display section 117.
The case where the item “position recording” is selected will be described. The user selects “OK” or “NG” using the movement key 203. For example, the default is "N
G ". The selected side is, for example, surrounded by a frame.

When "NG" is selected, the set values ho and vo stored in the memory in the system controller 101 remain the same (steps ST53 and ST5).
6, 57). On the other hand, if "OK" is selected,
In the memory in the system controller 101, new set values hn and vn are stored as set values ho and vo in place of the existing set values ho and vo (steps ST53, 56, ST53).
58).

As described above, the existing set values ho, vo
In the case where new set values hn and vn are stored in the memory as set values ho and vo instead of
vo may be left as a history in the memory in the system controller 101. By leaving the history in this way, a fixed number of past set values ho and vo
Thus, the user can select and use arbitrary set values ho and vo.

Next, the user operates the menu display section 117.
The case where the item of “End” is selected will be described. In this case, the setting mode is canceled and the state returns to the original state (steps ST59 to ST61).

In the above-described example of the user interface, the user operates the joystick 202 of the remote control transmitter 200 to change h and v. However, for example, a gyro or the like is incorporated in the remote control transmitter 200, and H and v may be changed using the physical movement information of the transmitter 200. Further, for example, a mouse may be connected to the system controller 101 of the television receiver 100, and h and v may be changed by a click operation of the mouse. Further, for example, the remote control transmitter 200 may be provided with an up key and a down key for changing h and v, or a rotary knob such as a jog dial.

Next, the details of the image signal processing section 110 will be described. The image signal processing unit 110 includes a buffer memory 1
09 from the SD signal (525i signal) stored in
There are first to third tap selection circuits 121 to 123 for selectively extracting and outputting data of a plurality of SD pixels located around the target pixel related to the HD signal (1050i signal).

The first tap selection circuit 121 selectively extracts data of SD pixels (referred to as “prediction taps”) used for prediction. Second tap selection circuit 1
Reference numeral 22 is for selectively extracting data of SD pixels (referred to as “space class taps”) used for class classification corresponding to the level distribution pattern of the SD pixel data. The third tap selection circuit 123 selectively extracts data of SD pixels (referred to as “motion class taps”) used for class classification corresponding to motion. When a space class is determined using SD pixel data belonging to a plurality of fields, the space class also includes motion information.

Further, the image signal processing section 110 detects a level distribution pattern of the data (SD pixel data) of the space class tap selectively extracted by the second tap selection circuit 122, and based on this level distribution pattern. It has a space class detection circuit 124 that detects a space class and outputs the class information.

In the space class detection circuit 124, for example,
An operation for compressing each SD pixel data from 8-bit data to 2-bit data is performed. Then, from the space class detection circuit 124, compressed data corresponding to each SD pixel data is output as space class information. In the present embodiment, ADRC (Adaptive Dyn
Data compression is performed by amic range coding. As information compression means, other than ADRC, DP
CM (prediction coding), VQ (vector quantization), or the like may be used.

Originally, ADRC is based on VTR (Video Tape R).
ecorder) is an adaptive requantization method developed for high-performance coding. However, since local patterns at the signal level can be efficiently expressed with a short word length, it is suitable for use in the data compression described above. Things. When using ADRC, the maximum value of the space class tap data (SD pixel data) is MAX, the minimum value is MIN, and the dynamic range of the space class tap data is DR (= MAX-MIN +
1) Assuming that the number of requantization bits is P, for each SD pixel data ki as data of a space class tap,
By the operation of the expression (1), a requantized code qi as compressed data is obtained. However, in equation (1), []
Means truncation processing. When there are Na SD pixel data as space class tap data, i =
1 to Na.

Qi = [(ki−MIN + 0.5). 2 ^P / DR] (1)

The image signal processing section 110 detects a motion class mainly representing the degree of motion from the data (SD pixel data) of the motion class tap selectively extracted by the third tap selection circuit 123. And a motion class detection circuit 125 for outputting the class information.

In the motion class detection circuit 125, the third
, A difference between frames is calculated from the motion class tap data (SD pixel data) mi and ni selectively extracted by the tap selection circuit 123, and threshold processing is performed on the average value of the absolute values of the differences. Then, a motion class, which is an index of the motion, is detected. That is, in the motion class detection circuit 125, the average value AV of the absolute value of the difference is calculated by Expression (2). Third tap selection circuit 123
For example, as class tap data, six SD pixel data m1 to m6 and six SD pixel data
When the pixel data n1 to n6 are extracted, Nb in Expression (2) is 6.

[0081]

(Equation 1)

Then, in the motion class detection circuit 125,
The average value AV calculated as described above is compared with one or a plurality of threshold values, and class information MV of the motion class is obtained.
Is obtained. For example, three thresholds th1, th2,
th3 (th1 <th2 <th3) is prepared, and when detecting four motion classes, MV when AV ≦ th1
= 0, th1 <AV ≦ th2, MV = 1, th2
MV = 2 when <AV ≦ th3, and MV = 3 when th3 <AV.

Further, the image signal processing unit 110 includes a re-quantization code qi as the class information of the space class output from the space class detection circuit 124 and the class information MV of the motion class output from the motion class detection circuit 125. And a class synthesizing circuit 126 for obtaining a class code CL indicating a class to which a pixel (target pixel) of an HD signal (1050i signal) to be created belongs.

In the class synthesizing circuit 126, the calculation of the class code CL is performed by the equation (3). In addition,
In Equation (3), Na indicates the number of data (SD pixel data) of the space class tap, and P indicates the number of requantization bits in ADRC.

[0085]

(Equation 2)

The image signal processing section 110 has a coefficient memory 134. The coefficient memory 134 stores, for each class, coefficient data of an estimation formula used in the estimation prediction operation circuit 127 described later. The coefficient data is obtained by converting the SD signal (525i signal) into the HD signal (1
050i signal). The class memory CL output from the class synthesizing circuit 126 is supplied to the coefficient memory 134 as read address information.
Is read out and supplied to the estimation prediction operation circuit 127.

The image signal processing section 110 has an information memory bank 135. In this information memory bank, coefficient seed data of each class is stored in advance. The coefficient seed data is coefficient data of a generation formula for generating coefficient data to be stored in the above-described coefficient memory 134.

In the estimation / prediction calculation circuit 127 described later, the data (SD pixel data) xi of the prediction tap and the coefficient data Wi read from the coefficient memory 134 are
The HD pixel data y to be created is calculated by the estimation equation (4). When the number of prediction taps selected by the first tap selection circuit 121 is 10, n in Expression (4) is 10.

[0089]

(Equation 3)

Then, the coefficient data Wi (i
= 1 to n) are generated by a generation formula including parameters h and v indicating horizontal and vertical resolutions, as shown in Expression (5). The information memory bank 135, coefficient seed data w ₁₀ to w _n9 is coefficient data for this production equation is, for each class, stored. A method of generating the coefficient seed data will be described later.

[0091]

(Equation 4)

Further, the image signal processing unit 110 uses the coefficient seed data of each class and the values of the parameters h and v,
A coefficient generation circuit 136 is provided for generating coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to n) of an estimation expression corresponding to the values of the parameters h and v for each class according to the expression (5). The coefficient generation circuit 136 is loaded with the coefficient seed data of each class described above from the information memory bank 135. The coefficient generation circuit 136 includes the system controller 101
Thus, the values of the parameters h and v are supplied.

Here, the values of the parameters h and v supplied from the system controller 101 to the coefficient generation circuit 136 are the same as the existing set values ho and vo and the new settings when the image quality is confirmed in the above-described setting mode. The values are hn and vn, and are set values ho and vo when the setting mode is released. The coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to n) of each class generated by the coefficient generation circuit 136 is stored in the coefficient memory 1 described above.
34.

The image signal processing section 110 also generates coefficient data Wi (i) of each class generated by the coefficient generation circuit 136.
= 1 to n), a normalization coefficient generation circuit 137 that calculates the normalization coefficient S according to the equation (6), and a normalization coefficient memory that stores the normalization coefficient S generated here for each class. 138. The class code CL output from the class synthesizing circuit 126 is supplied as read address information to the normalization coefficient memory 138, and the normalization coefficient S corresponding to the class code CL is read from the normalization coefficient memory 138. Are supplied to a normalization operation circuit 128 described later.

[0095]

(Equation 5)

Further, the image signal processing section 110 includes prediction tap data (SD pixel data) xi selectively extracted by the first tap selection circuit 121 and a coefficient memory 134.
H to be created from the coefficient data Wi
An estimation / prediction calculation circuit 127 for calculating data of a pixel of the D signal (pixel of interest) is provided.

As described above, when converting the SD signal (525i signal) to the HD signal (1050i signal),
Since it is necessary to obtain four pixels of the HD signal for one pixel of the SD signal, the estimation prediction operation circuit 127
Pixel data is generated for each 2 × 2 unit pixel block constituting the D signal. That is, in the estimated prediction calculation circuit 127, the data xi of the prediction tap corresponding to four pixels (pixel of interest) in the unit pixel block from the first tap selection circuit 121 and the unit pixel block from the coefficient memory 134 are configured. 4 and the coefficient data Wi that corresponds to the pixel is supplied for four data y ₁ ~y ₄ pixels constituting the unit pixel block, each of which is calculated by the estimation equation individually above (4) equation.

The image signal processing section 110 outputs the 4-pixel data y ₁ sequentially output from the estimation / prediction calculation circuit 127.
To y ₄ are read out from the normalization coefficient memory 138, and the coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to
and a normalization operation circuit 128 for normalizing by dividing by a normalization coefficient S corresponding to n). Although not described above, the coefficient generation circuit 136 obtains the coefficient data Wi of the estimation expression from the coefficient seed data by the generation expression, but the generated coefficient data includes a rounding error and the coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to 1).
It is not guaranteed that the sum of n) will be 1.0. Therefore, the data y _{1 to} y ₄ of each pixel calculated by the estimation / prediction calculation circuit 127 have level fluctuations due to rounding errors. As described above, the fluctuation can be removed by normalization by the normalization operation circuit 128.

The image signal processing section 110 linearizes the data y ₁ ′ to y ₄ ′ of four pixels in the unit pixel block, which are normalized and sequentially supplied by the normalization operation circuit 128, and performs line-sequential processing on the 1050i signal. Post-processing circuit 1 that outputs in format
29.

Next, the operation of the image signal processing section 110 will be described.

S stored in the buffer memory 109
From the D signal (525i signal), the second tap selection circuit 1
At 22, data (SD pixel data) of a space class tap located around four pixels (pixel of interest) in a unit pixel block constituting an HD signal (1050i signal) to be created
Are selectively taken out. This second tap selection circuit 1
The data (SD pixel data) of the space class tap selectively extracted at 22 is supplied to the space class detection circuit 124. In this space class detection circuit 124, A is applied to each SD pixel data as space class tap data.
The DRC process is performed to obtain a requantization code qi as class information of a space class (mainly, a class classification for representing a waveform in space) (see equation (1)).

Further, based on the SD signal (525i signal) stored in the buffer memory 109, the third tap selection circuit 123 generates an HD signal (1050i signal) to be created.
, Data (SD pixel data) of motion class taps located around four pixels (pixels of interest) in the unit pixel block that configures. The data (SD pixel data) of the motion class tap selectively extracted by the third tap selection circuit 123 is output from the motion class detection circuit 125.
Supplied to In this motion class detection circuit 125, a motion class (a class classification mainly representing the degree of motion) is obtained from each SD pixel data as motion class tap data.
Is obtained.

The motion information MV and the above-mentioned requantized code qi are supplied to the class synthesis circuit 126. In the class synthesizing circuit 126, based on the motion information MV and the requantization code qi, four pixels (pixels of interest) in the unit pixel block constituting the HD signal (1050i signal) to be created are obtained for each unit pixel block A class code CL indicating the class to which the user belongs is obtained (see the equation (3)). Then, the class code CL is supplied to the coefficient memory 134 and the normalized coefficient memory 138 as read address information.

The coefficient memory 134 has parameters h and v
Coefficient data Wi (i) of the estimation formula of each class corresponding to the value of
= 1 to n) are generated by the coefficient generation circuit 136 and stored. The normalization coefficient memory 138 stores the normalization coefficient S corresponding to the coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to n) of each class generated by the coefficient generation circuit 136 as described above in the normalization coefficient calculation unit 137. Generated and stored.

As described above, the class code CL is supplied as read address information to the coefficient memory 134, so that the coefficient data Wi corresponding to the class code CL is read from the coefficient memory 134 and transmitted to the estimated prediction operation circuit 127. Supplied. Further, the first tap selection circuit 121 uses the SD signal (525i signal) stored in the buffer memory 109 to generate an HD signal (1050
Data (SD pixel data) of prediction taps located around four pixels (pixels of interest) in a unit pixel block constituting the (i signal) are selectively extracted. The prediction tap data (SD pixel data) xi selectively extracted by the first tap selection circuit 121 is supplied to the estimated prediction calculation circuit 127.

In the estimation prediction operation circuit 127, the data (SD pixel data) xi of the prediction tap and the coefficient memory 134
And a four pixels coefficient data Wi to be more read data y ₁ ~y ₄ are simultaneously computed in four pixels in the unit pixel block constituting the HD signal to be produced (pixel of interest) ((4) See formula). Then, the estimation prediction operation circuit 12
4 pixel data y ₁ ~y ₄ of the unit pixel block constituting the HD signal sequentially outputted from 7 normalization arithmetic circuit 12
8 is supplied.

As described above, the class code CL is supplied to the normalization coefficient memory 138 as read address information. From the normalization coefficient memory 138, the normalization coefficient S corresponding to the class code CL, that is, the estimated prediction operation circuit 127 The normalization coefficient S corresponding to the coefficient data Wi used for the operation of the output HD pixel data y _{1 to} y ₄ is read out and supplied to the normalization operation circuit 128. In the normalization calculation circuit 128, HD pixel data y ₁ ~y ₄ output from the estimated prediction calculation circuit 127 is normalized by being divided by the corresponding normalization coefficient S. This allows
Generation equation using the coefficient seed data estimation equation level variation of the data y ₁ ~y ₄ by rounding error for obtaining the coefficient data of ((4) reference) with ((5) reference) are removed.

The data y ₁ ′ to y ₄ ′ of the four pixels in the unit pixel block which are normalized and output sequentially by the normalization operation circuit 128 are supplied to the post-processing circuit 129. In the post-processing circuit 129, the data y ₁ ′ to y ₄ ′ of four pixels in the unit pixel block sequentially supplied from the normalization operation circuit 128 are line-sequentially output and output in the format of a 1050i signal. That is, the post-processing circuit 129 outputs a 1050i signal as an HD signal.

As described above, in the coefficient generation circuit 136,
Using the coefficient seed data loaded from the information memory bank 135, set values h and v of the parameters h and v for each class.
coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to 1) of the estimation formula corresponding to o and vo
n) is generated and stored in the coefficient memory 134. Then, coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to 1) read from the coefficient memory 134 in accordance with the class code CL.
The HD pixel data y is calculated by the estimation prediction calculation circuit 127 using n). Therefore, the user can arbitrarily adjust the horizontal and vertical image qualities of the image obtained by the HD signal by setting the values of the parameters h and v in the setting mode described above.

Further, when setting the values of the parameters h and v, the user can select to enjoy the recommended setting range described above. In this case, the values of the parameters h and v set by the user are regulated within the recommended setting range, and the image quality of the image based on the HD signal output from the image signal processing unit 110 does not significantly deteriorate. The user can effectively set the values of the parameters h and v.

Further, when the user enjoys the recommended setting range when setting the values of the parameters h and v, the input signals x and y are further reduced to 0 to 255 of the parameters h and v.
By corresponding to bx, ay to by, the change of h, v (setting step width) when the input signal x, y changes by 1 can be reduced, and the values of the parameters h, v are set finer accordingly. it can. Further, in this case, the entirety of the input signals x and y 0 to 255 corresponds to the recommended setting range, so that there is no wasteful operation by the user using the joystick 202 or the like, and the operability is improved.

In the above description, only one recommended setting range has been set in advance. However, information on a plurality of recommended setting ranges is stored in a memory or the like in the system controller 101, and the user sets the recommended setting range. An optional recommended setting range may be selected and used. For example, FIG.
With reference to the three-dimensional matrix display, recommended setting ranges of “beautiful”, “normal”, and “noisy” in which the range is sequentially increased can be prepared in advance.

In the above description, the coefficient data Wi (i = 1
To n) are generated using equation (5), but other polynomials of different orders or equations represented by other functions can also be used.

As described above, the information memory bank 135
Stores coefficient type data for each class. The coefficient seed data is generated in advance by learning.

First, an example of this generation method will be described. Here, it is assumed that shows an example of obtaining the coefficient seed data w ₁₀ to w _n9 is coefficient data in Equation (5) generation equation.

Here, for the following explanation, ti (i = 0 to 9) is defined as in the equation (7).

T ₀ = 1, t ₁ = v, t ₂ = h, t ₃ = v ² , t ₄ = vh, t ₅ = h ² , t ₆ = v ³ , t ₇ = v ² h, t ₈ = Vh ² , t ₉ = h ³ (7)

Using this equation (7), equation (5) becomes
It can be rewritten as in equation (8).

[0119]

(Equation 6)

Finally, an undetermined coefficient w _xy is obtained by learning. That is, the coefficient value that minimizes the square error is determined using a plurality of SD pixel data and HD pixel data for each class. This is a so-called least squares solution. Assuming that the learning number is m, the residual in the k-th (1 ≦ k ≦ m) -th learning data is e _k , and the sum of the squared errors is E, E is expressed as (9 ) Expression. Here, x _ik is the k-th pixel data at the i-th prediction tap position of the SD image, and y _k is the k-th H corresponding thereto.
The pixel data of the D image is shown.

[0121]

(Equation 7)

In the solution by the method of least squares, w in equation (9) is used.
_xyW such that the partial differential by _xyAsk for. this
Is represented by the equation (10).

[0123]

(Equation 8)

Hereinafter, as shown in equations (11) and (12),
X _Ipjq, by defining the Y _ip, (10) equation can be rewritten as with the matrix (13).

[0125]

(Equation 9)

[0126]

(Equation 10)

This equation is generally called a normal equation. This normal equation is solved for w _xy using a sweeping method (Gauss-Jordan elimination method) or the like, and coefficient seed data is calculated.

FIG. 14 shows the concept of the method for generating the coefficient seed data described above. A plurality of SD signals are generated from HD signals. For example, a total of 81 types of SD signals are generated by varying the values of parameters h and v for varying the horizontal band and the vertical band of a filter used when generating an SD signal from an HD signal in nine steps. . Learning is performed between the plurality of SD signals generated in this way and the HD signal to generate coefficient seed data.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration of a coefficient seed data generating device 150 for generating coefficient seed data based on the above concept.

The coefficient seed data generating device 150 performs an input terminal 151 to which an HD signal (1050i signal) as a teacher signal is input, and performs horizontal and vertical thinning processing on the HD signal to generate a student signal. And an SD signal generation circuit 152 for obtaining the SD signal (525i signal).

The SD signal generation circuit 152 is supplied with parameters h and v as control signals. According to the parameters h and v, the horizontal band and the vertical band of the filter used when generating the SD signal from the HD signal are changed. Here, some examples of the details of the filter will be described.

For example, it is conceivable that the filter is composed of a band filter for limiting a horizontal band and a band filter for limiting a vertical band. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, by designing a frequency characteristic corresponding to a stepwise value of the parameter h or v, and performing an inverse Fourier transform,
A one-dimensional filter having a frequency characteristic corresponding to the stepwise value of the parameter h or v can be obtained.

Also, for example, a filter may be a one-dimensional Gaussian filter for limiting the horizontal band and a filter for limiting the vertical band.
It is conceivable to use a two-dimensional Gaussian filter. This one-dimensional Gaussian filter is expressed by equation (14). In this case, by changing the value of the standard deviation σ stepwise according to the stepwise value of the parameter h or v,
A one-dimensional Gaussian filter having a frequency characteristic corresponding to the stepwise value of the parameter h or v can be obtained.

[0134]

[Equation 11]

Also, for example, the filter is set to a parameter h,
It is conceivable to use a two-dimensional filter F (h, v) whose horizontal and vertical frequency characteristics are determined by both v. This two-dimensional filter is generated by designing a two-dimensional frequency characteristic corresponding to the stepwise values of the parameters h and v, and performing a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform, similarly to the one-dimensional filter described above. A two-dimensional filter having two-dimensional frequency characteristics corresponding to the stepwise values of h and v can be obtained.

The coefficient seed data generating device 150
The SD signal (525) output from the D signal generation circuit 152
first to third tap selection circuits 15 for selectively extracting and outputting data of a plurality of SD pixels located around the target pixel related to the HD signal (1050i signal) from the i signal).
3 to 155. These first to third tap selection circuits 153 to 155 correspond to the image signal processing unit 11 described above.
It is configured similarly to the first to third tap selection circuits 121 to 123 of 0. Further, the coefficient seed data generation device 150
The second tap selection circuit 154 detects the level distribution pattern of the data (SD pixel data) of the space class tap selectively extracted, detects the space class based on the level distribution pattern, and outputs the class information. It has a space class detection circuit 157. The space class detection circuit 157 has the same configuration as the space class detection circuit 124 of the image signal processing unit 110 described above. From this space class detection circuit 157, a requantization code qi for each SD pixel data as space class tap data is output as class information indicating a space class.

Further, the coefficient seed data generation device 150 determines a motion class mainly representing the degree of motion from the data (SD pixel data) of the motion class tap selectively extracted by the third tap selection circuit 155. It has a motion class detection circuit 158 that detects and outputs the class information MV. The motion class detection circuit 158 has the same configuration as the motion class detection circuit 125 of the image signal processing unit 110 described above. In the motion class detection circuit 158, the third
The inter-frame difference is calculated from the motion class tap data (SD pixel data) selectively extracted by the tap selection circuit 155 of FIG. Is detected as a motion class.

Further, the coefficient seed data generation device 150 includes a requantization code qi as the class information of the space class output from the space class detection circuit 157 and the class information of the motion class output from the motion class detection circuit 158. M
V based on the HD signal (525p signal or 1050i
And a class synthesizing circuit 159 for obtaining a class code CL indicating a class to which a target pixel related to the signal belongs. The class synthesizing circuit 159 is configured similarly to the class synthesizing circuit 126 of the image signal processing unit 110 described above.

Further, the coefficient seed data generating device 150 generates the HD pixel data y as the target pixel data obtained from the HD signal supplied to the input terminal 151 and the first HD pixel data y corresponding to each HD pixel data y. Tap selection circuit 1
53. Prediction tap data (SD
And pixel data) xi, and the class code CL output from the class synthesis circuit 159 in correspondence with the respective HD pixel data y, the parameters h, v and a, for each class, the coefficient seed data w ₁₀ to w _n9 To obtain the normal equation ((1
3) Refer to the equation).

In this case, learning data is generated by a combination of one HD pixel data y and n corresponding prediction tap pixel data, but the SD signal generation circuit 152
Are sequentially changed, and a plurality of SD signals in which the horizontal and vertical bands are changed stepwise are sequentially generated, whereby a large amount of learning data is registered in the normal equation generation unit 160. A normal equation is generated.

Here, coefficient seed data calculated by learning between an HD signal and an SD signal generated by applying a filter having a narrow band to the HD signal is a high-resolution HD signal.
It is for obtaining a signal. Conversely, coefficient seed data calculated by learning between an HD signal and an SD signal generated by applying a filter having a wide band to the HD signal is used to obtain an HD signal having a low resolution. As described above, by sequentially generating a plurality of SD signals and registering the learning data, it is possible to obtain coefficient seed data for obtaining HD signals of continuous resolution.

Although not shown, a delay circuit for time alignment is arranged before the first tap selection circuit 153, so that the signal is supplied from the first tap selection circuit 153 to the normal equation generation section 160. The timing of the SD pixel data xi can be adjusted.

The coefficient seed data generation device 150 is supplied with the data of the normal equation generated for each class by the normal equation generation unit 160, solves the normal equation for each class, and obtains the coefficient seed data w _{10 of} each class. and coefficient seed data determination section 161 for determining the to w _n9, thus determined coefficient seed data w
And a coefficient seed memory 162 for storing the ₁₀ to w _n9. In the coefficient type data determination unit 161, the normal equation is solved by, for example, a sweeping method or the like, and the coefficient data w ₁₀ to
w _n9 is determined.

A coefficient seed data generating device 150 shown in FIG.
Will be described. An HD signal (1050i signal) as a teacher signal is supplied to the input terminal 151, and horizontal and vertical thinning processing is performed on the HD signal by an SD signal generation circuit 152 to generate an SD signal (525i) as a student signal. Signal) is generated. In this case, the parameters h and v are supplied as control signals to the SD signal generation circuit 152, and a plurality of SD signals in which the horizontal and vertical bands change stepwise are sequentially generated.

From this SD signal (525i signal), the second
, The data (SD pixel data) of the space class tap located around the pixel of interest related to the HD signal (1050i signal) is selectively extracted.
The data (SD pixel data) of the space class tap selectively extracted by the second tap selection circuit 154 is supplied to the space class detection circuit 157. In the space class detection circuit 157, each SD pixel data as the data of the space class tap is subjected to the ADRC process, and the SD pixel data is re-created as the class information of the space class (mainly, the class classification for representing the waveform in the space). The quantization code qi is obtained (see equation (1)).

Further, the third tap selection circuit 155 outputs the HD signal from the SD signal generated by the SD signal generation circuit 152.
Data (SD pixel data) of a motion class tap located around the target pixel related to the signal is selectively extracted.
The data (SD pixel data) of the motion class tap selectively extracted by the third tap selection circuit 155 is supplied to the motion class detection circuit 158. The motion class detection circuit 158 obtains the class information MV of the motion class (mainly a class classification for representing the degree of motion) from each SD pixel data as the data of the motion class tap.

The motion information MV and the above-mentioned requantized code qi are supplied to a class synthesis circuit 159. The class synthesizing circuit 159 obtains a class code CL indicating the class to which the pixel of interest relating to the HD signal (1050i signal) belongs from the motion information MV and the requantized code qi (see equation (3)).

The first tap selection circuit 153 converts the SD signal generated by the SD signal generation circuit 152 into an HD signal.
Data (SD pixel data) of a prediction tap located around the target pixel related to the signal is selectively extracted. Then, each HD pixel data y as the pixel data of interest obtained from the HD signal supplied to the input terminal 151 and the first tap selection circuit 153 selectively extracts each of the HD pixel data y corresponding to each of the HD pixel data y. From the prediction tap data (SD pixel data) xi, the class code CL output from the class synthesis circuit 159 corresponding to each HD pixel data y, and the parameters h and v, the normal equation generator 160 The coefficient seed data w _{10 to} w
A normal equation (see equation (13)) for generating _n9 is generated.

Then, the normal equation is solved in the coefficient seed data determining section 161 and the coefficient seed data w _{10 to} w of each class is solved.
_n9 is determined, the coefficient seed data w ₁₀ to w _n9 are stored in the coefficient seed memory 162 address divided by class.

The normal equation generating section 160 converts the learning data generated by the combination of the HD pixel data y and the corresponding n pieces of prediction tap pixel data into the HD pixel data y of the odd or even HD signal. Of the HD signal (1050i signal) in each of the odd-numbered and even-numbered fields by discriminating the HD signal in accordance with the information as to which of the four pixels in the 2 × 2 unit pixel block constitutes the HD signal. )), Coefficient seed data w _{10 to} w corresponding to four pixels in a 2 × 2 unit pixel block.
Normal equations (see equation (13)) for _{obtaining n9} can be individually generated.

As a result, the coefficient seed data determining section 161 sets the coefficient seed data w ₁₀ corresponding to four pixels in the 2 × 2 unit pixel block constituting the HD signal (1050i signal) in each of the odd and even fields. to w _n9 can be obtained, it can be stored in the coefficient seed memory 162.

In the image signal processing section 110 of FIG.
Although a plurality of feature values have horizontal and vertical resolutions, a plurality of feature values having a resolution and a noise suppression degree can be similarly configured. In this case, the user sets the value of the parameter r indicating the resolution and the parameter z indicating the noise suppression degree (noise reduction degree) in FIG.
It is set by the user interface as shown in.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show the setting display section 115 displayed on the display section 201 of the remote control transmitter 200 or the display section 111 of the television receiver 100. FIG.
The state shown in FIG. 17A is a state in which enjoying the recommended setting range is not selected. The state shown in FIG.
In this state, it is selected to enjoy the recommended setting range. In this case, the recommended setting range of the parameter r is ar ≦ r
≦ br, and the recommended setting range of the parameter z is az ≦ z ≦ bz
It is. These recommended setting ranges can also be set based on, for example, the SN ratio (see FIG. 7).

In this case, the coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to n)
For example, Expression (15) or the like can be used as a generation expression for generating, and a polynomial having a different order or an expression expressed by another function can also be realized.

[0155]

(Equation 12)

As described above, the coefficient seed data that is the coefficient data of the generation formula including the parameters r and z is the same as the coefficient seed data that is the coefficient data of the generation formula including the parameters h and v described above. It can be generated by the coefficient seed data generation device 150 shown in FIG. In this case, the parameters r and z are supplied as control signals to the SD signal generation circuit 152, and the HD signal corresponding to the values of the parameters r and z is
When an SD signal is generated from a signal, the horizontal and vertical bands of the SD signal and the state of adding noise to the SD signal are changed stepwise.

FIG. 18 shows an example of generating an SD signal corresponding to the values of the parameters r and z. In this example, the parameters r and z are each varied in nine steps, and a total of 81 types of SD signals are generated. Note that the parameters r and z are set to 9
You may make it change to more steps than steps. In that case, the accuracy of the calculated coefficient seed data is improved, but the amount of calculation is increased.

Here, several examples will be described in detail of the noise adding method corresponding to the value of the parameter z.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, a noise signal whose amplitude level is changed stepwise is added to the SD signal to generate an SD signal whose noise level changes stepwise.

For example, as shown in FIG.
A noise signal having a constant amplitude level is added to the signal, and the screen area to be added is changed stepwise.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG.
As a D signal (for one screen), a signal containing no noise and a signal containing noise are prepared. Then, when generating the normal equation, learning is performed a plurality of times for each SD signal.

For example, in “noise 0”, S without noise
The learning is performed 100 times for the D signal, and for the “noise i”, the learning is performed 30 times for the SD signal without noise and the learning is performed 70 times for the SD signal with noise. In this case, “noise i” is a learning system that calculates coefficient seed data with a higher noise suppression degree. As described above, by performing learning by changing the number of times of learning for the no-noise and noisy SD signals stepwise, it is possible to obtain coefficient seed data for obtaining a continuous noise suppression degree.

In the image signal processing section 110 of FIG.
Although a plurality of feature values have horizontal and vertical resolutions, a plurality of feature values having horizontal and vertical resolutions and a degree of noise suppression can be similarly configured. in this case,
The user sets parameters h and v indicating the horizontal and vertical resolutions.
And the value of the parameter z indicating the noise suppression degree are set by a user interface as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show the setting display section 115 displayed on the display section 201 of the remote control transmitter 200 or the display section 111 of the television receiver 100. FIG.
20A and 20B illustrate recommended setting ranges for three parameters. As the types of the three parameters, for example, a horizontal resolution h, a vertical resolution v, and a noise suppression degree z can be considered.

The state shown in FIG. 20A is a state in which enjoying the recommended setting range is not selected. The state shown in FIG. 20B is a state in which enjoying the recommended setting range is selected. Here, the parameters h and v can be changed by moving the joystick 202 left and right and up and down.
Further, the parameter z can be changed by moving the joystick 202 in an oblique direction.

In this case, the coefficient data Wi (i = 1 to n)
For example, equation (16) or the like can be used as a generation equation for generating, and a polynomial of a different degree or an equation expressed by another function can be realized.

[0167]

(Equation 13)

As described above, the coefficient seed data that is the coefficient data of the generation formula including the parameters h, v, and z is the same as the coefficient seed data that is the coefficient data of the generation formula including the parameters h and v described above. Then, it can be generated by the coefficient seed data generation device 150 shown in FIG. In this case, the parameters h, v, and z are supplied as control signals to the SD signal generation circuit 152, and when the SD signal is generated from the HD signal in accordance with the values of the parameters h, v, and z, the SD signal is generated. The horizontal and vertical bands of the signal and the state of adding noise to the SD signal are varied stepwise.

FIG. 21 shows an example of generating an SD signal corresponding to the values of the parameters h, v, and z. In this example, the parameters h, v, and z are each varied in nine steps, and a total of 729 types of SD signals are generated. Note that the parameters h, v, and z may be changed to more stages than nine stages. In that case, the accuracy of the calculated coefficient seed data is improved, but the amount of calculation is increased.

Note that the processing in the image signal processing unit 110 in FIG. 1 can be realized by software using, for example, an image signal processing device 300 as shown in FIG.

First, the image signal processing device 30 shown in FIG.
0 will be described. This image signal processing device 300
A CPU 301 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, and the CPU 301
A ROM (read only memory) 302 in which an operation program of 301 and coefficient type data are stored, and a RAM (random access memory) 3 constituting a work area of the CPU 301
03. These CPU 301 and ROM 30
2 and the RAM 303 are connected to the bus 304, respectively.

The image signal processing device 300 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 30 as an external storage device.
5 and a floppy disk drive (FDD) 307 for driving a floppy (registered trademark) disk 306. These drives 305 and 307 are connected to the bus 304, respectively.

The image signal processing device 300 has a communication unit 308 for connecting to a communication network 400 such as the Internet by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 308 is connected to the bus 304 via the interface 309.

The image signal processing device 300 has a user interface. This user interface unit receives a remote control signal R from the remote control transmitter 200.
Remote control signal receiving circuit 310 for receiving M, LCD
(Liquid crystal display) 3
11 are provided. The receiving circuit 310 is connected to the bus 304 via the interface 312, and similarly, the display 311 is connected to the bus 304 via the interface 313.
It is connected to the. The user can set the values of the parameters h and v described above through the user interface unit.

The image signal processing device 300 has an input terminal 314 for inputting an SD signal and an output terminal 315 for outputting an HD signal. Input terminal 3
14 is connected to the bus 304 via the interface 316, and similarly, the output terminal 315 is connected to the bus 304 via the interface 317.

Here, instead of previously storing the processing program and coefficient seed data in the ROM 302 as described above, the processing program and coefficient seed data are downloaded from the communication network 400 such as the Internet via the communication unit 308 and stored in the hard disk or the RAM 303. It can also be used. Also,
These processing programs, coefficient seed data, and the like may be provided on the floppy disk 306.

Further, the SD signal to be processed is supplied to the input terminal 31.
Instead of inputting from the computer 4, the data may be recorded in a hard disk in advance or downloaded from the communication network 400 such as the Internet via the communication unit 308. Further, instead of outputting the processed HD signal to the output terminal 315 or in parallel with the output, the image signal is supplied to the display 311 for image display, further stored in the hard disk, or connected to the Internet or the like via the communication unit 308. You may make it transmit to the communication network 400.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 23, FIG.
A processing procedure for obtaining an HD signal from an SD signal in the image signal processing device 300 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

First, in step ST1, the processing is started.
In step ST2, SD pixel data is input in frame units or field units. When the SD pixel data is input from the input terminal 314, the SD pixel data is temporarily stored in the RAM 303. Also, this S
If the D pixel data has been recorded on the hard disk, the SD pixel data is read out by the hard disk drive 307 and temporarily stored in the RAM 303. Then, in step ST3, it is determined whether or not processing of all frames or all fields of the input SD pixel data has been completed. If the processing is over, step ST4
Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if the processing has not been completed, the process proceeds to step ST5.

In step ST5, the values of the parameters h and v set by the user as described above (image quality designated values)
Is read from the RAM 303, for example. Then, in step ST6, the coefficient data W of the estimation formula of each class (see formula (4)) is obtained by a generating formula (for example, formula (5)) using the read image quality designated value and the coefficient seed data of each class.
Generate i.

Next, in step ST7, in step ST2
The pixel data of the class tap and the prediction tap is obtained from the SD pixel data input in step (1), corresponding to each HD pixel data to be generated. Then, in step ST8, it is determined whether or not the process of obtaining HD pixel data has been completed in the entire area of the input SD pixel data. If the processing has been completed, the process returns to step ST2, and shifts to input processing of SD pixel data of the next frame or field. on the other hand,
If the processing has not been completed, the process proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST9, step ST7
A class code CL is generated from the SD pixel data of the class tap acquired in step (1). Then, in step ST10,
Using the coefficient data corresponding to the class code CL and the SD pixel data of the prediction tap, HD pixel data is generated by an estimation formula, and thereafter, the process returns to step ST7,
The same processing as described above is repeated.

As described above, by processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, the input SD pixel data constituting the SD signal is processed, and the H signal constituting the HD signal is processed.
D pixel data can be obtained. As described above, the HD signal obtained by such processing is output to the output terminal 315, supplied to the display 311 to display an image based on the HD signal, and further supplied to the hard disk drive 305 to be supplied to the hard disk drive 305. Or be recorded.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a linear linear equation is used as an estimating equation for generating an HD signal has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the SD signal (525i signal) is converted to the HD signal (1050i signal) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, the present invention can be similarly applied to other cases where the first image signal is converted into the second image signal.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which parameters indicating two or three characteristic amounts are set has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to an apparatus in which parameters indicating more characteristic amounts are set. Can be applied to

In the above embodiment, the coefficient seed data is stored in the information memory bank 135, and the coefficient seed data corresponding to the values of the parameters h and v are stored in the coefficient memory 136 using the coefficient seed data. And stores the coefficient data in the coefficient memory 134,
Many coefficient data corresponding to each combination of the values of the parameters h and v are stored in the information memory bank 135,
Coefficient data corresponding to the values of the parameters h and v may be read from the information memory bank 135 and stored in the coefficient memory 134.

Further, in the above-described practical embodiment, the case where the information signal is an image signal has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where the information signal is a voice signal. As the plurality of feature amounts of the audio signal, for example, a frequency band (resolution) and a distortion factor (noise suppression degree) can be considered.

[0189]

According to the present invention, when a first information signal is converted into a second information signal, a plurality of parameters respectively indicating a plurality of characteristic amounts which determine the quality of an output obtained by the second information signal. Since the information data of the point of interest according to the second information signal is generated in accordance with the value of, the user changes the setting of the values of the plurality of parameters,
The quality of the output obtained by the second information signal can be adjusted arbitrarily.

Further, according to the present invention, each of a plurality of feature quantities which are used when converting the first information signal into the second information signal and which determine the quality of the output obtained by the second information signal are shown. The value of the plurality of parameters is regulated within the recommended setting range, and the user can effectively set the values of the plurality of parameters.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a television receiver as an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface for setting values of parameters h and v indicating horizontal and vertical resolutions.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an operation of setting parameters h and v.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating an operation of setting parameters h and v.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining selection of a recommended setting range.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of setting a recommended setting range.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between parameters h and v indicating horizontal and vertical resolutions and an SN ratio.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between input signals x and y and parameters h and v.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining selection of image quality confirmation;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining selection of position recording.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a user interface for setting values of parameters h and v.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an operation of setting parameters h and v.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating the setting operation of parameters h and v.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a concept of a method of generating coefficient seed data.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a coefficient seed data generation device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frequency characteristic of a bandpass filter.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a setting display unit for setting a parameter r indicating a resolution and a parameter z indicating a noise suppression degree.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a generation example of an SD signal (parameters r and z).

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a noise adding method.

FIG. 20 shows parameters h and v indicating horizontal and vertical resolutions.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a setting display unit for setting a parameter z indicating a noise suppression degree.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of generation of an SD signal (parameters h, v, and z).

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image signal processing device realized by software.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image signal.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing a pixel positional relationship between a 525i signal and a 1050i signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

100: television receiver, 101: system controller, 102: remote control signal receiving circuit, 105
... Reception antenna, 106 ... Tuner, 110
..Image signal processing unit, 111 ... display unit, 1
12 OSD circuit, 115 setting display section, 11
5a: recommended setting range, 116: icon, 11
7: Menu display unit, 121: First tap selection circuit, 122: Second tap selection circuit, 123
.. a third tap selection circuit, 124 ... a space class detection circuit, 125 ... a motion class detection circuit, 126 ...
・ Class synthesis circuit, 127 ... Estimation prediction operation circuit, 1
28: normalizing circuit, 129: post-processing circuit, 13
4 ... coefficient memory, 135 ... information memory bank,
136: coefficient generation circuit, 137: normalization coefficient calculation unit, 138: normalization coefficient memory, 200: remote control transmitter, 201: display unit, 202: joystick, 203 ..Move key, 204 ... operation switch, 300 ... image signal processing device

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Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An information signal processing device for converting a first information signal comprising a plurality of information data into a second information signal comprising a plurality of information data, comprising: Feature value setting means for setting a plurality of parameter values respectively indicating a plurality of feature values for determining quality; storage means for storing information on a recommended setting range of the plurality of parameter values; setting by the feature value setting means A feature value regulating unit that regulates the values of the plurality of parameters within the recommended setting range, and the second information signal corresponding to the values of the plurality of parameters set by the feature value setting unit. An information signal processing device comprising: information data generating means for generating information data of a point of interest according to (1). 2. The information data generating means includes: coefficient data obtaining means for obtaining coefficient data of an estimation expression corresponding to the values of the plurality of parameters set by the feature amount setting means; Data selection means for selecting a plurality of information data located around a point of interest according to the second information signal from the signal; and the coefficient data and the data selection means selected by the coefficient data acquisition means. 2. The information signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an arithmetic unit configured to calculate the information data of the target point from the plurality of pieces of information data using the estimation formula. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction signal input unit for inputting an instruction signal for instructing whether or not to enjoy the recommended setting range, wherein the characteristic amount regulating unit sets the recommended setting range in the instruction signal input unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an instruction signal instructing to enjoy is input, values of the plurality of parameters set by the feature amount setting unit are restricted within the recommended setting range. 3. Information signal processing device. 4. The feature quantity setting means includes: an input signal generating means for obtaining a plurality of input signals each corresponding to the plurality of parameters and having a value within a predetermined range; A first linear conversion means for performing a linear conversion to obtain a plurality of first signals by performing a linear conversion so as to have a value within a maximum variable range of the plurality of parameters; Second linear conversion means for obtaining a plurality of second signals by performing a linear conversion so as to have a value within the range, wherein the characteristic amount regulating means receives the recommended setting range by the instruction signal input means. When an instruction signal instructing not to be input is input, the plurality of first signals obtained by the first signal conversion means are set as the set values of the plurality of parameters, and the recommended setting range is input to the instruction signal input means. To enjoy When you instruction signal is input, a plurality obtained by the second signal conversion means second
4. The information signal processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the signal is a set value of the plurality of parameters. 5. The storage means stores information on a plurality of recommended setting ranges, and further includes a selection signal inputting means for receiving a selection signal for selecting one of the plurality of recommended setting ranges. The feature amount regulating unit regulates the values of the plurality of parameters set by the feature amount setting unit within one recommended setting range selected by a selection signal input to the selection signal input unit. The information signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying, on a display element, a position within a variable range of the values of the plurality of parameters set by said characteristic amount setting means. An information signal processing device according to claim 1. 7. An information signal processing method for converting a first information signal composed of a plurality of information data into a second information signal composed of a plurality of information data, comprising: A first step of setting a value of each parameter indicating a plurality of feature values for determining quality; and a second step of regulating the values of the plurality of parameters set in the first step to within a recommended setting range. And a third step of generating information data of a point of interest associated with the second information signal in accordance with the values of the plurality of parameters set in the first step. Information signal processing method. 8. In the second step, when it is instructed to enjoy the recommended setting range, the values of the plurality of parameters set in the first step are restricted within the recommended setting range. The information signal processing method according to claim 7, wherein: 9. A method for converting a first information signal comprising a plurality of information data into a second information signal comprising a plurality of information data, the method comprising: determining a quality of an output obtained by the second information signal; A first step of setting values of a plurality of parameters each indicating a characteristic amount; a second step of regulating the values of the plurality of parameters set in the first step within a recommended setting range; A computer program for executing a third step of generating information data of a point of interest according to the second information signal in accordance with the values of the plurality of parameters set in the first step. Information providing medium.