Resolution enhancement system for digital images
US6021256A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K2215/006
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image processing system for providing edge enhancement of low resolution binary image files processes the low resolution data in sections or windows using a binary edge enhancement processor unit to determine whether an edge transition or "kink site" occurs within each window. The edge enhancement processor includes a decision matrix that identifies a pixel based on a calculated gradient magnitude and direction. In one operating mode, the original data in the window is replaced with edge enhanced gray-scale data stored in a look-up table if a kink site is identified. In a second operating mode original data is replaced with higher resolution binary data. To improve speed of operation of the processor, a set of criteria used for determining where enhancement pixels are to be generated has logic operators used for processing the criteria operated simultaneously with a bias provided favoring determinations having closer proximity towards a site likely to require image enhancements. In addition a raster line of pixels is separated into segments and each segment operated on in parallel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.