Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Micron Technology Incorporated

Vlsi Technology, Inc.

Spectra-Physics Gmbh

Arthur Sobel

Todd Stephen Sachs

Joseph F Rando

Richard W Davidson

A method and apparatus for interpolating color image information are provided. One or more image data values for a portion of a digital image in a vicinity of a target pixel are received and stored in a local array. A processor determines whether there is an edge in the vicinity of the target pixel based on the data values in the local array. If there is not an edge in the vicinity of the target pixel, then long scale interpolation is performed on the image data values in the local array, in order to result in interpolating color information that is missing from the image. If there is an edge in the vicinity of the target pixel, then short scale interpolation is performed using image data values in a subset of the local array in a closer vicinity of the target pixel. As a result, accurate color rendering of a digital image is achieved, even in the presence of an edge portion that exhibits great contrast between regions of the image.

Interpolation of edge portions of a digital image

A method for interpolating a first color value associated with a first color and a second color value associated with a second color for use in generating a pixel that represents a portion of a digital image, based on a third color value that is associated with a third color. A first matrix is created and stored, comprising first coefficient values that are associated with a other values of the first color for pixels that surround the current pixel of interest. A second matrix is stored that holds second coefficient values that are associated with a second color value. Each of the first coefficient values is bitwise shifted by a pre-determined power of 2. The first color value is created and stored by applying the first coefficient values to the other values of the first color using a bitwise shift operation. The first color value is bitwise shifted by a complement of the pre-determined power of 2. As a result, a complete set of pixel values having three color values (such as Red, Green, and Blue) are created and may be used in displaying the digital image.

Method of fast bi-cubic interpolation of image information

A circuit architecture and method are provided for interpolating a first color value associated with a first color and a second color value associated with a second color for use in generating a pixel that represents a portion of a digital image, based on a third color value that is associated with a third color. Pixel data generated by a digital image sensor is serially received at a register array organized in rows and columns that correspond to pixels of interest that are used in a bicubic interpolation process. Values stored in registers of the register array are coupled to and continuously available to four (4) dot product modules and an interpolator. As the serial data arrives, it is clocked stepwise through the registers, and concurrently used by the dot product modules and interpolator to compute the first color value and the second color value. Data that reaches the end of a line of registers is moved into a corresponding shift register for temporary storage until it is needed again. Advantageously, the method may be implemented in integrated circuit hardware and using fast combinational logic with no CPU multiply operations and no floating-point operations. A particular application is in interpolating complementary colors for pixel information received from a color area sensor, such as a CCD image sensor, in a digital camera.

Image interpolation circuit architecture and method for fast bi-cubic interpolation of image information

A circuit is described for processing an input signal received from a bus of a computer. The circuit includes level identification circuitry to characterize the magnitude of the input signal and to generate a corresponding level identification signal. Level toggle circuitry is connected to the level identification circuitry to process the level identification signal and generate a level hold signal during spurious signal transitions in the input signal. The level toggle circuitry generates a level toggle signal at a predetermined point of the input signal after the spurious signal transitions have subsided. Level hold circuitry, connected to the level identification circuitry and the level toggle circuitry, processes the level identification signal, the level hold signal, and the level toggle signal. During spurious signal transitions in the input signal, the level hold circuitry maintains a high digital circuit output value in response to the level hold signal and the level identification signal. After the input signal has reached its peak value, a low digital circuit output signal is produced by the level hold circuitry in response to the level identification signal and the level toggle signal.

Filter for computer bus signals

A grade rod and method of operation for use in a surveying system employing a laser beam which is rotated in a plane. A flexible tape formed with a graduated scale is mounted for movement in a loop within the housing. A slider on the tape carries a pair of closely spaced-apart light detectors as well as electronic circuitry which discriminates between laser beam pulses and sunlight. Output signals from the circuitry on the slider are fed into a control circuit in the housing through a flexible cable which is carried in a traveling loop. Scale indicators are mounted for movement with the slider along a fixed scale which is provided on the housing, and a manually operated cursor is mounted for movement along the housing. The control circuit includes means for driving the tape and slider in a search mode until a light pulse from the laser hits a detector, and then in a track mode for centering the detectors on the plane of the laser beam. A circuit is provided for returning the slider to its home position should the beam be interrupted for a period of time, and also for returning the slider to its home position should no laser beam be detected. A stutter-start circuit is employed for operation in a track mode for a short time period after activation before switching to the search mode.

Growing community of inventors

Los Altos Hills, CA, United States of America

Arthur Sobel