Abstract: An improved motion compensated interpolation of images in video sequences, in particular, for use in up-conversion processing. In order to achieve a smooth object motion in the interpolated image sequence, separate image areas are processed differently if an image change occurs in the video sequence. While for one image area motion compensation is suspended, the other image area is subjected to motion compensated interpolation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved interpolation based on motion compensation. In order to avoid interpolation artifacts in proximity to the image borders, in particular in letterbox type images, each motion compensated image data is subjected to a position validation in order to determine whether or not the motion compensated image data can be used for interpolation purposes. By comparing the position of the motion compensated image data in the referenced images with predefined borderlines, impermissible image data positions can be detected and interpolation based on such image data prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion compensated image process taking local characteristics of image data into account. Image data included in a single image may stem from different video sources. In order to take specific motion phase into account, the motion compensation process is switched accordingly such that an improved picture quality can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention enables to correctly maintain image areas in film mode for which film mode detection fails. In particular, unstructured image areas in film mode images do not enable a reliable film mode detection. Accordingly, the border areas of these still image areas suffer from picture quality degradation during picture improvement processing due to application of an inappropriate processing scheme based on the wrong mode determination. The present invention further detects a global film mode indication and employs the detected global motion for the local film mode determination of those image areas for which a local film mode determination fails and still mode has been detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved motion compensated interpolation of images in video sequences, in particular, for use in up-conversion processing. In order to achieve a smooth object motion in the interpolated image sequence, separate image areas are processed differently if an image change occurs in the video sequence. While for one image area motion compensation is suspended, the other image area is subjected to motion compensated interpolation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion compensated image processing taking local characteristics of the image data into account. Image data included into a single image may stem from different video sources. In order to take the specific motion phase into account, the motion compensation processing is switched accordingly such that an improved picture quality can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved interpolation based on motion compensation. In order to avoid interpolation artefacts in proximity to the image borders, in particular in letterbox type images, each motion compensated image data is subjected to a position validation in order to determine whether or not the motion compensated image data can be used for interpolation purposes. By comparing the position of the motion compensated image data in the referenced images with predefined borderlines, impermissible image data positions can be detected and interpolation based on such image data prevented.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing a video signal is provided for processing an input video signal comprising a plurality of subsequent video images. An additional image is superimposed on the input video signal in accordance with a control signal for producing a mixed video signal. Said control signal indicates the image area for superimposing the additional image. The mixed video signal is subsequently processed by a processing circuit in accordance with the control signal. The control signal indicates a different processing for separate image areas. In that way, a video signal, which has additional image data superimposed thereon may be processed without the occurrence of artifacts originating from a uniform processing of the mixed video signal.