|
Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A method of enlarging an image by interpolation means and a related
digital camera are disclosed. The method comprises: dividing an
original image into a plurality of divided sections; defining a
first divided section selected from the plurality of divided sections;
defining a second divided section from the divided sections adjacent
thereto and continuing until defining a final divided section; enlarging
the first divided section by a first specific multiplier and zooming
out by a second specific multiplier by using the interpolation means
to form a first processed section, and continuing until a final
processed section is formed. The first processed section to the
final processed section thereby form an enlarged image.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A method of enlarging an image with an interpolation means comprising:
(a) dividing an original image into a plurality of divided sections;
(b) defining a first divided section selected from one of corner
divided sections of the plurality of divided sections; (c) defining
sequential divided sections from the divided sections adjacent to
the first divided section thereto and continuing until defining
a final divided section; (d) enlarging the first divided section
by a first specific multiplier and reducing by a second specific
multiplier by using the interpolation means; wherein the first specific
multiplier is larger than the second specific multiplier so that
the first divided section is zoomed in as a first processed section
by using the interpolation means; and (e) enlarging the second divided
section by the first specific multiplier and reducing by the second
specific multiple by using the interpolation means to form a second
processed section, and repeating the process until a final processed
section is formed, the first processed section to the final processed
section thereby forming an enlarged image.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first specific
multiplier is 2 and the second specific multiplier is 1.25.times.1.25.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each divided section
has at least one overlapping area.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein step (c) further comprises:
separately overlapping at least one area of the second divided section
and the third divided section with the first divided section; and
separately overlapping at least one area of the divided sections
adjacent the second divided section with the second divided section,
and repeating the process with every divided section until the final
divided section is reached.
5. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one overlapping
area has a width of about 2 to 4 pixels.
6. A digital camera capable of enlarging an image with an interpolation
means, the digital camera comprising: a digital signal processor
(DSP); and a memory storing an application program interface (API),
the memory comprising a buffer and an image data storage area, an
original image capable of being stored in the image data storage
area, and the application program interface usable for calling the
digital signal processor to perform the following process: (a) dividing
an original image into a plurality of divided sections; (b) defining
a first divided section selected from one of corner divided sections
of the plurality of divided sections; (c) defining sequential divided
section from the divided sections adjacent to the first divided
section thereto and continuing until defining a final divided section;
(d) enlarging the first divided section by a first specific multiplier
and reducing by a second specific multiplier by using the interpolation
means; wherein the first specific multiplier is larger than the
second specific multiplier so the first divided section is zoomed
in as a first processed section by using the interpolation means;
and (e) enlarging the second divided section by the first specific
multiplier and reducing by the second specific multiplier by using
the interpolation means to form a second processed section, and
repeating the process until a final processed section is formed,
the first processed section to the final processed section thereby
forming an enlarged image.
7. The digital camera as claimed in claim 6, wherein each divided
section has at least one overlapping area.
8. The digital camera as claimed in claim 7, wherein the definition
of the second divided section till to the final divided section
includes: at least one area of the second divided section and the
third divided section separately has a overlapped area with the
first divided section; and every divided section adjacent to the
second divided section has at least one overlapping area with the
second divided section, and every divided section adjacent to the
third divided section has at least one overlapping area with the
third divided section . . . till every divided section adjacent
to the final divided section has at least one overlapping area with
the final divided section.
9. The digital camera as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least
one overlapping area has a width of about 2 to 4 pixels.
10. The digital camera as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first
specific multiplier is 2 and the second specific multiplier is 1.25.times.1.25.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of enlarging an
image and a related digital camera, and, more particularly, to a
method of enlarging an image by an interpolation means and a related
digital camera.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] One of the most important elements in digital cameras is
a charge coupled device (CCD). The digital camera utilizes the CCD
to convert impinging light signals into electronic signals, and
records these signals in a built-in memory (such as a 32M or a 16M
SDRAM) within the digital camera to form images.
[0005] The most basic unit of an image is the pixel; pixels are
the points that compose the image. Therefore, images with more pixels
are of better quality. For a 1,600.times.1,200 pixel image file,
there are 1,920,000 pixels, meaning that the image is composed of
1,920,000 points. The maximum pixel resolution of the digital camera
is determined by the number of the CCDs in the digital camera.
[0006] However, the CCD is an expensive element, and so the number
of the CCD is usually limited in the digital camera. Therefore,
some manufacturers utilize "interpolation means" to increase
the number of pixels. The original image data with fewer pixels
is operated upon the interpolation means to form an image data having
more pixels.
[0007] Traditionally, the interpolation means is limited by the
size of the buffer, because the buffer can only hold images of limited
size. The general solution is to store the reduced image in the
buffer and then store the enlarged image back into the memory in
the digital camera. However, the enlarged image may cause saw-toothed
edges, which degrade the image quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A digital camera of the present invention enlarges an original
captured image and stores the original captured image in a memory
of the digital camera. The method of enlarging an original image
of the present invention thus can provide the enlarged images with
the same quality and require less buffer capacity to improve the
functioning of the digital camera.
[0009] The digital camera of the present invention comprises a
digital signal processor (DSP) and a memory. The memory stores an
application program interface (API), and comprises a buffer and
an image data storage area. An original image is capable of being
stored in the image data storage area, and the application program
interface is usable for calling the digital signal processor to
zoom in on the original image.
[0010] The digital signal processor is used to perform the invention
method of enlarging the original image, which comprises:
[0011] (a) dividing an original image into a plurality of divided
sections;
[0012] (b) defining a first divided section selected from one of
corner divided sections of the plurality of divided sections;
[0013] (c) defining sequential divided sections from the divided
sections adjacent to the first divided section thereto and continuing
until defining a final divided section;
[0014] (d) enlarging the first divided section by a first specific
multiplier and reducing by a second specific multiplier by using
the interpolation means; wherein the first specific multiplier is
larger than the second specific multiplier so the first divided
section is zoomed in as a first processed section by using the interpolation
means; and
[0015] (e) enlarging the second divided section by the first specific
multiplier and reducing by the second specific multiplier by using
the interpolation means to form a second processed section, and
repeating the process until a final processed section is formed,
the first processed section to the final processed section thereby
forming an enlarged image.
[0016] Generally, the enlargement or reduction multipliers of the
digital signal processor are constants, which indicates that the
enlargement multiplier for the original image is a fixed multiplier
(such as 1.26 times or 1.28 times). Therefore, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the first specific multiplier
is 2, and the second specific multiplier is 1.25.times.1.25. For
example, the original image may be about a 3M pixel image, and the
enlarged image might be about a 5M pixel image.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each
divided section has at least one overlapping area. After enlargement
and reduction of the overlapped areas, visible dividing lines are
not generated between the processed sections.
[0018] Furthermore, in the method, step (c) further comprises:
[0019] separately overlapping at least one area of the second divided
section and the third divided section with the first divided section;
and
[0020] separately overlapping at least one area of the divided
sections adjacent the second divided section with the second divided
section, and repeating the process with every divided section until
the final divided section is reached.
[0021] The digital signal processor can be used for controlling
the partition sizes of the divided sections and for obtaining very
minor differences. Therefore, this embodiment can make overlapping
areas having widths of only 2 to 4 pixels. By enlarging and reducing
the divided sections to enhance the overlapping areas, visible division
lines between every two processed sections are avoided, and so the
entire enlarged image appears clearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a functional block drawing of a digital camera
according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3A.about.FIG. 3F are schematic drawings of enlarging
on an original image according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention,
which shows more divided sections.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of enlarging an original
image according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6A.about.FIG. 6C show a method of enlarging an original
image according to another embodiment of the present invention,
which shows that divided sections all have at least one overlapping
area.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a functional block drawing
of a digital camera according to the present invention. A digital
camera 1 of the present invention comprises a digital signal processor
(DSP) 3 and a memory 5. The digital camera 1 utilizes interpolation
means to zoom in on an original image 10 to form an enlarged image
20 shown as dotted lines. The memory 5 comprises a buffer and an
image data storage area D, and the original image 10 and the enlarged
image 20 are all stored in the image data storage area D.
[0029] The original image 10, which may be captured by the digital
camera 1, is stored in the memory 5 of the digital camera 1. The
memory 5 can be implemented by a SDRAM in the digital camera 1.
Additionally, the original image 10 in the present invention is
not limited to only images captured by the digital camera 1, but
may also be an imported image (for example, downloaded from a computer)
stored in the memory 5 of the digital camera 1.
[0030] The digital signal processor 3 of the digital camera 1 is
used for converting electronic signals generated by the CCD (not
shown) in the digital camera 1 to a digital image and performing
image processing. The memory 5 has an application program interface
(API) 52, which can be used for calling the digital signal processor
3 to zoom in on the original image 10.
[0031] Please refer to FIG. 2. In step S21, the original image
10 is divided into a plurality of divided sections. Please refer
to FIG. 3A; when a user obtains the original image 10, and if the
user wants to zoom in on the original image 10 into an enlarged
image 20, the method of the present invention may be performed.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the original image 10 is divided into divided
sections B1.about.B4.
[0032] In FIG. 3A.about.FIG 3F, the original image 10 is divided
into four divided sections B1.about.B4; however, it should be understood
that the number of divided sections can vary; for example, as shown
in FIG. 4, the original image 10 can be divided into nine divided
sections b1.about.b9. The number of divided sections B1.about.B4
or b1.about.b9 is depends on the size of the buffer B (as shown
in FIG. 1). In other words, if the buffer B has a relatively large
size, there may be fewer divided sections (such as B1.about.B4),
and each divided section B1.about.B4 may have a relatively large
size; on the other hand, the buffer B is smaller sized, there may
be more divided sections (such as b1.about.b9) and each divided
section b1.about.b9 may have a smaller size. In the following description,
the divided sections B1.about.B4 are used as examples.
[0033] Please refer again to FIG. 2. In step S22, one divided section
at one corner of the divided sections B1.about.B4 is defined as
a first divided section. Please refer to FIG. 3B. In this embodiment,
the divided section B1 is defined as the first divided section.
The defined first divided section is selected from one of the divided
sections B1.about.B4 or b1.about.b9, which is positioned at a corner,
such as any one of divided sections B1, B2, B3, or B4, or any one
of divided sections b1, b4, b6, or b9.
[0034] Next, in step S23, the second divided section, the third
divided section . . . and the final divided section are all defined
sequentially. Please refer to FIG. 3B; in this embodiment, the divided
sections B2 and B3 adjacent to the first divided section B1 are
defined as the second divided section B2 and the third divided section
B3. However, choosing the second divided section as B2 and the third
divided section as B3 is not the only option; the second divided
section may be B3, and the third divided section may be B2. For
convenience of description, the second divided section as B2 and
the third divided section as B3 is used as an example. Sequentially,
the fourth divided section B4 to the final divided section are defined.
In this embodiment, the fourth divided section B4 is the final divided
section.
[0035] Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 4, the divided sections
b2 and b3 adjacent to the first divided section b1 may be defined
as the second divided section b2 and the third divided section b3.
Next, the fourth divided section b4 and the fifth divided section
b5 adjacent to the second divided section b2 are defined, and the
sixth divided section b6 adjacent to the third divided section b3
is defined. Next, the divided section adjacent to the fourth divided
section b4 is defined as the seventh divided section b7, and the
divided section adjacent to the fifth divided section b5 is defined
as the eighth divided section b8. Finally, the divided section adjacent
to both the seventh divided section b7 and the eighth divided section
b8 is defined as the ninth divided section b9. The second divided
section b2 and the third divided section b3 are not necessarily
in sequence; neither are the fourth divided section b4, the fifth
divided section b5, and the sixth divided section b6 in sequence;
and the seventh divided section b7 and the eighth divided section
b8 are not necessarily in sequence either.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 2, in step S24, the first divided
section B1 is stored in the buffer B, and the interpolation means
is utilized to enlarge the first divided section B1 by a first specific
multiplier and reducing the enlarged first divided section B1 with
a second specific multiplier. The first specific multiple is larger
than the second specific multiplier; preferably, the first specific
multiplier is 2, and the second specific multiple is 1.25.times.1.25.
As a result, the first divided section B1 is enlarged as a first
processed section B1' by the interpolation means, and the first
processed section B1' is stored back into the image data storage
area D. With reference to FIG. 3C, the first divided section B1
is stored in the buffer B. The interpolation means is used for enlarging
the first divided section B1 by the first specific multiplier (such
as 2) and reducing by the second specific multiplier (such as 1.25.times.1.25)
so that the first divided section B1 is enlarged (such as by 1.28
times) to form the first processed section B1'. The first processed
section B1' is stored back into the image data storage area D.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 2, in step S25, the second divided
section B2 is stored in the buffer B, and the interpolation means
is utilized to enlarge the second divided section B2 by the first
specific multiplier (such as 2) and to reduce the second divided
section B2 by a second specific multiplier (such as 1.25.times.1.25).
The second divided section B2 is therefore enlarged as a second
processed section B2' by the interpolation means, and the second
processed section B2' is stored back into the image data storage
area D. Accordingly, eventually the final divided section B4 is
enlarged by the first specific multiplier (such as 2) and reduced
by the second specific multiple (such as 1.25.times.1.25) by the
interpolation means to form the last processed section B4'. Please
also refer to FIG. 3D.about.FIG. 3F. As shown in FIG. 3D, the second
divided section B2 stored in the buffer B utilizes the interpolation
means for enlargement by the first specific multiplier (such as
2) and reduction by the second specific multiplier (such as 1.25.times.1.25)
to form the second processed section B2', and the second processed
section B2' is stored back into the image data storage area D. Next,
as shown in FIG. 3E, the third divided section B3 stored in the
buffer B utilizes the interpolation means for enlargement by the
first specific multiplier (such as 2) and for reduction by the second
specific multiplier (such as 1.25.times.1.25) to form the third
processed section B3', and the third processed section B3' is stored
back into the image data storage area D. Finally, as shown in FIG.
3F, the fourth divided section B4 stored in the buffer B utilizes
the interpolation means for enlargement by the first specific multiplier
(such as 2) and reduction by the second specific multiplier (such
as 1.25'1.25) to form the fourth processed section B4' (which is
also the final processed section in this embodiment), and the fourth
processed section B4' is stored back into the image data storage
area D.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 2, in step S26, all processed sections
from B1' to B4' form the enlarged image 20 in the image data storage
area D. As shown in FIG. 3F, the first processed section B1' to
the final processed section B4' form the enlarged image 20, which
is formed of enlarging the original image 10.
[0039] Generally, the enlargement or reduction multipliers of the
digital signal processor 3 are constants, which indicates that the
enlargement multiplier for the original image 10 is a fixed multiplier
(such as 1.26 times or 1.28 times). Therefore, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the first specific multiplier
is 2, and the second specific multiplier is 1.25.times.1.25. For
example, the original image 10 may be a 3M pixel image, and the
enlarged image 20 might be a 5M pixel image.
[0040] When the digital signal processor 3 processes the image,
dividing lines L between every two divided sections B1.about.B4
(as shown in FIG. 3F) may become noticeable. Therefore, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, each divided section B1.about.B4
has at least one overlapping area. After enlargement and reduction
of the overlapped areas, the dividing lines L are not generated
between the processed sections B1'.about.B4'.
[0041] Please refer to FIG. 5. In one preferred embodiment, after
step S22 of defining the first divided section B1, step S231 is
performed to overlap at least one area of each divided section B1.about.B4.
When defining the divided sections B1.about.B4, the overlapping
areas are also defined. Therefore, step S231 may further comprise
steps S232 and S233. With reference to FIG. 6A, the first divided
section B1 is defined first, and the overlapping areas C1.about.C5
are separately defined between every two divided sections among
the divided sections B1.about.B4.
[0042] Please refer to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B. In step S232, the
larger second divided section B2 is extracted, so the second divided
section B2 and the first divided section B1 have the overlapping
areas C1, C3 between them; the larger third divided section B3 is
extracted, and so the third divided section B3 and the first divided
section B1 have the overlapping areas C2, C3.
[0043] Please refer to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B. In step S233, the
larger fourth divided section B4 (also the final divided section
in this embodiment) is extracted, and so the fourth divided section
B4 and the second divided section B2 have the overlapping areas
C4, C3 between them, and the fourth divided section B4 and the third
divided section B3 share the overlapped areas C5, C3.
[0044] The digital signal processor 3 can be used for controlling
the partition sizes of the divided sections B1.about.B4 and for
obtaining very minor differences. Therefore, this embodiment can
make the overlapping areas C1.about.C5 have widths of only 2 to
4 pixels. Steps S24, S25 and S26 are performed after step S232,
as provided in the above-mentioned description.
[0045] By enlarging and reducing to enhance the overlapping areas
C1.about.C5, visible division lines L among the processed sections
B1'.about.B4' are avoided, and so the entire enlarged image 20 appears
more clear, as shown in FIG. 6C.
[0046] According to the method of the present invention, the enlarged
image retains its picture quality, and every divided section (such
as B1.about.B4 or b1.about.b9) is much smaller than the original
image 10, which requires less memory capacity in the buffer, and
further improves the entire processing performance of the digital
camera.
[0047] Although the present invention has been explained in relation
to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
|