Predictive Interpolation of a Video Signal

Abstract

A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprises a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

1 . A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal, said circuit comprising:
 a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture;   a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to said base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and   a summing circuit coupled to said temporal predictive interpolator, said summing circuit adding said interpolated block and a difference block.   
     
     
         2 . The circuit of  claim 1  wherein said temporal predictive interpolator comprises a circuit for providing motion compensation. 
     
     
         3 . The circuit of  claim 1  wherein said interpolator is coupled to receive previously decoded pictures. 
     
     
         4 . The circuit of  claim 3  wherein said previously decoded pictures comprise a first previously processed picture and a second previously processed picture combined to generate a combined motion compensated surface. 
     
     
         5 . The circuit of  claim 4  further comprising a second summing circuit coupled to receive an interpolated base frame and said combined motion compensated surface and to generate a temporally interpolated enhanced picture. 
     
     
         6 . A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal, said circuit comprising:
 base decoder means generating a base image of a standard definition picture;   temporal predictive interpolator means coupled to said base decoder means and generating an interpolated block; and   summing circuit means coupled to said temporal predictive interpolator, said summing circuit adding said interpolated block and a difference block.